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Anita is a studio album by American singer, Anita O’Day. It was released in March 1956 by Verve Records and was the second studio album of her career. The project was also the first for the newly-formed Verve label after O’Day was chosen to sign with them by Buddy Bregman. It has been considered a classic album in O’Day’s discography for its mix of jazz and pop stylings used in 12 of the standard tracks chosen.

Reception

Anita received positive critical acclaim from writers and critics. DownBeat rated the album five out of five stars and chose to review it because they considered Anita “a major female jazz singer” despite it being a pop collection. Billboard considered the album a jazz collection with “a happy sound”. CashBox called it “a superb effort”, praising O’Day’s phrasing and the choice of material. Scott Yanow gave the album 4.5 out of 5 possible stars and wrote, “Anita O’Day is heard in prime form on this early Verve date. One of her better recordings, this date is recommended.”

Track listing
Side one
1. “You’re the Top” Porter 2:23
2. “Honeysuckle Rose”
Razaf Waller
3:11
3. “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square”
Sherwin Maschwitz
3:58
4. “Who Cares?” George and Ira Gershwin 3:11
5. “I Can’t Get Started”
I. Gershwin Duke
3:50
6. “Fine and Dandy”
Swift Warburg
2:21
Side two
1. “As Long as I Live”
Arlen Koehler
3:35
2. “No Moon at All”
Evans Mann
2:25
3. “Time After Time”
Cahn Styne
4:03
4. “I’ll See You in My Dreams”
Jones Kahn
2:45
5. “I Fall in Love Too Easily”
Cahn Styne
2:50
6. “Beautiful Love”
GillespieKing Van AlstyneYoung
2:34

Personnel
Buddy Bregman – arranger, conductor
Milt Bernhart – trombone
Corky Hale – harp
Joe Howard – trombone
Barney Kessel – guitar
Joe Mondragon – double bass
Anita O’Day – vocals
Paul Smith – piano, celeste
Alvin Stoller – drums
Lloyd Ulyate – trombone
Si Zentner – trombone

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Released: March 1956
Recorded: December 6–8, 1955
Studio: Capitol Studios
Label: Verve
Producer: Buddy Bregman