Sylvia Syms - Songs By Sylvia Syms (1955)

Cabaret singer Sylvia Syms is caught at the beginning of her career on this Koch reissue of a former Atlantic record. The first eight songs (from 1952) find her accompanied by pianist Barbara Carroll, bassist Joe Shulman, and drummer Herb Wasserman, uplifting such numbers as "Mountain Greenery," "What Is There to Say," and Benny Carter's "Lonely Woman." The remaining four numbers utilize a septet arranged by Johnny Richards that includes tenor-saxophonist Al Cohn, trombonist Kai Winding, and Don Elliott on trumpet, mellophone, and vibes; "Paradise" and "Comes Love" are among the highpoints. An excellent introduction to the now-obscure but talented singer. © Scott Yanow