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Recorded at the same time as soundtrack to Lady Sings the Blues (1972), and originally scheduled for release as a supplement to it, "Blue" was instead put in the vault at the last minute because Berry Gordy thought Diana would alienate her fans too much with this jazz stuff. Silly Berry, he needn't have worried. Diana had already proven herself to be able to convincingly perform a myriad of musical styles. And Berry should have known that her huge fan base is diversified. It always makes me scream when people try to compare Diana to Billie Holiday musically, just because she starred in a motion picture biography of her. Puhleeez. As far as I'm concerned it's like trying to compare Haagen Dazs ice cream to that gum filled discount stuff you get at the corner market.. As usual, showcasing a highly distinctive vocal style, this album is fantastic and is a must for any hardcore or light core Diana fan, cause this is the vocal sound, verve, agility and versatility that made her famous and why her talent is adored by so many, even today. If you like big band jazz, and you like Diana, GET THIS ALBUM! It's erie how Diana's voice so closely matches the clarinet that shares the lead with her on many of the tracks. Smooth as glass, emotional, accurately pitched high soprano vocals lead timely jazz/easy listening classics, that unfortunately is a genre of music that is falling out of favor with the newer generations. This album doesn't miss a beat, with expert arrangements, timing, orchestration. Who said only the record industry knows what is a greatest hit? These songs are all hits in my book. I've listen to this album 20 times already, and I still love it. Listen to the CD, and you'll see what I mean. Some tracks are alternate recordings of previously released material, but that doesn't make them any less enjoyable.Read full review
When news about Blue started to get around earlier this year, entire web logs were dedicated to this album: 1) a never-issued, recently discovered album in the Motown vault by Diana Ross; 2) an album of jazz standards recorded around the time of her acting debut in Lady Sings the Blues at the beginning of the seventies; 3) issued exclusively at the Starbucks Company and only for locations in the US and Canada from May 16, 2006, for a period of five weeks and from June 20, 2006 available at traditional retail. Why all the discussions? Well, how can an album like this get lost in the first place? Of course it didn't! People who have followed Diana's career knew it existed, but Motown opted for a more pop direction after her movie debut. And thus `Touch Me In The Morning' (TMITM) was released instead. And went straight to #1. Which makes it the right decision at the time I suppose. By the way, `Little Girl Blue' did appear in an alternate version on TMITM and Charlie Chaplin's `Smile' would later appear on her '76 album `Diana Ross', also in a different version. So, nothing was lost, it was just not used. Then, does this release make any sense? YES IT DOES, if only because you can hear Diana Ross at the very peak of her career. Her voice, instantly recognisable as always, but much stronger than today. You can hear her youth. Crystal clear renditions of `Let's Do It,' `I Loves Ya Porgy', `But Beautiful', `What A Diff'rence A Day Makes', `No More' and `Can't Get Started With You'. For those of you who saw the film Lady Sings The Blues: remember the scene in the radio studio where Michelle Allar sings (part of) `Had You Been Around'? Which makes Billie (Diana) lose her chance of performing? Diana is singing the same song here and it is the only Motown original on this album. And quite a nice one too! As a bonus `Easy Living', `He's Funny That Way' and `Solitude' have been added. These tracks had been recorded during the soundtrack sessions but were left out of the film and the soundtrack album. 'You've Changed', `My Man', `Love Is Here to Stay' and the fourth bonus track, `T'Ain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do' have been released by Diana Ross, but in alternate versions on `Lady Sings The Blues'. So an album that gets released more than 30 years after it was recorded, only for sale for the first weeks in a coffee shop? Hopefully it will get the attention in the media that it deserves. Because it certainly is the best release by Diana Ross in many years. And finally, there is one other bonus around: commissioned by Motown, but not on 'Blue' and not released anywhere: a reggae version of Diana Ross' `What A Diff'rence A Day Makes' with Desmond Foster, produced by Peace Bisquit. Check it out, it's really something else!Read full review
Recorded in 1972 when Diana Ross was arguably at her artistic/musical peak, "Blue" is a welcome presence in 2007 when this type of music is almost a dying form sad to say. These songs were of course recorded during the time Ms. Ross was filming "Lady Sings the Blues", the not-so-accurate depiction of Billie Holiday's life, which is a totally different matter. But there is no arguing this CD forms the centerpiece of Ms. Ross's musical legacy. Apart from her considerable success with the Supremes in the Sixties, this recording stands the test of time, which is why Motown still feels assured to release this recording almost 35 years after its initial completion (Shame on you, Motown !) While never possessing the voice or power of a Barbra Streisand / Gladys Knight, Ms. Ross has made the most of what she has, which is still considerable. Her phrasing and nuance with words are in full evidence here. Berry Gordy was wise to supply her with an accomplished orchestra and jazz back-up. There is a charming lilt to Ms. Ross's voice that serves the material on this CD very nicely. My guess for the 35-year wait is probably Berry Gordy didn't want to antagonize Ms. Ross's pop fans and release another jazz/blues record back in 1972. But obviously judging from the response and reviews generated by this CD, there is still a hunger and appreciation for this type of fine-music making. Lastly, I hear Ms. Ross will be releasing a CD in another few weeks of a "Covers Only" CD of songs from the Sixties and Seventies. I am sure it will be another welcome surprise for her fans. Well done.Read full review
I had gotten a copy of Blue a few years ago but lost it. I was very happy to find this used copy in such great condition. A real find at a great price.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
D. Ross doesn't have that great of a voice but what she has she honed into something powerful and while I have become disenchanted in the past 20 years or so with her output there is no denying that when she has the right material she can do no wrong. BLUE is a good CD and the voice is strong and I would happily suggest to any Ross fan that this CD definitely needs to be in their collection. I've been a fan since 1964 and lugged the albums from coast to coast and then back again and never get tired of the material ... this particular CD is no greatest hits so if you are looking for that stuff then this isn't for you. The glitter/fairy dust from Lady Sings The Blues is all over this CD and I, for one, am glad that it has seen the light of day.