Complete Vocalist Sessions

Davis was one of the great stylists and, more than any other improviser, he had dominated Jazz; not with blowing power or prodigious technique but with style alone. A good sample of his young style lies in the rarities compiled in this CD, all belonging to Davis' early days in the business-backing some different vocal performers. The first four numbers come from his very first recording session under the direction of Herbie Fields and for the Savoy label with singer Rubberlegs Williams, an ex dancer and vaudeville attraction turned Blues shouter. The next four titles were recorded for National label as a member of the Billy Eckstine Orchestra. Tracks nine to 12 were recorded for Sunset, an independent label from California, and were not released at the time. The final eight titles are the complete session made for Columbia by Sarah Vaughan with a small studio group including Davis. Definitive. 2005.