BLOSSOM DEARIE - That's Just the Way I Want to Be (1970-2012) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

That's Just the Way I Want to Be, recorded in 1970, is one of Blossom Dearie's rarer sessions. The New York cabaret singer adapted pretty well to changing times, stretching out on atmospheric songs that sound familiar to any fans of singer/songwriter or folk-rock forms. The title-track opener is a good start, her own composition (one of nine here, most of them collaborations) and one that nicely illustrates her outsider status -- a plus, as far as rock audiences were concerned. Brian Gascoigne's floating arrangement makes good use of vibes and flute, and his charts wisely stay out of the way, except on one dated arrangement for Dearie's "Long Daddy Green" (it has the same muddy sound as the spots for Schoolhouse Rock, which Dearie contributed to). Elsewhere, Dearie finds common ground with Joni Mitchell ("Both Sides Now"), and also sings tributes to (presumably) her favorites among British rock singers, "Sweet Georgie Fame" and "Dusty Springfield" (both probably owed a small debt to her as well). Completely out of print for decades, That's Just the Way I Want to Be was ressurrected in full for use in a Japanese collection, Whisper for You. by John Bush
Tracklist :
1     That's Just the Way I Want to Be 3:47
Jim Council / Blossom Dearie
2     Long Daddy Green 3:23
Blossom Dearie / Dave Frishberg
3     Sweet Surprise 3:17
Jim Council / Blossom Dearie
4     Hey John 3:31
Jim Council / Blossom Dearie
5     Sweet Georgie Fame 3:23
Blossom Dearie / Sandra Harris
6     Both Sides Now 3:19
Joni Mitchell
7     Dusty Springfield 1:54
Jim Council / Blossom Dearie / Norma Tanega
8     Will There Really Be a Morning 3:07
Emily Dickinson
9     I Know the Moon 3:28
Jim Council / Blossom Dearie
10     Inside a Silent Tear 2:15
Blossom Dearie / A. King
11     Yesterday When I Was Young 5:10
Charles Aznavour / Herbert Kretzmer
12     I Like London in the Rain 2:39
Jim Council / Blossom Dearie
Credits :
Arranged By – Brian Gascoigne
Bass – Daryl Runswick, Jeff Clyne
Conductor – Brian Gascoigne
Drums – Spike Wells
Flugelhorn – Ian Carr
Flute – Harold McNair, Ray Warleigh
Piano – Blossom Dearie
Tenor Saxophone – Harold McNair
Trumpet – Kenny Wheeler
Vocals – Blossom Dearie, The Ladybirds