Dakota Staton - Softly / 'Round Midnight (1961/2019) Hi-Res

Described by influential critic Leonard Feather as "a dynamic song stylist recalling at times elements of Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan," Dakota Staton never enjoyed the widespread acclaim or commercial success of her reference points, but remains one of the soulful and commanding jazz singers of the postwar era. Born outside of Pittsburgh on June 3, 1930, Staton began singing and dancing as a child, later attending the Filion School of Music. At 16, she starred in the stage show Fantastic Rhythm and two years later joined local bandleader Joe Wespray. From there, Staton headlined a lengthy residency at Detroit's landmark Flame Show Bar, followed by years traveling the Midwest club circuit. Eventually she settled in New York City, and while performing at Harlem's Baby Grand she captured the attention of Capitol Records producer Dave Cavanaugh, who extended a contract offer. Staton's debut single, "What Do You Know About Love?," appeared in 1954, and a year later she claimed jazz magazine Down Beat's Most Promising Newcomer award. By no means strictly a jazz act, however, she was also a bold, brassy R&B singer and performed alongside Big Joe Turner and Fats Domino at legendary disc jockey Alan Freed's first Rock 'n' Roll Party showcases.

Tracks:

01. Dakota Staton - You're Mine You (Remastered) [03:12]
02. Dakota Staton - Dedicated To You (Remastered) [03:05]
03. Dakota Staton - Close Your Eyes (Remastered) [03:32]
04. Dakota Staton - Solitude (Remastered) [03:12]
05. Dakota Staton - My Wish (Remastered) [03:17]
06. Dakota Staton - The Very Thought Of You (Remastered) [02:50]
07. Dakota Staton - Be Anything (Remastered) [03:13]
08. Dakota Staton - Congratulations to Someone (Remastered) [03:15]
09. Dakota Staton - Whispering Grass (Remastered) [03:07]
10. Dakota Staton - Old Folks (Remastered) [03:29]
11. Dakota Staton - Body and Soul (Remastered) [03:28]
12. Dakota Staton - I Can't Get Started (Remastered) [03:21]
13. Dakota Staton - Round Midnight (Remastered) [02:59]
14. Dakota Staton - Knock Me a Kiss (Remastered) [02:11]
15. Dakota Staton - Let Them Talk (Remastered) [02:35]
16. Dakota Staton - Indiana (Remastered) [01:43]
17. Dakota Staton - You Call It Madness (Remastered) [03:21]
18. Dakota Staton - So in Love (Remastered) [02:23]
19. Dakota Staton - I Won't Worry (Remastered) [02:27]
20. Dakota Staton - Don't Explain (Remastered) [02:31]
21. Dakota Staton - Will You Be Mine? (Remastered) [02:09]
22. Dakota Staton - Along About Midnight (Remastered) [02:31]
23. Dakota Staton - The Folks Who Live on the Hill (Remastered) [03:18]
24. Dakota Staton - Hey, Lawdy Mama! (Remastered) [02:22]

Personnel:

Dakota Staton - vocals
Benny Carter - arranger, conductor