Roche

Betty Roché - Singin' & Swingin' (1960) {Prestige OJCCD-1718-2 rel 1992}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 173 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 74 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 8 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1960, 1992 Prestige Records / Fantasy | OJCCD-1718-2
Jazz / Vocal Jazz / Standards

Betty Roché should have been much more famous. She had two barely documented periods with Duke Ellington's orchestra and recorded three excellent albums as a leader from 1956-1961 (all of which are available on CD), but then faded away into complete obscurity. This reissue (which is mistakenly given the incorrect date of January 24, 1961, which was actually Roché's following release) matches the singer with tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest, organist Jack McDuff (near the beginning of his career), guitarist Bill Jennings, bassist Wendell Marshall, and drummer Roy Haynes.

Betty Roché - Take the 'A' Train (1956) {Bethlehem 20-30142 rel 1994}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 214 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 116 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 10 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1956, 1994 Bethlehem Music | 20-30142
Jazz / Vocal Jazz / Standards

This CD brings back singer Betty Roché's definitive session. Although she had sung briefly with Duke Ellington on two occasions in 1943 and the early '50s, fame had eluded Roché. After this album she would record two more records (available in the Original Jazz Classics series) over the next few years and then disappear back into obscurity. Assisted by vibraphonist Eddie Costa, trumpeter Conte Candoli, pianist Donn Trenner, bassist Whitey Mitchell, and drummer Davey Williams, Roché is heard at her best on this set of standards. Highlights include a remake of "Take the 'A' Train" (she had previously recorded a classic version with Ellington), "Something to Live For," "Route 66," and "September in the Rain." Two additional versions of "Go Away Blues" round out the excellent release.