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This Inner City release was Burton's only record made in the United States, and is a shining example of this forgotten vocalist's wonderful talents. A rare release, not to be missed.
"Her clear true voice sparkles in this programme of ten ballads."
-Dan Singer, In Tune International, Sept. 2009
"This 1981 date, produced by vocalist Helen Merrill, no less, includes an all star band of Grady Tate/dr and Buster Williams/b and Mike Renzi/p, and they go through a varied and original collection of obscurities and standards. Her voice is mature, calm, and smooth like warmed butterscotch on vanilla ice cream, as she goes through revamped versions of “All Or Nothing At All” and “New York State Of Mind.” Most intriguing are her choices of “Never Never Land” and “Tell Me More…” which both sound intriguingly fresh. Great classic singing from someone overlooked during her prime."
-George Harris, Jazzweekly.com
"Burton's warm, unassuming voice and straightforward delivery make the songs she has chosen into small masterpieces of feeling. Many singers overact, but Burton has mastered the trick of seeming to do nothing while moving us with her emotions... I found "You Started Something" on par with Mildred Bailey's 1947 version, which is saying a great deal."
-Michael Steinman, Cadence Magazine, Sept. 2009
Ann Burton was one of the top jazz singers to come out of the Netherlands. She had a warm voice, was particularly effective on lyrics where her voice hinted at Shirley Horn and especially Irene Kral, and her English was perfect. She did not have a long life due to breast cancer, but she left behind several very good albums, including 1979's New York State Of Mind.
She was born as Johanna “Ansje” Rafalowicz in 1933. Being Jewish, she survived the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands by spending years in hiding. Naturally she was very shaken up by the experience, but found herself through music. She loved jazz and the American popular song, and as a teenager it became increasingly apparent that she had a beautiful and expressive voice.
Renaming herself Ann Burton, she launched her singing career in 1955. Originally a middle-of-the-road pop singer influenced by Doris Day, Burton eventually changed her style after discovering Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan. She altered her phrasing and swung more while retaining her love for lyrics.
During 1955-66, Ann Burton worked throughout Europe with top musicians including pianists Pia Beck and Frans Elsen, altoist Piet Noordijk and with Ramses Chaffy's “Shaffy Chantant.” Surprisingly she did not make her first full album until she was 34 in 1967 (Blue Burton). However the release of that recording gave her a strong reputation throughout Europe, resulting in other albums. She also became quite popular in Japan where in 1977 she met singer Helen Merrill.
Burton and Merrill hit it off, and since Merrill was producing a series of jazz albums, she suggested that Ann Burton come to the U.S. and record there. New York State Of Mind, Burton's only American album, was the result.
At Helen Merrill's suggestion, Ann Burton used pianist Mike Renzi (who doubles on electric piano), bassist Buster Williams and drummer Grady Tate. With the emphasis on ballads but also including some medium-tempo pieces, the repertoire ranges from the 1930s obscurity “You Started Something” to Billy Joel's “New York State Of Mind.” Other highlights include “I Can Dream Can't I,” “The Night We Called It A Day” and “Never Never Land.” There are also duets with Renzi on Duke Ellington's “All Too Soon” and “Come In From The Rain” which has Renzi on electric piano. Everything works well.
Review
"New York State Of Mind is a perfect way for listeners not familiar with Ann Burton to be introduced to her subtle and charming singing.
"One of the top jazz singers to emerge from the Netherlands, Ann Burton was a superior interpreter of lyrics. 1979’s New York State Of Mind was her only American album. Accompanied by keyboardist Mike Renzi, bassist Buster Williams and drummer Grady Tate, Burton performs ballads and a few medium-tempo pieces. Her repertoire ranges from Billy Joel’s “New York State Of Mind” to the 1930s swing tune “You Started Something,” and she excels on every piece." -Scott Yanow
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