Peggy Lee
The Lost ‘40s and ‘50s Capitol Masters
Collector’s Choice Music
By George W. Harris

Well, first they put out the whole catalogue of Nat “King” Cole, and weren’t satisfied with that bit of glory. Now, Collector’s Choice has gone the next logical step and put out the entire Magilla of releases that Miss Peggy Lee recorded during her career with Capitol. Of the whole lot, this 2 cd set is by far the most jazz worthy, and it’s a humdinger.

Culled fr0m her recordings from 44-52, 12 of theses39 tunes have never been released before, two are in alternate versions, and some have never seen the light of day since they were first put out on 78s. Most of the tunes feature Lee supported by orchestras lead by either Dave Barbour or Pete Rugulo. If you only think of Miss Lee by her “hits” like “Fever” and “Is That All There Is?”, this 2 cd set will be an illuminating experience. Her voice at this stage in her career had a Billie Holiday rhythm and nuance to it that will stump all but the most ardent listener on a “Blindfold” test. She could take a spiritual like “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” and give it a feel like she just stepped out of a rural Baptist church. Her take of the under-recorded Gershwin piece “Aren’t You Kind Of Glad We Did?” is stupendous, as is her resigning version of “A Cottage For Sale”. She gets in a good duet with Mel Torme’ on “Telling Me Yes, Telling Me No”, and holds her own with Billy May’s orchestra for a couple of bouncy tunes. Judging by these discs, Lee was far ahead of her time, and is definitely underappreciated these days, particularly when you think how many modern divas couldn’t hold a candle to her.