‘Taking A Chance On Love’, by Rita Reys And The Jazz Messengers
The Dutch Rita Reys (1924), since 1960 officially ‘Europe’s First Lady Of Jazz’, has been a professional performer for more than six decades. Even today, this jazz diva still knows how to charm audiences with her famously unique timing, legendary swing and fabulous performance.
As Rita became a big success in the Netherlands in the 40’s and 50’s, America beckoned. Legendary record producer George Avakian (Columbia), who had heard her sing at the ‘Sheherazade Club’ in Amsterdam, invited her to come to the States. She gladly accepted his invitation and went there in 1956. She had the opportunity to record an album in New York with one of the most famous jazz bands of all times: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, the only time the Jazz Messengers played behind a vocalist. ‘The Cool Voice Of Rita Reys’ features Horace Silver, Hank Mobley and Donald Byrd. Because they had such a ball working with Rita, these famous musicians did a number of shows with her at the renowned Village Vanguard in New York’s Greenwich Village.
Rita Reys - Vocals
Hank Mobley - Tenor Saxophone
Donald Byrd - Trumpet
Horace Silver - Piano
Doug Watkins - Bass
Art Blakey - Drums
