July/August 1999

Etta Jones
From the Heart
Original Jazz Classics

By Duck Baker

Etta Jones' career began in the mid-'40s with Buddy Johnson's band, as a replacement for Buddy's sister Ella (whose vocal quality was somewhat similar). After a stint with Billy Eckstine in 1949 she dropped out of sight before hitting the charts with "Don't Go to Strangers" for Prestige in 1960. On From the Heart Etta is at the top of her form, evoking but not imitating Lady Day, her phrasing at once thoughtful and emotional, her strong suit that beautiful voice.