|
| Annie Ross... |
|
|
Annie Ross is a jazz singer and actress. She was born Annabelle Short Lynch in Mitcham, Surrey, in 1930, to Scottish parents who together formed a music hall act. She moved to the USA with her aunt, the singer Ella Logan, at the age of only four and worked as a child actress in Hollywood. At the age of seventeen, she returned to London to sing in a club and was quickly established as a vocalist noted for her style and depth. She went to Paris, and remained for a while cutting her first record, "Le Vent Vert" with James Moody. It was during these years that Annie developed her inimitable, unique style. She travelled to North Africa with Coleman Hawkins, Kenny Clarke and James Moody. It was also during this time that Charlie Parker became Godfather to Annie’s son by Kenny Clarke, Kenny, Jr. In 1952, Annie was asked to record in New York for a record company called DG, which was part owned by Dizzy Gillespie. Accompanied by Kenny Clarke, Milt Jackson, Percy Heath and Blossom Dearie, Annie recorded four titles. Critics and aficionados alike were unstinting in their praise of her artistry. She composed the lyrics to "Twisted," a jazz blues composition by Wardell Gray which won her the Downbeat "New Star" award. While appearing in a club called the Band Box, where she was accompanied by George Wallington, Tommy Potter, Ernie Henry and Max Roach, Lionel Hampton came in from the club next door, Birdland, and asked her if she could leave the next day for a tour of Europe with his band, which included Clifford Brown, Quincy Jones and Art Farmer. During this time she wrote the lyrics to Art Farmer’s "Farmer Market" and Hampton Hawes’ "Jackie." She then signed with legendary agent Joe Glaser. The day after signing with him she found herself replacing Billy Holiday at the Apollo Theatre. Billy Holiday attended Annie’s performances at the Apollo where Duke Ellington introduced the two singers to one another. From that moment on they became lifelong friends. |
 In the mid 1950s she was back in the UK and sang with the bands of Jack Parnell and Tony Crombie. She then became part of the renowned Lambert, Hendricks and Ross vocal trio which experienced considerable success. She left the trio in 1962 and freelanced in the UK until 1966 appearing on TV, in clubs and with bands of all types. In this period she opened and ran a popular jazz club, called Annie's Room, in Covent Garden in London. She also appeared at Ronnie Scott's and played European festivals. From the 1970s she moved into acting working on the stage in plays and musicals and returned to the USA for a film career. She is a consumate singer able to handle anything from torch songs, and medium paced swing to breakneck tempos and intricate melodic lines. Annie was awarded the prestigious NEA Jazz Masters award in 2010. The December, 2012 issue of Jazz Journal reports that Annie sings every Tuesday night at the Metropolitan Room in New York with a group that includes cornet player Warren Vache. He says "Annie is in her 80s but is just as swinging and creative as she has ever been. We have been doing it for about seven years now, it's one of the best musical experiences of my life." |
|
Annie Ross made only a handful of records with British jazz musicians and until recently none had been available on CD, until Jasmine Records issued the CD Twisted in May, 2008. Avid released four of Annie's albums in a 2CD set in 2012 that covered much of her jazz work. The accompanists were in fact the Modern Jazz Quartet minus John Lewis... Annie Ross (vcl)... - New York, April 1st, 1952 (Singin' 'N Swingin' - Dee Gee/Savoy/) accompanied by Milt Jackson (vib), Blossom Dearie (p), Percy Heath (b), Connie Kay (d). Everytime*/The Way You Look Tonight*/I'm Beginning To Think You Care For Me*/Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea*. (*Avid CD - Annie Ross Four Classic Albums Plus) (*Jasmine CD - Annie Ross - Twisted) Annie Ross (vcl)... - New York, October 9th, 1952 (Prestige) accompanied by Teacho Wiltshire (p), Ram Ramirez (org), Percy Heath (b), Art Blakey (d). George Wallington (p) replaces Wiltshire on (-1). Twisted*#/Farmer's Market*#/The Time Was Right (-1)#/Annie's Lament (-1)*#. (*Avid CD - Annie Ross Four Classic Albums Plus) (#Jasmine CD - Annie Ross - Twisted) On September 14th, 1953 she recorded two titles, in Stockholm, with a seven piece band directed by Gigi Gryce which were released in the UK on an Esquire 78rpm record (10-344)... Annie Ross with The Tony Kinsey Trio - March 12th, 1954 (Esquire 10-354) Annie Ross (vcl) acc. by Dill Jones (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Kinsey (d). The Beginning Of The End/Annie's Blue Gown. Jack Parnell and his Orchestra - cJuly, 1954 (Parlophone) Ronnie Simmonds, Jo Hunter, Terry Lewis, Hank Shaw (tp), Bobby Lamb, Jimmy Tobbett, Mac Minshull (tb), Jimmy Phillips (as), Tubby Hayes, Ronnie Keene (ts), Don Honeywell (bs), Max Harris (p), Kenny Napper (b), Phil Seamen (d), Annie Ross, Dennis Hale (vocal). Annie's Blues (voc AR). (*Jasmine CD - Annie Ross - Twisted) One title was recorded in Los Angeles on August 13th, 1954 with a sextet that included Zoot Sims and Shelly Manne... Tony Crombie And His Orchestra - November 18th, 1954 (Decca DFE6247) Dizzy Reece, Les Condon (tp), Joe Temperley, Sammy Walker (ts), Lennie Dawes (bs), Harry South (p), Ashley Kozak (b), Tony Crombie (d). Love You Madly (vcl Annie Ross). (*Real Gone Jazz CD - Tony Crombie: Seven Classic Albums plus bonus EP) Tony Crombie And His Orchestra - March 31st, 1955 (Decca) Jimmy Deuchar, Les Condon (tp), Ken Wray (tb), Derek Humble (as), Don Rendell, Al Cornish (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Damian Robinson (p), Lennie Bush (b), Tony Crombie (d), Annie Ross, Art Baxter (vcl). Baby Mine (AB vcl)/The Fish (AR vcl)*/Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean (AR vcl)*^ (*Jasmine CD - Annie Ross - Twisted) (^Ember CD - Annie Ross sings a handful of songs) September 28th, 1955 (Decca) Personnel as March 31st. I Want You To Be My Baby (AR vcl)*/Three Little Words (AR vcl). (*Jasmine CD - Annie Ross - Twisted) September, 1955 (Decca) Personnel as March 31st. Only You (AR vcl)*/Cry Me A River (AR vcl)*. (*Jasmine CD - Annie Ross - Twisted) In late 1955 Tony Crombie led his Orchestra, including vocalist Annie Ross on a ground breaking trip to Israel. The band and Annie Ross received a rapturous welcome with sell out concerts at all venues. A number of broadcasts were made on Israel Radio and several of the titles have been issued on an Ember CD. The CD is a bit of a mystery and contains no details at all. For the two vocals, aural evidence suggests that Annie Ross is accompanied by Tony Crombie on piano and Lennie Bush on bass, with a muted trumpet solo on "Don't Worry About Me". Tony Crombie And His Orchestra - c1955/1956 (Israel Radio broadcast) Probable personnel: Jimmy Deuchar, Les Condon (tp), Ken Wray (tb), Derek Humble (as), Don Rendell, Al Cornish (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Damian Robinson (p), Lennie Bush (b), Tony Crombie (p,d), Johnny Grant, Annie Ross (vcl). Short Stop*/C'est Si Bon (AR vcl)*^/Don't Worry About Me (AR vcl)*^/You Go To My Head (JG vcl)*/I Can't Believe (AR vcl)*^. (*Ember CD - Tony Crombie - A Tribute) (^Ember CD - Annie Ross sings a handful of songs) Annie Ross acc by Tony Crombie Quartet - August 27th, 1956 (Annie by candlelight - Nixa NJT504) Annie Ross (vcl), Bob Burns (cl), Tony Crombie (p), Roy Plummer (g), Lennie Bush (b). Gipsy In My Soul*/I Love Paris*/I Didn't Know About You*/The Lady's In Love With You*/'Taint What You Do*/Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying*/Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea*/Don't Worry 'Bout Me*. (*Jasmine CD - Annie Ross - Twisted) (*Jazz Track CD - Annie Ross sings a song with Mulligan) (*Avid CD - Annie Ross Four Classic Albums Plus) (*Real Gone Jazz CD - Tony Crombie: Seven Classic Albums plus bonus EP) Annie Ross acc by Tony Crombie Quartet - August 28th, 1956 (Nocturne for vocalist - Nixa NJE1035) Personnel as August 27th. I've Told Every Little Star*/Manhattan*/Please Don't Talk About Me when I'm Gone*/Skylark*#. (*Jasmine CD - Annie Ross - Twisted) (#Jazz Track CD - Annie Ross sings a song with Mulligan) (*Avid CD - Annie Ross Four Classic Albums Plus) (*Real Gone Jazz CD - Tony Crombie: Seven Classic Albums plus bonus EP) Annie Ross with the Gerry Mulligan Quartet - New York, December 11 &/or 17, 1957 (Annie Ross sings a song with Mulligan - Pacific) Annie Ross (vcl), Chet Baker (tp), Gerry Mulligan (bs), Henry Grimes (b), Dave Bailey (d). Between The Devil And the Deep Blue Sea*/This Time The Dream's On Me*/Let There Be Love*/How About You*/I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plans/This Is Always/My Old Flame/I't Don't Mean A Thing (CB out)*/The Lady's In Love With You (CB out)/I've Grown Accustomed To Your Face (CB out)/You Turned The Tables On Me (CB out). (*Avid CD - Annie Ross Four Classic Albums Plus) Annie Ross with the Gerry Mulligan Quartet - Los Angeles, September 25th, 1958 (World Pacific) Annie Ross (vcl), Art Farmer (tp), Gerry Mulligan (bs), Bill Crow (b), Dave Bailey (d). I Feel Pretty*/All Of You*/Give Me The Simple Life*/I've Grown Accustomed To Your Face*/This Is Always*. (*Avid CD - Annie Ross Four Classic Albums Plus) Annie Ross accompanied by Buddy Bregman and his Orchestra - Los Angeles, 1959 (Gypsy - World Pacific) Annie Ross (vcl), Conte Candoli, Pete Candoli (tp), Frank Rosolino (tb), Herb Geller (as), Richie Kamuca or Stan Getz (ts), Bill Perkins (bs), Russ Freeman (p), Jim Hall (g), Monty Budwig (b), Mel Lewis (d), Buddy Bregman (arr). Overture*/Everything's Coming Up Roses*/You'll Never Get Away*/Some People*/All I Need Is A Boy*/Small World*/Together*/Let Me Entertain You*/Reprise*. (*Avid CD - Annie Ross Four Classic Albums Plus) Annie Ross with the Russ Freeman Quartet - Los Angeles, February1959 (A Gasser - World Pacific) Annie Ross (vcl), Zoot Sims (ts), Russ Freeman (p), Jim Hall (g), Monty Budwig (b), Mel Lewis (d). Everything I've Got Belongs To You*/I Didn't Know About You*/I Was Doin' Alright*/You Took Advantage Of Me*/I Don't Want to Cry Anymore*. (*Avid CD - Annie Ross Four Classic Albums Plus) Los Angeles, February1959 (A Gasser - World Pacific) Annie Ross (vcl), Bill Perkins (ts), Russ Freeman (p), Jim Hall (g), Monty Budwig (b), Mel Lewis (d). You're Nearer*/Lucky So And So*. (*Avid CD - Annie Ross Four Classic Albums Plus) Los Angeles, March1959 (A Gasser - World Pacific) Annie Ross (vcl), Zoot Sims (ts), Russ Freeman (p), Billy Bean (g), Mel Lewis (d). Lucky Day*/Invitation to The Blues*. (*Avid CD - Annie Ross Four Classic Albums Plus) Los Angeles, March1959 (A Gasser - World Pacific) Annie Ross (vcl), Zoot Sims (ts), Russ Freeman (p), Billy Bean (g), Frank Capp (d). I'm Nobody's Baby*. (*Avid CD - Annie Ross Four Classic Albums Plus) Annie Ross with The Tony Kinsey Quintet - November/December, 1962 (Transatlantic) Annie Ross (vcl) acc. by Les Condon (tp), Peter King (ts), Gordon Beck (p), Brian Brocklehurst (b), Tony Kinsey (d). (Other musicians were added on various tracks). Bellini/The Ballad Of The Water And the Flame/The Ass' Song/The Liberal Man/Johnny/Sick Man/Things/He/Go to the Wall/The Ballad Of The Ape And The Judge/The General/Western Ladies. Annie Ross accompanied by the Johnny Spence Orchestra - June 26th and 28th, July 1st, 1963 (Annie Ross sings a handful of songs - Ember NR5008*) Annie Ross (vcl) acc. by an orchestra directed by Johnny Spence, (no other details). Bye Bye Blues/A Lot Of Livin' to Do*/Let Me Love You*/All the Things You Are*/I'm Gonna Go Fishin'*/Like Someone In Love*/Limehouse Blues*^/A Handful Of Songs*/All Of You*/Fly Me To The Moon*/Nature Boy*/What's New?*^/Love For Sale*. (*Ember CD - Annie Ross sings a handful of songs) (^Fantastic Voyage 2 CD set - Ember Jazz - The Flamingo Connection) Annie Ross - 1965 (Annie Ross with the Tony Kinsey Quintet - Xtra 1049) Annie Ross (vcl) acc. by Les Condon (tp), Peter King (ts), Gordon Beck (p), Brian Brocklehurst (b), Tony Kinsey (d). Bellini/The Ballad Of The Water And the Flame/The Ass' Song/The Liberal Man/Johnny/Sick Man/Things/He/Go to the Wall/The Ballad Of The Ape And The Judge/The General/Western Ladies. Annie Ross - December 20th, 22nd, December, 1965 (Annie Ross live in London - Harkit) Annie Ross (vcl) acc. by Peter King (ts), Brian Lemon (p), Kenny Baldock (b), Benny Goodman (d). Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home*/Lady's In Love With You*/Lil' Darlin'*/Right To Love*/Solomon*/I'm In The mood For Love*/Moody's Mood For Love*/Jumpin' At The Woodside*/Doodlin'*/Don't Wait Too Long*/Love For Sale*/Going to Chicago*/Soon It's Gonna Rain*/Saturday night Fish Fry*. (*Harkit CD - Annie Ross live in London 1965) |
|