Before she was a virgin, Doris Day was known as one of the best vocalists of the latter day Swing Era, eventually leading to leading roles in movies and staring in TV shows. This 3 disc set covers her more jazzy side, which is usually overshadowed by her image portrayed by films with James Garner and Rock Hudson. You’re in for a pleasant surprise!
Her career started of successfully enough with the big band of Less Brown, and she hit the ground running with definitive takes of “ Sentimental Journey” “Day By Day” and “Aren’t You Glad You’re You?”. Her girl-next-door voice was a balm for pieces like “I Got The Sun In The Mornin’” and when she transferred over to Budy Clark’s band, she didn’t miss a beat on “Love Somebody.” On her own, she gives a gorgeous “It’s Magic” from the film Romance On The High Seas and her duet with Frank Sinatra on “Let’s Take An Old Fashioned Walk” for Miss Liberty finds “Old Blue Eyes” in his possibly last innocent mood.
The post war years have her in a series of pop duets, from a fun “No Two People” with Donald O’Connor to a handful of duets with deep voiced Johnny ray on “Ma Says, Pa Says” and “A Full Time Job.” Her material gets more mature in the early 50s supported by sophisticated orchestras lead by Percy Faith, Paul Weston and Frank DeVol on winning piece like “I’ll Never Stop Loving You,” “Hold Me In Your Arms” and “A Very Precious Love.” Cute and kitschy pieces like “Please Don’t Eat The Daisies” are forgivable in light of popular hits like “ Que Sera, Sera,” “Secret Love” and “Love Somebody.” Whether you know her for her eternal bright sunshine of a smile or her pillow talk of an voice, this is a set that will perk up your ears.