About this album
Where they were
By 1961, Anita O'Day had established herself as a prominent jazz vocalist through her earlier works. Released after her notable album 'Anita O'Day Sings the Winners' (1959), 'Waiter, Make Mine Blues' showcases her continued evolution as an artist, blending traditional jazz with contemporary influences.
Why it matters
'Waiter, Make Mine Blues' is significant for its critical acclaim and its role in establishing O'Day as a leading female voice in jazz during the early 1960s. The album features classic standards that have become staples in jazz repertoire, influencing subsequent generations of vocalists and musicians alike.
Essential tracks
- "Angel Eyes" — This track highlights O'Day's ability to convey melancholy through her nuanced vocal delivery, making it a standout interpretation of a jazz standard.
- "The Thrill Is Gone" — O'Day's rendition brings a fresh emotional depth to this classic, showcasing her distinctive phrasing and the orchestration's subtle interplay with her voice.
- "Waiter, Make Mine Blues" — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of longing and heartache, allowing O'Day's expressive style to resonate deeply with listeners.
- "Stella by Starlight" — Her interpretation of this timeless piece exemplifies her mastery of lyrical interpretation and melodic nuance, solidifying its place in the jazz canon.
Release Date
January 1, 1961
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 That Old Feeling 2:28
- 2 Angel Eyes 3:39
- 3 The Thrill Is Gone 2:14
- 4 Detour Ahead 4:24
- 5 Yesterdays 5:11
- 6 Waiter, Make Mine Blues 3:21
- 7 Whatever Happened to You? 4:41
- 8 When Sunny Gets Blue 3:04
- 9 Stella by Starlight 2:49
- 10 Mad About the Boy 3:27
- 11 A Blues Serenade 2:55
- 12 Good-Bye 3:37
