MAVIS RIVERS • RED NORVO — We Remember Mildred Bailey (1964-2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A superb session that she co-led with vibist Red Norvo, We Remember Mildred Bailey finds Mavis Rivers paying tribute to one of the finest jazz singers of the 1930s and 1940s. Rivers couldn't have asked for a more appropriate partner on this 1964 date than Norvo, who worked with Bailey extensively and was married to her from 1933 to 1943. He knew everything there was to know about Bailey's career, and he certainly brings out the best in Rivers. Much to her credit, Rivers doesn't try to become a clone on this album. The relaxed, gently swinging Rivers was a talented jazz singer in her own right, and she puts her own stamp on "My Last Affair," "Georgia on My Mind," "Please Be Kind," and other songs that Bailey was known for. Even on Hoagy Carmichael's "Rockin' Chair" -- which became Bailey's signature tune and was a juke box favorite during the Great Depression -- Rivers' individuality comes through. Originally released on LP by Vee-Jay, We Remember Mildred Bailey was out of print for many years before finally being reissued on CD by Koch Jazz in 2000. Alex Henderson
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