Roche

ATMA Classique is delighted to present Anguille sous roche (Something fishy!), the first recording by the latest incarnation of renowned viol duo Les Voix humaines. The new pairing consists of Mélisande Corriveau, who succeeds the duo’s co-founder Margaret Little, and Susie Napper. Corriveau and Napper have performed together for two decades as members of Les Voix humaines Consort. Both play on historic viols by London luthier, Barak Norman.

Betty Roché - Lightly and Politely (1961) {Prestige OJCCD-1802-2 rel 1992}
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© 1961, 1992 Prestige Records / Fantasy | OJCCD-1802-2
Jazz / Vocal Jazz / Standards

It is ironic that what is arguably singer Betty Roché's finest all-around recording was also her last. For this session, which has been reissued in the OJC series on CD, Roché (backed by pianist Jimmy Neeley, guitarist Wally Richardson, bassist Michel Mulia, and drummer Rudy Lawless) improvises constantly and uplifts a variety of superior standards, including "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," "I Had the Craziest Dream," and three songs by her former boss, Duke Ellington. It's recommended, particularly to jazz fans not aware of Betty Roché's musical talents.

Betty Roché - Take the 'A' Train (1956) {Bethlehem 20-30142 rel 1994}
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© 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.

Betty Roché - Singin' & Swingin' (1960) {Prestige OJCCD-1718-2 rel 1992}
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© 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.