Not all vocalists made a living as strict jazz or pop singers…
Back in the day, if you ever saw a voluptuous actress like Ava Gardner, Barbara Stanwyck or Rita Hayworth singing in a club, most likely it was some other lady supplying the actual voice. (but did you ever care? No way!!). One of the most in-use voices was that of Anita Ellis, who’s featured on one of the two albums on this Fresh Sound reissue series. She’s backed by Peter Matz’s orchestra and arrangements, and her clear enunciation and effortless swing is reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald. She veers through the Latin pulse of “Yellow Flower” and lovingly dreamy on “Someone To Watch Over Me” and “Who Can I Turn To”. Clear as a bell, and well polished as well.
Carol Lawrence, on the other hand, is best known for her role as Maria in the musical West Side Story before starring in various TV shows like Rawhide and Murder, She Wrote. This alum has her teamed with arranger and conductor Peter Matz, and she revisits a number of the songs that she sang on stage, glistening on “Tonight” and “Something’s Coming”. She also was able to get slinky, cooing out “Do it Again” and giving rich colors to “Lazy Afternoon” and “Isn’t It A Pity”. Center stage swing.