If, perchance, you discovered the legendary Buddy Bolden cylinder in a charity shop in Gateshead you'd maybe wonder who his musical associates were and, maybe, wonder what the fuss was all about - needless to say, we'll never know.
A similar situation exists in this previously undiscovered album by Sheila Jordan except that the fuss here is most fully deserved. The above personnel is pure speculation based on her sometime accompanists of sixty years ago.
It doesn't matter - they do the job and set up Sheila for what must surely be her all-time signature recording.
Jordan, as an influence has probably shown the way forward to as many aspirants as Ella, Billie or Sarah did - maybe more.
Her performances at various Gateshead Jazz Festivals will long be cherished by those who attended the concerts whilst those who were at the subsequent workshops surely found their careers taking on a new dimension.
Sheila Jordan was, and still is, at 92 a one off. However, if you want to hear her as a bebop singer bursting from the constraints of convention without losing the plot this album is indispensable.
My vocal CD of the Year no matter what else turns up. Just a shame it took me 61 years to hear it! Lance
Available Sept. 17 Capri Records
I'm the Girl; It Don't Mean a Thing; Ballad of the Sad Young Men; Comes Love; Don't Explain; Sleeping Bee; When the World Was Young; I'll Take Romance; These Foolish Things; Glad to be Unhappy; They Can't Take That Away From Me.
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