Spain-based Fresh Sound Records brings up another pair of singers I’m sure you’ve never heard of, but wish you had. This time, the two lps on one cd focus on R&B-styled vocalists, somewhere close to Dinah Washington or Dakota Stanton. The results are a welcome addition to the Golden Age of female vocalist.
First up is is Savanna Churchill (1920-74) who actually had a number one hit back in the day, with “I Want To Be Loved”, which is included here. This 1960 album has her backed by Robert Mersey’s Orchestra, which includes a string section. She’s got a rich “come hither” lilt to her voice, expressive and seductive on “Be Anything (But Be Mine)” and agonizingly blue on “I Almost Lost My Mind”, not in a rush at all to let out each rhythmic syllable. There’s only one standards, a noir’d take of “Summertime” with the balance leaning towards sophisticated soul.
Next up is Erma Franklin (1938-2002), who’s also teamed up with Robert Mersey on this collection recorded in 61-61. Her style has a touch more gospel feel to it, working on standards like “Time After Time” and “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye”. She adds texture to “Detour Ahead” and sounds a lot like her sister Aretha on “What Kind Of Girl (Do You On Think I Am)”, letting loose on the churchified “Each Night I Cry” and the bluesy “It’s Over”. This is a real surprise of a find, making you wonder what a fuller catalogue and career would have turned into. The booklet for both albums have a good background writeup as well as liner notes. Polished soul.