Personnel:
Juanita Cruse, Jeri Jorden (vcl), William Green (fl & ts), Buddy Collette (fl & cl), Gerald Wiggins, Joe Rotondi, Jimmy Rowles (p), Emil Richards (vib), Dennis Budimir, Irving Ashby (g), Al McKibbon, Red Callender, Bill Douglass (b), Jackie Mills, Frank Capp (d), Jack Costanzo (perc)
Reference: FSR V115 CD
Bar code: 8427328641159
The Best Voices Time Forgot
Collectible Albums by Top Female Vocalists
· Collector's Edition
· 2 Original LPs on 1 CD
· Original Cover Art, Liner Notes
· Complete Personnel Details
· Stereo Recordings
· Newly Remastered in 24-Bit
Juanita!
In 1960, Juanita Cruse was already a minor Los Angeles legend, with an extensive background singing with local R&B bands; an “ingroup” favorite. Her only album, 'Juanita!,' was the result of one of the many demo tapes sent to the well-known record producer Gene Norman. After hearing Juanita’s tape Norman realized that the lady in question was “an important talent, so we made immediate arrangements to record her.” What attracted Norman most was her voice, range, and deep sense of swinging, paired with her great sense of time. Her explosive performance on 'Stop Teasin’ Me' exudes confidence, but she is equally at ease on slower tempos, like in the bluesy Fine and Mellow. Gerald Wiggins’ piano accompaniment is impeccable, and his short solo on Mellow moving. His arrangements are tasteful and functional, enhanced by the jazzmen assembled for the date.
Easy Living
Jeri Jorden was active in local theatre groups around her native Oklahoma from an early age, and although she always voiced a deep interest in becoming a singer, it wasn’t until 1954 that she decided to concentrate her talents in this field. She started off at the Mapes Hotel in Reno, before moving to Los Angeles, where she sang with the Page Cavanaugh Trio. In 1955 she did a USO tour of Europe, and upon her return she established herself appearing in clubs and accompanied by Marty Paich’s group. Later, after listening to a demo tape by Jeri, bassist Red Callender was convinced that she was destined to be a star, so he organized this session. For her initial solo effort and only LP, 'Easy Living,' Jeri selected her material with great care, and each sideman playing in the album is a great musician in his own. Jeri manages to interpret the mood of each song, giving them meaning through wonderful phrasing and adept intonation.
