Devil May Care [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This 1956 recording was Bob Dorough's debut, an introduction to one of the most unusual talents in jazz. He's a gifted songwriter and a fine pianist, but most of all, he's a unique lyricist and singer, rattling off hyperkinetic vocalese in an almost chirping, high-pitched voice that somehow retains hints of an Arkansas drawl and a conversational intimacy. He's as distinctive on Hoagy Carmichael's beautiful "Baltimore Oriole" as he is on the bop fanfares like Dizzy Gillespie's "Ow!" and Charlie Parker's "Yardbird Suite," with his own memorable lyrics. His boppish piano playing--with all the virtues of crisp articulation and an acute sense of time--is an oddly conventional complement to the vocals, and there are good contributions by Warren Fitzgerald on trumpet and Jack Hitchcock on vibes. Devil May Care's title tune has recently received fine covers by more conventional singers like Diana Krall and Claire Martin, but it's much more distinctive here. While Dorough has influenced generations of jazz singers, from Mose Allison to Kurt Elling, there's nothing quite like the original. --Stuart Broomer

Tracks:

Hit That Jive Jack - Barbie Sand
Only Trust Your Heart - Barbie Sand
Let's Fall In love - Louis Allen
Devil May Care - Louis Allen
Is You Is Or Is You Ain't (My Baby) - Barbie Sand
Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You - Barbie Sand
Detroit Blues - Louis Allen
How Deep Is The Ocean - Louis Allen
This Can't Be Love - Barbie Sand
Peel Me A Grape - Louis Allen
My Love - Louis Allen

Product Description

1. Hit That Jive Jack
2. Only Trust Your Heart
3. Let's Fall In Love
4. Devil May Care
5. Is You Is Or Is You Ain't (My Baby)
6. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
7. Detroit Blues
8. How Deep Is The Ocean
9. This Can't Be Love
10. Peel Me A Grape
11. My Love

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

This ought to be illegal!!! Can I give out negative stars??.......2004-09-16

I'm a To-The-Core Diana Krall fan. While I knew this album wasn't her playing I thought I'd hear some new interpretations of her stuff. The selections are simply AWFUL; poor musicianship, out of tune, don't swing AT ALL, etc. Of course if you look at what this group has also done, such as "String Quartet Tribute to Nine Inch Nails", you realize these folks are just out to make a buck on other people's art without ANY of their own.

This is one of the worst music purchases I've ever made, (and I've made thousands). It's so bad it's funny but too painful to listen to more than once.

If you get a chance to listen to this bit of drivel, go ahead but under NO circumstances should you pay money for the privilege.

Exellent music.......2003-12-23

This also might have been titled "The String Quartet Plays Standards in Gypsy Swing Style." Although there are no Steppahnne Garapelli's here, and it doesn't come too close to gypsy swing, but it has the flavour of it... it is nice and romantic and swings lightly(however you also need to invest in a Django Reingartd cd or two).

Average customer rating:

The Devil may be on to something.
Bob Dorough is himself ... good.
Alfalfa, all grow'd up and singin' Jazz

Devil May Care
Bob Dorough
Manufacturer: Bethlehem Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000057HF
Release Date: 1996-08-13

Tracks:

Old Devil Moon
It Could Happen to You
I Had the Craziest Dream
You're the Dangerous Type
Ow!
Polka Dots and Moonbeams
Yardbird Suite
Baltimore Oriole
I Don't Mind
Devil May Care
Midnight Sun
Johnny One Note
Yardbird Suite [Alternate Take]

Customer Reviews:

The Devil may be on to something........2006-01-31

This album was one of the best investments I ever made as a teenager, and it remains fresh and vital with each new playing even today. Dorough put me on to lean yet lyric piano lines, wildly inventive arrangements, sophisticated melodic-harmonic material sung "in the vernacular" and, most of all, the value of a good melody complemented by strong lyrics. In fact, this album was my first exposure to many of the "standards" from the American Songbook--from swingers like "It Could Happen to You" to a ballad I still enjoy playing, "Polka Dots and Moonbeams." Dorough may be no Frank Sinatra, but he shares with the "Master Storyteller" a belief in the quality of the material. The point is not to use the songs as mere showcases for his unique musical personality but quite the opposite. His treatments, unorthodox though they may be, invariably end up serving the song, bringing the shape of the melody and straightforward poetry of the words into sharp and unforgettable clarity.

There's not a weak moment let alone a throwaway performance on the entire recording. Even when he takes an apparent side trip, emitting grating sounds ( "hide your heart from spring, don't let churchbells ring" on "It Could Happen to You"), he makes it all come around to the song's very essence. And don't let the "hard bopper" persona fool you. "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" is as intimate and strangely enchanting as it gets. His own tune, "You're the Dangerous Type of Girl," swings with such ease and joy it would make any femme fatale proud. His vocalese on "Yardbird Suite" evokes the soul of Bird more convincingly than any similar attempts by Eddie Jefferson or John Hendricks. And he grooves Duke Ellington's "I Don't Mind" so infectiously (who else has ever bothered to do the tune?) that you wonder why it isn't as popular as "Satin Doll."

I wish I could bring the same amount of enthusiasm to Dorough's later recordings, which frequently strike me as self-consciously hip, as vehicles for this talented and irrepressible survivor to show his wares but at the expense of the song. On "Devil May Care" the energy and focus are in complete synch, resulting in timeless treatments that will reward the listener who stays with them. Dorough admittedly may be an "acquired taste" for many. Most good things in life are.

Bob Dorough is himself ... good........2005-05-13

It may be that Bob Dorough is an acquired taste, but I see it the other way round. First and formost is his sense of songwriting; he writes classics with real intelligence and humor, the best known of which is probably the title track from this classic recording. Second, his voice and style recall for me the jazz and coffee clubs of the late '50s and early '60s. It was the beginning of singer-songwriter scene, and many like Bob Dorough came out of the '50s jazz scene. This was particularly true of the West Coast, and San Francisco in particular. I suspect that, to truly enjoy someone like Bob Dorough, one must drop expectations and judgments and simply enjoy the good humor wrapped in such delightful songs and arrangements. Unlike many musicians, Dorough is simply being himself ... which is good!

Alfalfa, all grow'd up and singin' Jazz.......2004-02-19

Where do you start with this album? If you enjoy the sweet tones of Alfalfa from the Lil' Rascals, then this is the perfect album for you. The plain, mundane, off key tones of BoB [Spelled Backwards] are no match for the brilliance of the real players on this album. Overlooking the vocals, "Bravo" is the word I would use for the beatnik musicians who put real jam to jazz. Is there an instrumental version of this album?

Average customer rating:

From Noel Coward to Bob Dorough in two tracks?
Quality music from British jazz star

Devil May Care
Claire Martin
Manufacturer: Linn Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Easy To Love

ASIN: B000006NO3
Release Date: 1998-05-05

Tracks:

Devil May Care
Victim Of Circumstance
If Love Were All
Devil's Gonna Get You
By Myself
Close Enough For Love
Can't Give Enough
The Sun Was Falling From The Sky
October Thoughts
On Thin Ice
Save Your Love For Me

Customer Reviews:

From Noel Coward to Bob Dorough in two tracks?.......2005-03-24

That exemplifies one who does not really know their niche, or is simply trying too hard. Besides, hearing this lady sing "Devil May Care" is a bit like expecting Bernadette Peters to a good job of covering "I Walk on Gilded Splinters" or, for perhaps a more wider-known song, "Born to Be Wild." Bottom line, the fact that she chose to name this entire release after Bob Dorough's song is a crime. Go with the original, it will serve you far better.

This simply represents all that is wrong with modern "jazz." Avoid at all costs unless you plan on resting this right next to your Kenny G. If that's the case, I'm sure this is just your cup of tea.

Quality music from British jazz star.......2004-05-16

This was one of the albums that helped to establish Claire's reputation in jazz circles during the nineties. Brilliant songs selection, outstanding musicians and a sexy, smoky alto proved to be a potent combination.

On this album, Claire shows that she can write her own songs, whether by herself (On thin ice) or with help from others (Victim of circumstance, Devil's gonna get you, Can't give enough) while another original dong, October thoughts, was contributed by one of her musicians. Sun was falling from the sky, another excellent song, may also be an original.

Claire shows her ability to interpret other people's songs, some of which you may recognize from other versions. Diana Krall is among many other singers to have covered Devil may care, a Bob Dorough song. If love were all, an under-appreciated Noel Coward song, is not recorded as often as it deserves but Carmen McRae, Judy Garland and Julie Andrews are among those to have done it. Many outstanding singers have recorded By myself but Claire's version is as good as any I've heard including those by Peggy Lee and Julie London (and their versions are excellent). A lot of other singers have recorded Close enough for love, notably Shirley Horn. Nancy Wilson and Jane Monheit are among those who have recorded Save your love for me, a Buddy Johnson song.

Tracks:

Old Devil Moon
It Could Happen To You
I Had The Craziest Dream
You're The Dangerous Type
Ow
Polka Dots And Moonbeams
Yardbird Suite
Baltimore Oriole
I Don't Mind
Devil May Care
Midnight Sun
Johnny One Note
Yardbird Suite (Alternate Take)

Amazon.com

This 1956 recording was Bob Dorough's debut, an introduction to one of the most unusual talents in jazz. He's a gifted songwriter and a fine pianist, but most of all, he's a unique lyricist and singer, rattling off hyperkinetic vocalese in an almost chirping, high-pitched voice that somehow retains hints of an Arkansas drawl and a conversational intimacy. He's as distinctive on Hoagy Carmichael's beautiful "Baltimore Oriole" as he is on the bop fanfares like Dizzy Gillespie's "Ow!" and Charlie Parker's "Yardbird Suite," with his own memorable lyrics. His boppish piano playing--with all the virtues of crisp articulation and an acute sense of time--is an oddly conventional complement to the vocals, and there are good contributions by Warren Fitzgerald on trumpet and Jack Hitchcock on vibes. Devil May Care's title tune has recently received fine covers by more conventional singers like Diana Krall and Claire Martin, but it's much more distinctive here. While Dorough has influenced generations of jazz singers, from Mose Allison to Kurt Elling, there's nothing quite like the original. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

A favorite new discovery.......2002-08-21

As the other reviewers note, Dorough's album is very quirky, and there's not a bad performance or song in the mix.

His improvisations and imitations are engaging. I was playing this in the car for a friend, and he said, "You just can't be sad when listening to this. It's not physically possible." Very true: the whole album is fun.

His voice is also recognizable a couple of generations: he was the voice behind many of the "Schoolhouse Rock" songs, so this album is at once familiar, and yet new and fresh. Best song on the album: "Johnny One Note."

As authentically hip as it gets........2002-03-11

Not only is this album one of the most influential recordings I've ever owned, but it remains fresh and vital with each new playing. Dorough put me on to lean yet lyric piano lines, wildly inventive arrangements, sophisticated melodic-harmonic material sung "in the vernacular" and, most of all, the value of a good melody complemented by strong lyrics. In fact, this album was my first exposure to many of the "standards" from the American Songbook--from swingers like "It Could Happen to You" to a ballad I still enjoy playing, "Polka Dots and Moonbeams." Dorough may be no Frank Sinatra, but he shares with the "Master Storyteller" a belief in the quality of the material. The point is not to use the songs as mere showcases for his unique musical personality but quite the opposite. His treatments, unorthodox though they may be, invariably end up serving the song, bringing the shape of the melody and straightforward poetry of the words into sharp and unforgettable clarity.

There's not a weak moment let alone a throwaway performance on the entire recording. Even when he takes an apparent side trip, emitting grating sounds ( "hide your heart from spring, don't let churchbells ring" on "It Could Happen to You"), he makes it all come around to the song's very essence. And don't let the "hard bopper" persona fool you. "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" is as intimate and strangely enchanting as it gets. His own tune, "You're the Dangerous Type of Girl," swings with such ease and joy it would make any femme fatale proud. His vocalese on "Yardbird Suite" evokes the soul of Bird far more convincingly than any similar attempts by Eddie Jefferson or John Hendricks. And he grooves Duke Ellington's "I Don't Mind" so infectiously (who else has ever bothered to do the tune?) that you wonder why it isn't as popular as "Satin Doll."

I wish I could bring the same amount of enthusiasm to Dorough's later recordings, which frequently strike me as self-consciously hip, as vehicles for this talented and irrepressible survivor to show his wares but at the expense of the song. On "Devil May Care" the energy and focus are in complete synch, resulting in timeless treatments that will reward the listener who stays with them. Dorough admittedly may be an "acquired taste" for many. Most good things in life are.

Still Fresh After All These Years.......2001-02-25

I must admit that even though I'm a 50's jazz enthusiast I knew nothing about Bob Dorough before picking up this CD. I did so because most of the other reissues on this label have been very good (Johnny Hartman, Zoot Sims, Betty Roche etc.). Dorough blew me away. He's fresh, inventive and "oh so real" in his own unique way. Pianist, songwriter (title track among others) and singer, Dorough's style is gritty and unpolished but totally cool. Dorough is at the other end of the jazz singer spectrum from the silky smooth crooners that were popular at the time. His somewhat high pitched but wildly flexible pipes make no attempt to mask a southern drawl and his concept of jazz singing is so different from people like Torme or Mark Murphy (but I love those guys too!). Anyway, I'm babbling because I just love this CD. Highly recommended but be advised that some mainstreamers would consider Dorough "offbeat" (and thank God, because they'd be right!).

Average customer rating:

Listen to - Don't read - the Tracks
Teri Thornton, shamefully unknown, but one of the best
Flawless

Devil May Care
Teri Thornton
Manufacturer: Ojc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000I8ZO
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

Lullaby Of The Leaves
Devil May Care
Detour Ahead
The Song Is You
My Old Flame
What's Your Story, Morning Glory
Dancing In The Dark
Left Alone
Blue Champagne
I Feel A Song Comin' On
What's New?
Blue Skies

Customer Reviews:

Listen to - Don't read - the Tracks.......2003-06-21

Great singer well arranged and superbly backed. But titles of the album cuts on the website as of 6/20/03 are all wrong -- apparently from some other CD. Listen to the cuts -- they're not what's on the listing -- but they are tasty.

Teri Thornton, shamefully unknown, but one of the best.......2002-07-30

In 2000 I had the privilege of hearing and meeting Teri shortly before the end of her difficult and tragic life. At that time, her voice was rich in expressive power, but craggy and worn from a lifetime of hardship, alcohol, drugs and finally cancer. The first time I listened to the opening passages of "Lullaby of the Leaves", the opening cut of "Devil May Care" my knees buckled. Here was a voice as rich and deep, as expressive and as unabashedly gorgeous as was ever found in recorded jazz history. Teri was young and not well known when this album was first released, but it started her on the way to stardom, and engendered comparisons of her voice with Ella's.

The arrangements are subtle, transparent and effective, with a discrete combo of able musicians, allowing Teri full freedom of expression. Who knows, had the subsequent album "Open Highway" consisted of similar and less commercialized arrangements, Teri's career might have taken a very different turn.

As history wrote it, Teri's career nosedived after "Open Highway" failed to meet sales expectations, and tragically, no recordings followed for thirty-five years. Had it been different, the world would certainly have been a richer place, and Teri might have assumed her rightful place beside Ella, Sarah and other universally loved immortals.

Flawless.......2002-03-31

Teri Thornton was probably one of the best kept secrets of her time. Devil May Care is flawless--her contralto voice-- flawless. A must for any jazz vocal lover. Her enterpretation of the classic Detour Ahead, What's Your Story Morning Glory are incredible--I first heard this "album" as a kid and it stayed with me throughout my teens and now adulthood. I'm so thankful that I can now listen to this glorious gem again and again in CD form. Check it out for yourself--trust me, you'll love this classic.

Average customer rating: