Blossom Dearie - Saga All Stars: Plus je t'embrasse (Selected Tracks 1956-1958) (2026) [Hi-Res]

American jazz pianist and vocalist Blossom Dearie (Blossom Dearie) developed a sophisticated artistic style that bridged the aesthetics of American cool jazz and the elegance of French chanson. Spending several formative years in mid-1950s Paris, she balanced her presence as a solo vocalist with her work as a skilled accompanist, infusing her keyboard technique with elements of bop and classical harmony.

The compilation Plus je t’embrasse / Selected tracks 1956-1958, released as part of the Saga Jazz archival series, documents a pivotal period in her career, capturing sessions recorded in Paris and her subsequent return to New York. The album's sonic structure relies on the balance between her delicate, light vocal phrasing and nuanced piano chord progressions. Featuring contributions from swing and jazz heavyweights, including bassist Ray Brown (Ray Brown) and drummer Ed Thigpen (Ed Thigpen), the collection merges French-language adaptations of pop standards (such as the title track "Plus je t’embrasse") with chamber vocal jazz arrangements, solidifying her reputation as an icon of intimate jazz.

Tracklist:
1-1 Blossom Dearie - Comment allez-vous ? [2:11]
1-2 Blossom Dearie - Tout doucement [2:22]
1-3 Blossom Dearie - 'Deed I Do [2:12]
1-4 Blossom Dearie - Everything I've Got [2:28]
1-5 Blossom Dearie - Thou Swell [3:00]
1-6 Blossom Dearie - You for Me [2:14]
1-7 Blossom Dearie - I Hear Music [2:06]
1-8 Blossom Dearie - I Won't Dance [2:45]
1-9 Blossom Dearie - The Middle of Love [2:33]
1-10 Blossom Dearie - Plus je t'embrasse [2:29]
1-11 Blossom Dearie - Teach Me Tonight [2:39]
1-12 Blossom Dearie - Manhattan [4:17]
1-13 Blossom Dearie - Once Upon a Summertime [2:44]
1-14 Blossom Dearie - Doop-Doo-De-Doop (A Doodlin' Song) [2:17]
1-15 Blossom Dearie - Chez moi [3:07]
1-16 Blossom Dearie - Boum [2:09]