Breathless

by Scott YanowSue Raney has always had a very attractive voice, a wide range with total control, and the ability to swing in a very appealing fashion. She has recorded relatively few jazz albums through the years, making this previously unreleased collection a bit of a gap-filler. Mostly taken from live radio performances, Raney is heard during 1960-1961 with pianist Page Cavanaugh (in both quartet and septet settings), accompanied by the Buddy DeFranco/Tommy Gumina Quartet in 1963, and joined by a small group headed by Shelly Manne in 1969 or 1970. The focus throughout the generally brief selections is on the singer, who is in prime voice throughout. Highlights include "Angel Eyes," "My Lucky Day," the humorously rapid "Breathless," a slower-than-usual rendition of "Holiday for Strings" and "Bluesette." Recommended.