Search - Sue Raney :: All By Myself

Vocal Jazz Perfection

The Swinger | Austin, TX United States | 11/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you think the title to this review sounds hokey or overblown, think again. This 1964 Capitol release shows Raney at the top of her game, backed by a spirited orchestra under the direction of Ralph Carmichael. Raney's voice is technically perfect, adventurous, smooth, expressive, and with just the right touch of vibrato to finish off a phrase (I can't STAND vocalists who overdo the vibrato). As an example, check out the title track, where Raney is accompanied only by a walking bass line as she sashays through Irving Berlin's composition with sassy confidence. Her voice is out there on its own, with no instrumentation to hide behind, and she nails the song--perfectly. Unfortunately, Raney was hit by a car between the end of recording and the record's release, and she was unable to perform in support of the album, leading to disappointing sales. Thanks to this CD reissue, we get to experience what the record-buying public missed out on over 40 years ago--one of the truly great jazz vocal albums of all time."

My favorite singer

Jerry Bogner | Irvington, NJ | 01/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First, for me, there's Sue Raney. Then there are all other singers."

Sensational Sue Raney!

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 01/15/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sue Raney, one of the most talented - yet sadly under-appreciated - singers of her generation simply dazzles on her 1963 album ALL BY MYSELF. Arranged by Ralph Carmichael and accompanied by a thrilling big-band, Ms. Raney delivers some fabulous numbers which suit her voice to a tee.



ALL BY MYSELF was Sue Raney's second chance at "overnight" stardom. Her debut album, recorded seven years earlier entitled "When Your Lover Has Gone", failed to establish Raney as an important new recording artist. There was a lot riding on the reception for ALL BY MYSELF, and Raney provides some of her most amazing vocal work on the album.



Raney swings through a thrillingly-scored "I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Outta My Life", then promptly turns on her heel to deliver a heartbreaking "Maybe You'll Be There" and "How About Me?". The emotional spectrum is totally covered by Sue Raney, who approaches each and every song just if they were dramatic monologues.



ALL BY MYSELF never really fulfilled it's promise of launching Sue Raney's career; before the album was released, Raney was badly-injured in an automobile accident and could not promote the album as extensively as she wanted to. Quite often some of the best singers have to work and work for years to establish their name with the greater public, and overnight success rarely ever happens "overnight". Revisiting ALL BY MYSELF, we can newly-appreciate the early career of Sue Raney, who is still performing with the same amazing energy she exhibits so thrillingly on this landmark album."