Fever by Denise King

12 May

Written by Richard Bourcier
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That little gal from Philadelphia has done it again. Denise King has followed up her 1998 "Simply Mellow" album with the brand new CD titled "Fever." We loved her then and we still love her.

Denise is a sentimental traditionalist in every way. She goes out of her way to preserve the classy side of jazz singing. In the spirit of such predecessors as Sarah, Nancy Wilson and Carmen McRae, King swings gently and keeps it simple. The "vignettes" with pianist, Aaron Graves are a highlight of the album. On her earlier CD, Denise featured a set of guitar vignettes with David Cullen. The duo tracks work very well for Ms. King.

It’s purely a coincidence that I should review "Fever" after hearing that Peggy Lee passed away this morning. Peggy would have loved Denise’s version of the song that will forever be her signature.

Among my favorites are the title tune, Jim, In a Sentimental Mood and Horace Silver’s beautiful Song For My Father. The inclusion of the rarely recorded Violets For Your Furs earns a lot of praise. It’s not an easy song for any singer.

Denise winds up the session with a swinging rendition of Green Dolphin Street. Top marks!

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Denise King
CD Title: Fever
Genre: Jazz Vocals
Year Released: 2001
Record Label: Redd King
Tracks: The Nearness of You; Fever; Jim; It Never Entered My Mind; Song For My Father; Summertime; In a Sentimental Mood; Autumn Leaves; Violets For Your Furs; When I Fall in Love; I Wish You Love; On Green Dolphin Street.
Musicians: Guy Ramsey (piano); Aaron Graves (piano) on vignettes; Lucky Thompson (drums); Scott Robinson (drums); Lee Smith (bass); Stan Slotter (trumpet); Sam Reed (sax); Napoleon Black (percussion).
Label Website: -
Rating: Five Stars