What a Difference a Day Makes [LP]

Personnel includes: Dinah Washington (vocals); Belford Hendricks (conductor); Jerome Richardson (saxophone, flute); Charles Davis (baritone saxophone); Joe Zawinul (piano); Kenny Burrell (guitar); Milt Hinton (bass); Panama Francis (drums); Belford Hendricks Orchestra and Chorus.
Producer: Clyde Otis.
Reissue producer: Bryan Koniarz.
Recorded at Fine Recording, New York, New York in 1959. Includes liner notes by Al Young.
Digitally remastered using 24-Bit technology by Kevin Reeves (Universal Music Studios-East).
This is part of the Verve Records Master Edition series.
Personnel includes: Dinah Washington (vocals); Belford Hendricks (arranger, conductor).
Dinah Washington's albums from the 1950s are among her best. On this '59 date, she sings with Belford Hendricks's chorus and orchestra (which includes Joe Zawinul on piano and Milt Hinton on bass), and her voice soars elegantly over the rich string arrangements and backing choir. Washington's vocals capture the beauty of each lyric, and the intensity with which she sings is undeniably stirring.
The repertoire on this disc is timeless. After all, who could deny the significance of such tunes as "It Could Happen to You," "I Remember You," and others? These songs are not only firmly entrenched in the Great American Songbook; they are rooted in the very consciousness of jazz. "Cry Me a River" may be the most heartrending track on this disc. Here, Washington provides contrast to the Julie London version by interpreting this song with more of an edge. Her bluesy melodic turns and angular rhythms really bring out the indignation inherent in this lyric. Consisting solely of ballads, WHAT A DIFF'RENCE A DAY MAKES! sets up a wonderfully consistent mood and stands out as one of Washington's finest records.