Take the a Train
Betty Roché was a superb but little-recorded singer who had a stint withEarl Hines's band and was withDuke Ellingtonin the 1940s and '50s. A genuine jazz singer rather than just a big band's requisite woman balladeer, Roché had an almost brassy attack, a vibrant sense of swing, and the ability to scat hornlike solos. Recorded in 1956 for Bethlehem,Take the "A" Trainwas Roché's debut recording under her own name, and it reveals her as a complete singer, with a warmly intimate delivery and a moving way with ballads. The emphasis here is very much on her strong ties to Ellington's music. There are lively versions of well-known Ellington material, such as the title track--composed byBilly Strayhorn--and "In a Mellow Tone," as well as a piquant rendering of "Something to Live For." She also delves into less familiar Ellington, like "You Don't Love Me No More" and "Go Away, Blues," heard here in several different takes. Vibraphonist Eddie Costa and trumpeterConte Candoliadd immeasurably to the settings. The CD will come as a more than pleasant surprise to fans ofElla Fitzgerald,Sarah Vaughan, andBetty Carter.--Stuart Broomer