Although the liner notes treat
Thanks to You as if it is a new recording, the music was actually recorded in 1990 and not released for the first time until 14 years later. No matter --
Irene Reid is heard throughout in excellent form. Her style of singing is similar to
Ernestine Anderson's in that it blurs the line between jazz, R&B, soul, and blues. She performs a wide-ranging repertoire that includes joyful renditions of "Our Day Will Come" and "Thanks to You," the regretful "I Wish I'd Never Loved at All," some wistful moments, and a version of "This Bitter Earth" that becomes a tribute to
Dinah Washington, with quotes from some other songs associated with
Washington. This set serves as a perfect introduction to the very underrated
Irene Reid. ~ Scott Yanow