Ballads For Night People [Original recording remastered]

Thanks to jazz historian and reissue producer extraordinaire Michael Cuscuna, we now have one of June Christy's finest albums, BALLADS FOR NIGHT PEOPLE, once again in print.

By 1959, Christy was comfortably ensconced at Capitol Records, with a string of superb, ambitious and solid-selling albums, most recorded with collaborator Pete Rugolo, under her belt. With success assured, perhaps by this time, then, she felt free to depart from the Christy-Rugolo mold, because 1959's BALLADS FOR NIGHT PEOPLE finds the singer in the hands of husband Bob Cooper, himself a virtuoso musician and former Kenton player.

Clearly, the intimacy that Christy and Cooper shared in their personal lives carried over into this project: the song selection as well as Cooper's delicate arrangements are particularly lovely, even fragile at times, incorporating such elements as flute and harp, and all recorded over a tangible studio silence that is tranquil and deeply romantic. Cooper's arrangements such as those on "My Ship" and "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" are a far cry from Rugolo's bold and often blaring charts which at times tip perilously close toward controlled cacophony.

Production of this reissue is first-rate, with its 24-bit remastering and faithful reproduction of the original album artwork. Notable, too, is Cuscuna's inclusion of 5 Christy tracks from the album DO RE MI which likely would not be a commercially viable reissue on its own (the unfortunate truth).

So pick up a copy of BALLADS FOR NIGHT PEOPLE. Then go home, dim the lights, pour yourself a drink and explore the sounds of nighttime with June Christy.

'Ballads for Night People', recorded in 1959, was the second album that June Christy cut with her husband, saxophonist/arranger Bob Cooper. It features a mix of upbeat and slow numbers, all showcasing Christy's voice perfectly. Of all the albums June Christy recorded during her glory days with Capitol, this has to be a favourite of mine.

While June Christy never enjoyed the kind of super-stardom that marked the careers of jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and Anita O'Day, she did have a niche following that seems to have grown and grown over the years. The reason is simple; for sheer vocal ability and finesse, there is still nobody to touch Christy.

Here on 'Ballads for Night People', Christy delivers exactly what the title promises, and gets to perform a delicious selection of torch songs and romantic ditties. Highlights would most certainly include "I'm in Love" (with it's frenetic jazz chase mid-section); "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" is also beautifully-achieved. Kurt Weill's "My Ship" has a classically-based arrangement, with French horn and harp prominently scored. Christy was also one of a few jazz greats to lay down "Kissing Bug". "Shadow Woman" (previously covered by Julie London on her 1957 album About the Blues) is also fabulous.

This disc also includes five pieces from her 1961 album, 'Do Re Mi', a less-successful attempt to do a set of Broadway musical numbers.

Digitally-remastered in 24-bit stereo for the very first time, 'Ballads for Night People' preserves the magnificence of June Christy for another generation of fans.

[Blue Note Records 7243 5 6044 2 7]

Ballads For Night People was practically custom arranged for June Christy by her husband Bob Cooper; and his care for June shows through in the very high quality control of the arrangements on this album. The sound is excellent and the artwork is second to none. I also like that we get five bonus tracks from another earlier album by June. Great!

"Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered" begins beautifully and when June goes into the main portion of the lyrics she makes this number take flight! "Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered" was always a favorite love song of mine and June delivers this with panache. The musical accompaniment complements June's vocals to perfection. "Night People" uses the brass very carefully to create a special mood and June stands squarely front and center--right where she belongs! June also handles the tempo changes like the pro she always was. "I Had A Little Sorrow" is a sensitive number that June performs with great sensitivity; and I predict that you'll like "I Had A Little Sorrow" very much.

"Shadow Woman" uses the harp well and June gives blood to make this number shine. June handles key modulations effortlessly; and this pensive, deep love song impresses me greatly when I hear June sing it. "Shadow Woman" is clearly a major highlight of this album.

"My Ship" is a number many people will recognize; but when June Christy sings it she infuses it with so much extra meaning that she practically makes this tune all her own! Her excellent timing and diction enhance her performance even more. There's also the very classic "Don't Get Around Much Anymore;" "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" gets a jazzy arrangement and the piano is very elegant. June never sings a superfluous note, either. Listen also for "Cry Like The Wind" and the timeless "Make Someone Happy;" these two ballads feature June singing with husband Bob Cooper on the horn. The beauty is so sweet; and there's a certain vulnerability in June's voice when she sings these two tunes. This vulnerability makes her singing all the more captivating and very, very moving.

The album ends with June Christy performing "All You Need Is A Quarter;" this is a bouncy little tune that ends the album strong--and it'll leave you wanting more, too.

Ballads For Night People is an impressive album from the great June Christy. I highly recommend this for her fans; and people who enjoy creative renditions of classic pop vocals will enjoy this CD, too.