In the 1950s, a new school of jazz singing emerged, founded on the stylings of Anita O'Day. Instead of sounding brassy and aggressive, she favored a softer vocal production and projected a laid-back attitude. That sound was perfect for the Cool Jazz style that was developing among horn players like trumpeter Chet Baker (who also sang). Soon, singers June Christy and Chris Connor followed O'Day's lead in forming a Cool vocal tradition. Although Christy and Connor came to fame singing with the brassy and loud Stan Kenton big band, they never yelled, preferring a soft, open, and airy sound. Joining saxophonist Carl Woideck to play it cool will be singer Sonja Rasmussen. Among the songs to be featured will be "My Funny Valentine" (à la Chet Baker), "Tea for Two" (Anita O'Day) and "I'll Take Romance" (Chris Connor).
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Sonja Rasmussen, vocals
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