Dinah Washington – Dinah Jams (Full Album)

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Dinah Jams is a 1954 live album by vocalist Dinah Washington. It was remastered in 1990.

AllMusic Review by Stephen Cook:

Recorded at the start of Dinah Washington’s climb to fame, 1954’s Dinah Jams was taped live in front of a studio audience in Los Angeles. While Washington is in top form throughout, effortlessly working her powerful, blues-based voice on both ballads and swingers, the cast of star soloists almost steals the show. In addition to drummer Max Roach, trumpeter Clifford Brown, and other members of Brown and Roach’s band at the time – tenor saxophonist Harold Land, pianist Richie Powell, and bassist George Morrow – trumpeters Maynard Ferguson and Clark Terry, alto saxophonist Herb Geller, and pianist Junior Mance also contribute to the session. Along with extended jams like “Lover Come Back to Me,” “You Go to My Head,” and “I’ll Remember April” – all including a round of solos – there are shorter ballad numbers such as “There Is No Greater Love” and “No More,” the last of which features excellent muted, obbligato work by Brown. Other solo highlights include Land’s fine tenor solo on “Darn That Dream” and Geller’s alto statement on the disc’s standout Washington vocal, “Crazy.” And even though she’s in the midst of these stellar soloists, Washington expertly works her supple voice throughout to remain the star attraction, even matching the insane, high-note solo blasts trumpeter Ferguson expectedly delivers. A fine disc. Newcomers, though, should start with more accessible and more vocal-centered Washington titles like The Swingin’ Miss D or The Fats Waller Songbook, both of which feature top arrangements by Quincy Jones.

 

 

Personnel:
Dinah Washington – vocals
Clifford Brown – trumpet
Maynard Ferguson – trumpet
Clark Terry – trumpet
Herb Geller – alto saxophone
Harold Land – tenor saxophone
Richie Powell – piano
Junior Mance – piano
George Morrow – double bass
Keter Betts – double bass
Max Roach – drums

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Released: February 1955
Recorded: August 15, 1954
Label: EmArcy
Producer: Bob Shad