Peggy Lee 101

I was reading a review of a new recording by Mark Sherman who played vibes for Peggy during her later years when I ran across this review of Peggy's digital recordings. For those who would like to know more about her recordings this is a good read. I found that I agree with most of the writers opinions. Any chance to spread the word about this wonderful lady's recordings is a good one. Best to all.

[jazztimes.com]

Ron

Christopher Loudon is a fine critic who covers vocal albums for the Jazz Times magazine. His reviews tend to be both informative and fair-minded. I like him very much.

This particular review, which came back when a large bunch of Peggy's Capitol albums were released as digital downloads, makes for a nice reading, indeed. The only points with which I disagree or which I question are his description of Peggy's rendition of "Spinning Wheel" as ill-advised (it was a hit with audiences, and I do consider it one of the very best interpretations of a rock number), his phrasing "under the direction of Joe Harnell" (a bit of rhetorical matter, but, more likely, it was Joe who worked under the direction of Peggy, not the other way around), and his characterization of "I Don't know How to Love Him" as unnecessary. All minor differences of opinion in a pretty good, respectful rundown of her albums. (Also, Jerry Leiber's last name is misspelled throughout, but that's a very widespread press error.)

Now, my one huge disagreement is this paragraph:

21. "Norma Deloris Egstrom from Jamestown, North Dakota" (1972). A truly bizarre mix of tunes, with Leon Russell's "Superstar" alongside Harry Warren and Mack Gordon's "The More I See You." Sadly, a rather lackluster adieu, though Lee does cleverly conclude her Capitol years with a hushed "I'll Be Seeing You."

I liked so much the rest of the review, yet found that paragraph so off the mark that I considered posting a reader response in that page, but in the end I let it be and moved on. After all, it's just an opinion, and, again, it was a pleasure to read the read such a detailed rundown. You can tell that, unlike certain other music critics, he takes time to listen to what he is reviewing.

Ivan