Dinah Washington - Swing Era (2003)

One of the most beloved vocalists of the past century, Dinah Washington (1924-1963) was justly celebrated for her very personal singing style that was at home in all types of music, be it blues, jazz, R&B or pop. In this respect, she was gifted with an unmistakable salty, high-pitched voice that was perfect for her complete clarity of fiction and her phrasing with strong roots in the blues. An artist who led a very turbulent personal life, Dinah Washington was known for her no-nonsense, unsentimental, yet always moving renditions centred on the universal subject of lost love. It should come as no surprise that her unique vocal style exerted huge influences on jazz and R&B singers such as Esther Phillips, Nancy Wilson and Diane Schuur.
Gathering material from early in her career, this video offers a fascinating picture of the young Dinah Washington, at a time when she was mainly concentrating on jazzy, torrid R&B numbers shortly after she had been discovered by bandleader Lionel Hampton. Featuring different clips and appearances (some of them at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theatre!), this is an essential document that will surely surprise and fascinate the many fans of the late great Dinah Washington. The DVD has been completed with a selection of soundies from Martha Davis, Ruth Brown, Dorothy Dandridge, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and other female vocalists from the Forties and Fifties.

Artists:
- Dinah Washington
- Martha Davis (guest)
- Ruth Brown (guest)
- Faye Adams (guest)
- Dorothy Dandridge (guest)
- Sister Rosetta Tharpe (guest)
- Mabel Lee (guest)
- June Richmond (guest)
- Vanita Smythe (guest)
- Edna Mae Harris (guest)

Tracklist:
01. Dinah Washington: Only a Moment Ago [3:03]
02. Dinah Washington: Such a Night [2:32]
03. Dinah Washington: I Don't Hurt Anymore [2:30]
04. Dinah Washington: My Lean Baby [1:24]
05. Martha Davis: Martha's Boogie [2:56]
06. Martha Davis: We Just Couldn't Say Goodbye [2:21]
07. Martha Davis: Vipity Vop [2:27]
08. Martha Davis: Goodbye [3:06]
09. Ruth Brown: Oh What a Dream/Raining Teardrops From My Eyes [5:58]
10. Ruth Brown: Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean [1:55]
11. Ruth Brown: Have a Good Time [3:09]
12. Faye Adams: Everyday [1:56]
13. Faye Adams: Somebody Somewhere [2:28]
14. Dorothy Dandridge: Zoot Suit [2:41]
15. Dorothy Dandridge: A Jig in the Jungle [2:25]
16. Sister Rosetta Tharpe: Lonesome Road [2:29]
17. Mabel Lee: Chicken Shack Shuffle [2:29]
18. Mabel Lee: The Cat Can't Dance [2:36]
19. June Richmond: Hey Lawdy Mama [2:31]
20. June Richmond: Mr. Jackson From Jacksonville [2:22]
21. Vanita Smythe: They Raided the Joint [2:42]
22. Edna Mae Harris: Taint No Good [2:56]


Features:
- Direct Scene Access
- Interactive Menu