Performing since the late '40s, singer
Johnny Holiday
recorded in the 1950s, received good reviews, but never sold enough records to really make it. As a result, he found himself working a number of straight jobs and recording infrequently. In 1998, however,
Holiday
was given another chance to display his warm, mellow vocals on
Contemporary
under producer
Terry Gibbs
.
Johnny Holiday Sings
includes the 13 tracks from this session along with the eight from his initial foray into
jazz
, also titled
. Since the 1998 tracks were recorded when
was 79, one can't help but be impressed that the singer, too long out of the limelight, has maintained all of his vocal nuances. Most of the material consists of classics, and there are sprightly takes on
"Give the World a Little Whistle"
and
"When Your Lover Has Gone Away,"
and nicely handled versions of
"Stardust"
"It's a Blue World."
The small-band arrangements offer a light, sparkling touch that blends especially well with
's tone and delivery. Although his vocals are a bit deeper on the early tracks from 1954, the songs, similar in style and accompaniment, work surprisingly well with the material recorded 44 years later.
will inevitably be compared to
Mel Torme
, but this doesn't distract from his own distinct qualities.
finally offers a chance to reintroduce oneself to a wonderful
voice from the 1950s. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford Jr.