One certainly couldn't say that Ruth Jones had a velvety, smoochy voice. But in jazz history that's never been of prime importance. Dinah Washington, the name she used at her debut in 1942, became the Queen of rhythm 'n blues but was also an excellent big-band singer under bandleaders Lionel Hampton and Quincy Jones. She asked the latter (as well as Benny Golson and Ernie Wilkins) to write arrangements for her in December 1956 and borrowed his band for 11 classic numbers. In the ensemble were such top-notch soloists as Clark Terry, Quentin Jackson, Anthony Ortega and Lucky Thompson – and the band swings along right from the very first to last note. This EmArcy LP is one of the Queen's best, and even 50 years after its first release the quality is still totally satisfying.

Dinah Washington The Swingin' Miss D Track Listing

1. They Didn't Believe Me
2. You're Crying
3. Makin' Whoopee
4. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
5. But Not For Me
6. Caravan
7. Perdido
8. Never Let Me Go
9. Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby?
10. I'll Close My Eyes
11. Somebody Loves Me
12. I'll Drown In My Tears
13. You Let My Love Grow Cold
14. Bargain Day
15. Relax Max
16. Tears To Burn
17. The Kissing Way Home
18. I Know