BETTY ROCHÉ - Take the "A" Train (1956-1994) Bethlehem Classic Jazz Series / RM / APE (image+.cue), lossless

This CD (put out by Evidence) brings back singer Betty Roché's definitive session. Although she had sung briefly with Duke Ellington on two occasions in 1943 and the early '50s, fame had eluded Roché. After this album she would record two more records (available in the Original Jazz Classics series) over the next few years and then disappear back into obscurity. Assisted by vibraphonist Eddie Costa, trumpeter Conte Candoli, pianist Donn Trenner, bassist Whitey Mitchell, and drummer Davey Williams, Roché is heard at her best on this set of standards. Highlights include a remake of "Take the 'A' Train" (she had previously recorded a classic version with Ellington), "Something to Live For," "Route 66," and "September in the Rain." Two additional versions of "Go Away Blues" round out the excellent release. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Take the "A" Train 3:13
Billy Strayhorn
2. Something to Live For 4:04
Duke Ellington / Billy Strayhorn
3. In a Mellow Tone 2:29
Duke Ellington / Milt Gabler
4. Time After Time 3:05
Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
5. Go Away Blues 3:18
Duke Ellington
6. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man 3:42
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
7. Route 66 4:34
Bobby Troup
8. All My Life 3:48
Harry Akst / Benny Davis
9. I Just Got the Message, Baby 2:39
Carr
10. All Too Soon 4:07
Duke Ellington / Carl Sigman
11. You Don't Love Me No More 3:17
Duke Ellington
12. September in the Rain 3:50
Al Dubin / Harry Warren
13. Go Away Blues 3:51
Duke Ellington
14. Go Away Blues 3:00
Duke Ellington
Credits :
Bass – Whitey Mitchell
Piano – Donn Trenner
Trumpet – Conte Candoli
Vibraphone – Eddie Costa
Vocals – Betty Roché

BETTY ROCHÉ - Singin' & Swingin' (1960-1992) Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series / RM / APE (image+.cue), lossless

Betty Roché should have been much more famous. She had two barely documented periods with Duke Ellington's orchestra and recorded three excellent albums as a leader from 1956-1961 (all of which are available on CD), but then faded away into complete obscurity. This reissue (which is mistakenly given the incorrect date of January 24, 1961, which was actually Roché's following release) matches the singer with tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest, organist Jack McDuff (near the beginning of his career), guitarist Bill Jennings, bassist Wendell Marshall, and drummer Roy Haynes. Roché performs nine famous standards, coming up with fresh variations in her phrasing to such numbers as "Come Rain or Come Shine," "When I Fall in Love," "Blue Moon," and "Billie's Bounce." Recommended, as are all of the other recordings in her slim discography.  by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1   Come Rain Or Come Shine  3:48
Written-By – Arlen-Mercer
2   A Foggy Day  3:37
Written-By – Gershwin-Gershwin
3   Day By Day  3:55
Written-By – Stordahl, Weston, Cahn
4   When I Fall In Love  3:18
Written-By – Heyman, Young
5   Blue Moon  3:01
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
6   Where Or When
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
7   September Song   2:08
Written-By – Weill, Anderson
8   (It Will Have To Do) Until The Real Thing Comes Along  4:10
Written-By – Nichols, Freeman, Holiner, Cahn, Chaplin
9   Billie's Bounce   3:12
Written-By – Charlie Parker
Credits :
Bass – Wendell Marshall
Drums – Roy Haynes
Guitar – Bill Jennings
Organ – Jack McDuff
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Forrest
Vocals – Betty Roché  

BETTY ROCHÉ - Lightly and Politely (1961-1992) Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It is ironic that what is arguably singer Betty Roché's finest all-around recording was also her last. For this session, which has been reissued in the OJC series on CD, Roché (backed by pianist Jimmy Neeley, guitarist Wally Richardson, bassist Michel Mulia, and drummer Rudy Lawless) improvises constantly and uplifts a variety of superior standards, including "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," "I Had the Craziest Dream," and three songs by her former boss, Duke Ellington. It's recommended, particularly to jazz fans not aware of Betty Roché's musical talents. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1  Someone To Watch Over Me 4:43
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
2  Why Shouldn't I 3:25
Cole Porter
3  Jim  4:30
Caesar Petrillo / Edward Ross / Nelson Shawn
4  Polka Dots And Moonbeams  3:50
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
5  For All We Know  2:36
J. Fred Coots / Sam M. Lewis
6  Rocks In My Bed  4:05
Duke Ellington
7  Just Squeeze Me  2:40
Duke Ellington / Lee Gaines / Fats Waller / Clarence Williams
8  I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) 3:40
Duke Ellington / Paul Francis Webster
9  Maybe You'll Be There  3:35
Rube Bloom / Sammy Gallop
10 I Had The Craziest Dream  2:10
Mack Gordon / Harry Warren
Credits :
Bass – Michel Mulia
Drums – Rudy Lawless
Guitar – Wally Richardson
Piano – Jimmy Neeley
Vocals – Betty Roché