7 Diana Ross Blue Motown Records | 2006 | Album Biography Comments (20) Read Full Page Digg Review Add del.icio.us   If you ask me, the trend of artists recording classic tunes has gone on way past its fifteen minute time limit. Rod Stewart has re-invigorated his entire career based on his crooning his way through the American songbook and others like Carly Simon, Barry Manilow and Bette Midler have also hopped on board the lucrative bandwagon. Diana Ross and her album Blue is a horse of a slightly different color - but very slightly that is. In the early 1970s, Diana Ross kicked her fellow Supremes to the curb and turned to the silver screen scoring an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of jazz legend Billie Holiday in Lady Sings The Blues. She followed up the performance by recording a record of jazz and old-time Americana pop standards in 1972 that was supposed to act as a companion piece to the film’s soundtrack. The album was subsequently “lost” (i.e. never released). Now, that we have fast forwarded past the decade of disco, Ross’ album has finally found a release date that could lead to beaucoup bucks. And, for those who prefer Diana sweet and Supreme-like instead of diva personified, Blue could turn out to be the equivalent of a long lost present from decades past. Just listen to the singer coo her way through Cole Porter’s “Let’s Do It” and you’ll wonder why the old tune wasn’t recorded by girl groups the world over. Other standards like “What A Difference A Day Makes” and “Smile” are also given the Diana Ross shine and sparkle treatment. In fact, the former girl grouper’s personality is so radiantly sunny on most of the tracks that songs that could use a bit of subtle shading like “I Loves Ya Porgy” from the Gershwin opera “Porgy and Bess” come off sounding a little too carefree. The real treat for fans of Diana Ross’ Billie Holiday period though are a collection of bonus tracks left over from the “Lady Sings The Blues” sessions that never saw the light of day. While I’m a little skeptical of a “lost” album, suddenly being found when it can become commercially viable, it’s still nice to hear an artist like Ross singing in her prime. Amy Wagner Comments (20) Help Support Kevchino - Use these links to buy new music.

Releases Diana Ross - Blue Motown Records - 2006 - Album Artist Website Diana Ross - Official Website