Dinah knew how to sell a song--and that's no small thing !!!
Dinah Washington invariably commanded the attention of her adoring audiences wherever she performed; and this CD gives us more than ample proof as to why. Dinah's voice remains in strong form throughout this CD even though these songs were recorded not long before her untimely death. The four extra tracks offer us special treats so that we can enjoy Dinah's vocal symphonies even more!
The CD track set starts off with "Drinking Again;" the piano and percussion in the musical arrangement complement Dinah's voice perfectly. Dinah, as always, uses her voice to enunciate with remarkable clarity and she expresses every little nuance in all the lyrics to the song. Dinah sings so touchingly of a love gone awry; and even though some may say her voice sounded "world weary" I maintain she still had "it" as she sings "Drinking Again." The CD then takes a 180 degree turn for the peppy love ballad "Destination Moon" which allows Dinah to sing a song about the joy of love. "Destination Moon" also refers to the space age craze that had gripped America completely by the early 1960s. Great!
Other very special numbers on this CD include the love ballad "A Handful Of Stars" which gives us Dinah reminiscing about a past love. Dinah belts this out without ever losing the slightest bit of sensitivity for a delivery of this song that only a very few singers could ever express. The musical arrangement shines for "A Handful Of Stars," too. "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby" gets the royal treatment by Dinah as she sings this to perfection. Dinah doesn't miss a beat and you will be charmed by this performance. "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby" features a fine harmonizing chorus as well. In addition, "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You" features Dinah performing with such panache that it absolutely stuns you. It sent chills up and down my spine! The musical arrangement is strong; but Dinah, as always, makes this song completely her own with her singularly beautiful interpretation. Awesome!
Dinah also makes "Something's Gotta Give" her own using her fine ability to accentuate all the right syllables to create a love ballad so fresh you'd swear you were listening to this for the very first time. The chorus offers great backup and the musical arrangement makes good use of the horns and percussion, too.
The CD ends with a very strong rendition of "Me And My Gin;" Dinah sings this straight from the heart and you will be moved by her talent. The percussion, organ and piano enhance the beauty of this number--as if Dinah needed help!
The liner notes give you an essay about Dinah and her work by Donald Elfman; and you get the song credits, too.
Dinah Washington remains a formidable talent in the world of entertainment. Her CDs still continue to sell decades after her untimely passing. You owe it to yourself to experience Dinah's talent and this CD would be a wonderful place to start! I highly recommend this CD for Dinah's fans; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will cherish this CD as well.
Enjoy!
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