Track Listing

1. Shall We Dance?
2. Polka Dots and Moonbeams
3. I've Grown Accustomed to His Face
4. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
5. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You
6. I'm Old Fashioned
7. Sweet Lorraine
8. My One and Only Love
9. Autumn Nocturne
10. Blue Skies

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #105263 in Music
• Brand: Wilson
• Released on: 1990-10-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.com essential recording
Cassandra Wilson has convincingly argued that all American popular music displays one fundamental aspect of the jazz tradition: a delight in taking songs--from the simplest to most profound--and recombining them into idiosyncratic form. That includes standards such as those she lolls into on this 1988 release--"Polka Dots and Moonbeams," "I Didn't Know What Time It Was," "My One and Only Love," and others. Underpinning these performances is an intriguing world-weariness, often of slightly sad (dare one say, postcoital) drowsiness. Wilson's sultry contralto augments that bold inflection, which impresses from the opening moments of the well-worn, usually more flirtatious "Shall We Dance." The straight-up support of Mulgrew Miller (piano), Lonnie Plaxico (bass), and Terri Lyne Carrington (drums) provides Wilson an unobtrusive foundation. --Peter Monaghan

Customer Reviews

Truly Magnificent Work
I once read an interview with Cassandra Wilson where she said that she didn't want to be a traditional jazz singer because she associated this with wearing gowns and being all ladylike and proper. I read that so long ago that I don't remember the exact words, but that's the gist of her objection. That interview took place years after she recorded Blue Skies, an album of jazz standards. As much as I appreciate the way Ms. Wilson draws upon a variety of influences such that her work now transcends categorization, I would love to hear her do more CDs like this one -- straight up jazz.

I stumbled across Blue Skies in the used Jazz section at Kemp Mill. I can't help but wonder who in the world parted with this gem and why? This early work, released in 1988, proves that Ms. Wilson can hold her own in traditional jazz vocals. She more than covers these standards, she claims them as her own. She even scats! Ms. Wilson's version of "My One and Only Love," is my favorite selection. I would recommend this CD to all the Cassandra Wilson fans, particularly those who have only recently discovered her work.

Cassandra Wilson sings standards
Cassandra Wilson's recent Blue Note records have been justly praised for her ability to blend genres of popular music. This earlier album of jazz standards, however, is simply wonderful -- Wilson's stunning voice (you MUST hear it!) and intellegent singing backed by an equally intellegent trio. There isn't a wasted note anywhere.

Wilson has largely disowned this repetoire, and the straight-ahead jazz vocal style. This album might be the only extended example that we will ever have of what might have happened if she had chosen a more traditional musical path. While I enjoy her more recent albums, and would listen to her sing just about anything, this is the one I play over and over again.

GREAT ALBUM A TRUE HIDDEN GEM
This is a Hidden Gem.You Don't Hear Cassandra Wilson Sing in a Straight-Up Jazz Style ANymore&that's A Shame.cuz Her VOice Here Showcases The Depth&Many talents this Lady Has.The Music is Great as is The playing.I Love Her 90's&Up Albums but this One Is Incredible.