After Hours With Miss D

Dive into the sultry world of jazz with Dinah Washington's "After Hours With Miss D," a timeless studio album originally released in 1954 and reissued on CD in 2004. This enchanting collection of nine tracks showcases Dinah Washington's velvety vocals backed by a small big-band combo, creating an intimate jazz club atmosphere that feels as fresh today as it did nearly seven decades ago.

The album opens with the iconic "Blue Skies," featuring an extended take that allows Washington's powerful yet delicate voice to shine. Throughout the record, she effortlessly navigates a mix of standards and jazz blues, including "Bye Bye Blues," "Am I Blue," and "Our Love Is Here To Stay." Each song is meticulously arranged, highlighting Washington's versatility and the band's tight musicianship.

"After Hours With Miss D" is not just a collection of songs; it's an experience that transports you to a smoky, late-night jazz joint where Dinah Washington reigns supreme. The 50-minute duration is perfectly paced, keeping listeners engaged from the first note to the last. Whether you're a longtime fan of vocal jazz or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and delight.

The 2004 reissue, released by Verve Reissues, includes all the original tracks and maintains the high audio quality that jazz enthusiasts expect. The album's enduring appeal lies in Dinah Washington's ability to infuse each song with her unique charm and the band's impeccable support. "After Hours With Miss D" is a testament to Dinah Washington's legacy as one of the greatest vocalists in jazz history.

Dinah Washington, born Ruth Lee Jones, was a powerhouse vocalist and pianist who left an indelible mark on American music. Known as the "Queen of the Blues," she was one of the most popular black female recording artists of the 1950s, with a career that spanned jazz, blues, R&B, and traditional pop. Washington's exceptional voice control and unique gospel-inflected delivery made her a standout performer, and her recordings consistently topped the charts. She collaborated with legendary musicians like Quincy Jones and Brook Benton, and her interpretations of songs like "What a Difference a Day Makes" and "Mad About the Boy" are timeless classics. Despite her tragic death at the age of 39, Dinah Washington's influence on female rock and roll artists and her legacy as a versatile and influential vocalist continue to inspire new generations of musicians.