Blue Gardenia: Songs Of Love

Album by Dinah Washington

Yet another sampling from the massive Dinah Washington Mercury catalog, this one shows off her tart, immaculately crisp voice in a pleasant, undemanding collection of love songs. You get a smattering of charted hits ("What a Difference a Day Makes," "Teach Me Tonight," "Unforgettable," "Soft Winds"), some standards, lots of period strings, subdued big bands and jazz combos, and some choral backups -- none of which fazes or alters the approach of this focused stylist. There is one track from the celebrated Brownie session, "There Is No Greater Love," but without any of the celebrated horns on hand. Obviously, this is hardly an all-inclusive summary of Washington's diversified Mercury record shelf, yet it does make for good, relaxed listening.