During 1953-1955, singer Chris Connor recorded regularly for Bethlehem. This LP has her final recordings for the label (before moving to Atlantic) with such fine sidemen as Herbie Mann (doubling on flute and tenor), pianist Ralph Sharon, guitarist Joe Puma, bassist Milt Hinton, and drummer Osie Johnson. The two-trombone team of J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding (which had recently become very popular) is prominent on four of the ten selections. Connor’s cool tone, subtle, emotional delivery and haunting voice were perfect for the music of the 1950s. Highlights of this superior set include “The Thrill Is Gone,” “Blame It on My Youth,” and “I Concentrate on You,” but all ten numbers are rewarding. Scott Yanow/AMG

By June 1953, Connor was finding the constant traveling and vocal demands of nightly performances with a big band exhausting. She abruptly left the Kenton band; and, by fall of 1953, she was back in New York. She soon hired Monte Kay to manage her impending solo career, and he found work for her at Birdland. One night after a show, the owner of Bethlehem Records, Gus Wildi, offered her a recording contract on the spot.

She signed with the label in 1953 and, in 1954, released dual LPs, Chris Connor Sings Lullabys Of Birdland and Chris Connor Sings Lullabys For Lovers. At age 26, she became a best-selling solo artist for Bethlehem Records; and the label rushed her into the studios to record additional songs. Bethlehem Records released the successful follow-up albums Chris and This Is Chris in 1955. When time came for Connor’s contract to expire, she signed for an album deal with Atlantic Records. Connor was the first white female jazz singer to be signed by the label. Ahmet Ertegun and his brother Nesuhi Ertegun’s Atlantic label was, at the time, primarily a rhythm and blues label, with artists such as Ruth Brown and Ray Charles.

This is the most cathartic of all Ray Charles’ recordings. On two tracks, “The Right Time” and “Tell The Truth”—both shared with the Raelettes’ lead singer, Marjorie Hendricks—the music transcends art to become powerfully shamanistic. It remains one of the greatest rhythm and blues albums of all time.

• 180 gram LP x 1 standard sleeve
• Mono recording
• Recorded April 1955, in New York City

• Handling Note: **Please allow an additional 5 business days for this item's shipment.**
• Released: 7/25/18
• Format Detail: LP Black
• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: Jazz

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