Diana Ross “The Blue Album”.
Posted by Saucy Dame Dizzle on
May 23, 2006
I am a huge Diana Ross fan. Not only do Diana and I share the same birth date ; her sophisticated, glam-diva style and syrupy vocals are like no other. I am especially fond of her because my grandmother (the O.G.S.D.D), bumped her albums on repeat all through out the 70’s and early 80’s. As a child, I couldn’t get away from Diana if I had wanted to. I pretty much know the lyrics to all of her songs offa the top of my ‘dome’.
True, she’s participated in her share of ‘wackiness’ over the years, but certainly you MUST agree Diana is ‘that deal’. Check the resume.
For more than 30 years, rumors have circulated of a never-issued Diana Ross album of jazz standards recorded around the time of her triumphant star turn in Lady Sings The Blues. Recently, these archival recordings were discovered in the MOTOWN vault.
According to MOTOWN’s website, the album release date is slated for 6/20/2006, but I was able to pick up a special release copy at my local Starbucks this past Friday.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to ‘Blue’. However, there is one rendition of a song that they should’ve left in the vault: “I Loves Ya Porgy”. I got to keep it real, it’s not that hot and rather ‘corny’. The pace of the tune is just a little bit too upbeat for the lyrical content; serving up an earful of cheesy karaoke-esque, mess .
And I guess it doesn’t help that I’m biased, cuz as far as I’m concerned, can’t nobody do “I’se Love You Porgy”, like the legendary Nina Simone (this link offers a lovely tribute Nina). Real talk.
Also, I’ve heard a few of the singles on other Diana Ross albums, so I’m not sure why MOTOWN is marketing them as previously unreleased material. Still, it is worth the money spent.
Personal favorites include: “My Man (Mon Homme)”, “Little Girl Blue”, “No More”, “You’ve Changed”.
A few things that compliment Dianas’ ‘Blue’ album:
Hardwood floors
Your wine of choice
Open windows and warm spring breezes (If you visit me, there will be a cute little kitty cat named “Sparkle Momma” , sunbathing in the window).
Fresh cut flowers
A crisp sound system
A true appreciation for classic jazz.
A little bit of melancholy
The ‘knowing’ . . .of ‘knowing‘. (If you aint knowing what that means, then I can’t tell ya).
RELATED LINKAGE:
Billie Holidays Official Website
Carmen Mcrae at Verve Records
Diana Ross Tribute
Nina Simones Official Website
Sarah Vaughan at Verve Records
Starbucks Music
3 Responses to “Diana Ross “The Blue Album”.”
Yeah, Starbucks signed a deal with Motown that will allow them to sell Diana Ross‘ Blue before it hit traditional outlets.
Starbucks is fast becoming the hot place to find some decent music while copping their expensive, no-flavor boring lattes.
Diana Ross is certainly “the boss.”
Thank you for your review on Diana’s Blue album.
I can’t wait for you to host your radio blog. I know you are going to bring the hotness.
Enjoy the week.
By Trent on May 23, 2006
@Trent
“Starbucks is fast becoming the hot place to find some decent music . . .”
Yeah, you’re right about that. Starbucks has a nice little hodge-podge of music to chose from. SB is the first place I spotted the Sergio Mendes “TIMELESS” album, way before it hit stores.
By Angelique on May 23, 2006
Diana, always had the ability and sound to sing standards. Her whispery voice and melodic tone, always soothed the soul. She was never the most technically sound singer. But the pain and tragedy in her voice always shone through. Diana was real, and she was an iconic figure dominating the usually male infested R&B waters. With her rise at Motown, and her man [Berry Gordy] at the helm, they both created the mysticism and aura of the Supreme Diva [no pun intended]. She has survived to create some of music’s most memorable moments and duets.
I’ll definitely cop it.
By The 5th Letter [E] on May 24, 2006