Kay Starr was always a very underrated jazz singer. Because she had a few pop hits and gained a major name in the 1950s,
Starr is often overlooked in the jazz world, but most of her vintage records are well worth investigating. This particular out-of-print LP from around 1957 (the date is approximate) features her backed by a string section arranged by
Van Alexander. Although most of the songs have to deal with love, the emphasis is on ballads and the strings are heavy in spots,
Starr gives a jazz feeling to each of her dozen interpretations. As usual, in spots she sounds eerily close to
Dinah Washington. Highlights include "You Always Hurt the One You Love," "Don't Take Your Love from Me," "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" and "Into Each Rain Some Rain Must Fall." Superior singing. ~ Scott Yanow