Personnel: Anita O'Day (vocals); Fraser MacPherson (flute, tenor saxophone); Al Wold (piano); John Poole (drums).
Liner Note Authors: Wayne Knight; Will Friedwald.
Photographers: W.G. Harris; Alan Eichler.
Anita O'Day is heard in excellent form on this 1976 concert, released for the first time in 1993. Highlights of this CD include a version of "Tea for Two" that finds O'Day trading one-bar phrases with three of her sidemen, a touching rendition of "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square," a jubilant rendering of "Honeysuckle Rose" and versions of "A Song for You" and "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" that actually top the original recordings. In addition, the late tenor Fraser MacPherson proves to be a perfect foil for O'Day's chancetaking vocal flights. With the exception of pianist Al Wold having trouble with the rapid tempo of "S' Wonderful," the rhythm section also plays quite well. This is one of the best Anita O'Day CDs available. ~ Scott Yanow
