Robert Christgau: Dean of American Rock Critics

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Blossom Dearie

  • Blossom Dearie Sings [Daffodil, 1973] B+

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Blossom Dearie Sings [Daffodil, 1973]
Whitney Balliett's notes compare her to Bobby Short, high praise from him but anathema if, like me, you think Short's show of class epitomizes what contemporary singing ought to avoid. Fortunately, Dearie has the grace to understate her high technique; she sounds like an emotionally substantial Astrud Gilberto. I can't think of a rock singer who could tiptoe so sure-footedly through these melodies, much less make them up, and if lyrical ploys about "velvet wine" are uncomfortably reminiscent of Nancy Sinatra, well, that's what happens when you sing for your supper club. B+