Juanita Cruise & Jeri Jorden – Juanita! + Easy Living

The Best Voices Time Forgot - Collectible Albums by Top Female Vocalists
Collector’s Edition - 2 Original LPs on 1 CD - · Original Cover Art, Liner Notes

Juanita!
In 1960, Juanita Cruse was already a minor Los Angeles legend, with an extensive background singing with local R&B bands; an “ingroup” favorite. Her only album, 'Juanita!,' was the result of one of the many demo tapes sent to the well-known record producer Gene Norman. After hearing Juanita’s tape Norman realized that the lady in question was “an important talent, so we made immediate arrangements to record her.” What attracted Norman most was her voice, range, and deep sense of swinging, paired with her great sense of time. Her explosive performance on 'Stop Teasin’ Me' exudes confidence, but she is equally at ease on slower tempos, like in the bluesy Fine and Mellow. Gerald Wiggins’ piano accompaniment is impeccable, and his short solo on Mellow moving. His arrangements are tasteful and functional, enhanced by the jazzmen assembled for the date.

Easy Living
Jeri Jorden was active in local theatre groups around her native Oklahoma from an early age, and although she always voiced a deep interest in becoming a singer, it wasn’t until 1954 that she decided to concentrate her talents in this field. She started off at the Mapes Hotel in Reno, before moving to Los Angeles, where she sang with the Page Cavanaugh Trio. In 1955 she did a USO tour of Europe, and upon her return she established herself appearing in clubs and accompanied by Marty Paich’s group. Later, after listening to a demo tape by Jeri, bassist Red Callender was convinced that she was destined to be a star, so he organized this session. For her initial solo effort and only LP, 'Easy Living,' Jeri selected her material with great care, and each sideman playing in the album is a great musician in his own. Jeri manages to interpret the mood of each song, giving them meaning through wonderful phrasing and adept intonation.

Track Listing:
Juanita Cruse: 1. Alone Together - 2:32   2. Teach Me Tonight - 2:43   3. I Love Paris - 2:25   4. The Midnight Sun Will Never Set - 2:42   5. Fine and Mellow - 2:54   6. You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To - 2:42   7. God Bless the Child - 3:16   8. Sunset Eyes - 2:59   9. Don't Explain - 3:34   10. Stop Teasin' Me - 2:28   Jeri Jorden: 11. Easy Living - 2:53   12. I Didn’t Know What Time It Was - 3:17   13. Ridin' High - 1:46   14. Sometimes I'm Happy - 2:00   15. Pastel (Please Let Me Forget) - 2:49   16. Cocktails for Two - 3:29   17. Do It Again - 2:12   18. You're Part of Me - 2:44   19. Baby I'm Gone - 2:24   20. Is That Bad - 2:06   21. Dreaming is Everything to Me - 2:29   22. Crying Towels - 3:35

Sources:
Tracks #1-10, from the album “Juanita Cruse –Juanita!” (Gene Norman Presents GNP 51)
Tracks #11-22, from album “Jeri Jorden –Easy Living” (Score SLP-4025)

Personnel:

Personnel on "Juanita!":
Juanita Cruse, vocals, with Gerald Wiggins and His Orchestra
Gerald Wiggins, piano; William Green, flute & tenor sax; Emil Richards, vibes; Dennis Budimir, guitar; Al McKibbon, bass; Jackie Mills, drums; Jack Costanzo, bongos.
Recorded in Los Angeles, 1960

Personnel on "Easy Living":
Jeri Jorden, vocals, with Red Callender and His Orchestra
Tracks #11-19: Buddy Collette, flute & clarinet; Joe Rotondi, piano; Red Callender, bass; Bill Douglass, drums.
Track #20: Red Callender, bass; Frank Capp, drums.
Tracks #21 & 22: Jimmy Rowles, piano; Irving Ashby, guitar; Red Callender, bass; Frank Capp, drums.
Recorded in Los Angeles, 1958