Personnel:
Anita Ellis, Carol Lawrence (vcl), Peter Matz (arr, cond)
Reference: FSR V144 CD
Bar code: 8427328641449
The Best Voices Time Forgot
Collectible Albums by Top Female Vocalists
· Collector's Edition
· 2 Original LPs on 1 CD
· Original Cover Art
· Complete Personnel Details
· New liner Notes
· Stereo Recordings
· Newly Remastered in 24-Bit
The World in My Arms
Canadian-born and later an American by choice, Anita Ellis (1920–2015) was a celebrated singer, renowned for her evocative torch songs and elegant supper club style. Her voice graced radio shows, commercials, films, and a select number of unforgettable albums. When “Put the Blame on Mame” conjured the iconic image of Rita Hayworth in Gilda (1946), it was Ellis behind the scenes delivering those sultry and timeless vocals. Throughout her career, she became the hidden voice behind numerous Hollywood stars, from Rita Hayworth to Vera-Ellen, playing a vital yet often uncredited role in cinema history. With her 1960 album The World in My Arms, Ellis's lush, expressive voice blended seamlessly with Peter Matz’s masterful jazz-inspired arrangements. Together, they crafted a collection brimming with warmth, rhythm, and emotional depth, transforming each song into a singular work of art.
Tonight at 8:30
Carol Lawrence, born September 5, 1932, in Melrose Park, Illinois, is a celebrated Broadway actress, dancer, and singer. Renowned as one of the era’s finest "triple threats," she captivated audiences with her iconic portrayal of Maria in the groundbreaking musical West Side Story (1957), a role she secured after 12 auditions. Before West Side Story, Carol honed her craftwith standout performances in Broadway productions such as Plain and Fancy and Ziegfeld Follies. Her star continued to rise with her leading role in Saratoga (1959), cementing her reputation for magnetic stage presence and unparalleled versatility. Carol's talent soon extended to television, where she garnered accolades, including the title of “Best Actress on Television” from Hearst critic Jack O’Brien. On this album, Tonight at 8:30, Carol brings the magic of Broadway to life, performing a handpicked selection of breathtaking melodies. The album’s title is a nod to the traditional curtain time of Broadway musicals, celebrating the timeless songs that have defined the Great White Way.
"Not all vocalists made a living as strict jazz or pop singers…
Back in the day, if you ever saw a voluptuous actress like Ava Gardner, Barbara Stanwyck or Rita Hayworth singing in a club, most likely it was some other lady supplying the actual voice. (but did you ever care? No way!!). One of the most in-use voices was that of Anita Ellis, who’s featured on one of the two albums on this Fresh Sound reissue series. She’s backed by Peter Matz’s orchestra and arrangements, and her clear enunciation and effortless swing is reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald. She veers through the Latin pulse of “Yellow Flower” and lovingly dreamy on “Someone To Watch Over Me” and “Who Can I Turn To”. Clear as a bell, and well polished as well.
Carol Lawrence, on the other hand, is best known for her role as Maria in the musical West Side Story before starring in various TV shows like Rawhide and Murder, She Wrote. This alum has her teamed with arranger and conductor Peter Matz, and she revisits a number of the songs that she sang on stage, glistening on “Tonight” and “Something’s Coming”. She also was able to get slinky, cooing out “Do it Again” and giving rich colors to “Lazy Afternoon” and “Isn’t It A Pity”. Center stage swing."
—George W. Harris (March 24, 2025)
https://www.jazzweekly.com/
