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ERNESTINE ANDERSON
I Love Being Here With You (Concord Records)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich
I Love Being Here With You is an excellent two cd compilation of live performances by Ernestine Anderson. None of these recordings were originally released on Anderson's own albums. All demonstrate Anderson's admirable ability to sensitively interpret jazz and blues.
The first cd, featuring performances from 1987, has three numbers which are solid blues by Anderson, backed by The Concord All Stars. This group consisted of Don Barrett on trombone, Ed Bickert on guitar, Scott Hamilton on tenor saxophone, Red Holloway on alto and tenor saxophones, Dave McKenna on piano, Jimmie Smith on drums, Warren Vache on cornet, and Steve Wallace on bass. Hamilton and Bickert, in particular, turn in some wonderful solos. The next two songs are simply Anderson with George Shearing on piano and Neil Swainson on bass. These are my favorite cuts on the cd as they give Anderson a chance to shine on a ballad and a blues. On the final four tunes, Anderson is backed by the Frank Copp/Nat Pierce Juggernaut, a sixteen piece big band that demonstrates the versatility of Anderson as she sounds completely at home in front of this dynamic and powerful group.
The second cd has seven songs by Anderson from a 1990 concert backed by Gene Harris on piano, Ed Bickert on guitar, Lynn Seaton on bass, and Harold Jones on drums with guest appearances by Frank Wess on tenor on one number and Marshall Royal on alto for another. This band was personally hand-picked by Concord President Carl Jefferson. Once again, Anderson selected great songs in a variety of styles and proceeded to turn in an amazing vocal performance.
Ernestine Anderson is the real thing. She has a voice just made for blues and jazz. Witness her performance on such classics as "Please Send Me Someone To Love," "I Should Care," and "Never Make Your Move Too Soon." She has total control of the moment and her chosen material, turning in one absorbing, sophisticated, and superb performance after another. You won't go wrong if you purchase this music. It sounds great even after repeated listening.
© 2002 - Ron Saranich