Annie Ross - Twisted (1959)

Somebody should post Annie's first video from the "Little Rascals" where she sings "Loch Lomond". She steals that short! She may have been only a tot but she was swingin'! She learned "Loch Lomond" from her aunt Ella Logan who was also VERY hip and swinging vocally - a white woman who recorded in the 30's with Leo Watson and the Spirits of Rhythm - so you know where Annie got it from.

When Annie sings "I heard little children were supposed to sleep tight", Wardell is actually quoting "Would You Like to Swing on a Star": "A mule is an animal with long funny ears!"

Wardell Gray spoke the language of pure bebop but his phrasing also had one foot in the swing era. He was a little more relaxed and accessible than Bird which is why he was sought after by Benny Goodman and Basie and also why several of his solos were translated into vocalese:
"Twisted", "Jackie", "Farmer's Market", and "Little Pony".

Basie got caught off guard when Annie crossed the last barline to end her solo. So Basie just decided to extend HIS solo too!

I never knew Annie Ross had a lisp...

fenomenal stuff

Annie Ross rules! Brava!

I'm not sure I agree that the notes you leave out are more important but it can add interest and anticipation. If you leave out too many notes and make it too simple it just becomes boring. It's a fine line. For me if I had a choice of listening to Basie or Oscar Peterson I'd take Peterson any day.

Annie Ross with Count Basie!! Yeah!