Description
The Adorable Blossom Dearie is a curated 3‑disc retrospective highlighting the formative years of singer‑pianist Blossom Dearie and her close musical association with Bobby Jaspar. Issued by él Records / Cherry Red in 2019, the set compiles:
-
Blossom’s rare early EPs and French recordings
-
Her work with The Blue Stars of France, the vocal group she co‑founded
-
Early session appearances with Dave Lambert, Buddy Stewart, Stan Getz, Jimmy Raney, Annie Ross, and King Pleasure
-
A full disc of Bobby Jaspar as leader, including sessions with Bill Evans, J.J. Johnson, Milt Jackson, Donald Byrd, and others
The box includes a booklet with period notes, artist quotes, and restored audio from original sources. It’s positioned as both a historical document and an accessible introduction to Blossom Dearie’s pre‑Verve years.
Track List
DISC ONE
Bobby Jaspar & Blossom Dearie EP
Jazz Sweet / Blossom Dearie Plays “April in Paris”
The Blue Stars of France – Lullaby of Birdland and Other Famous Hits
The Blue Stars EP
Selections from Pardon My English
(This disc compiles Blossom’s French EPs, Blue Stars vocal‑group sides, and early collaborations with Jaspar.)
DISC TWO
Blossom Dearie (1956)
Selections from Once Upon a Summertime
The Blue Stars – 7" single
Early Blossom Dearie session work:
-
Dave Lambert – Buddy Stewart (78 rpm sides)
-
Stan Getz – Jimmy Raney (78 rpm sides)
-
Annie Ross – Singin’ and Swingin’ (LP selections)
-
King Pleasure (78 rpm sides)
(This disc focuses on Blossom’s early jazz‑vocal and session‑singer period, including rare appearances with major bebop figures.)
DISC THREE
The Perfect Sound – The Jazz Flute of Bobby Jaspar
A curated selection of Jaspar‑led recordings featuring:
J.J. Johnson • Hank Jones Quartet • Milt Jackson • Sacha Distel • Barry Galbraith • Helen Merrill • Bill Evans • Donald Byrd • Blossom Dearie • John Rae • René Thomas
(This disc highlights Jaspar’s lyrical flute work and his circle of top‑tier jazz musicians.)