All of
Dinah Washington's studio recordings from 1946-1961 have been reissued in definitive fashion by Polygram on seven three-CD sets. Vol. 1 finds the youthful singer (who was 21 on the earliest sessions) evolving from a little-known but already talented singer to a best-selling R&B artist. Ranging from jazz and spirited blues to middle-of-the-road ballads, this set (as with the others in the
Complete series) includes both gems and duds but fortunately the great majority fall into the former category. The backup groups include orchestras led by
Gerald Wilson,
Tab Smith,
Cootie Williams,
Chubby Jackson, and
Teddy Stewart and there are a dozen strong numbers with just a rhythm section. The first five volumes in this series are highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow