by Jason Ankeny
The first in the Harkit label's series of archival live recordings from the famed London jazz club Ronnie Scott's captures the remarkable Blossom Dearie in July 1966. Backed by the house rhythm section of bassist Freddy Logan and drummer Allan Ganley, Dearie is the very essence of sophistication and effortless cool. Herself a London resident at this point in her career, the singer articulates the city's candy-colored mod culture with knowing precision. Assimilating the sound and sensibility of post-Beatlemania pop with an ease greater than any other jazz singer of her generation, Dearie's girlish yet intimate vocals perfectly capture the sensual innocence of a society poised on the brink of sexual revolution. And of course, her repertoire is hipper than thou, embracing everything from &One Note Samba& to &Peel Me a Grape.& A stellar performance, complete with superior sound and extensive liner notes.