When Blossom Dearie died at 82 over the weekend, we lost a brilliant musician whose subtle artistry and private nature conspired to limit her popularity. There was nothing about her “teacup voice,” as Whitney Balliett described it, or her sophisticated harmonic sense at the piano that could have led to mass adoration. Nonetheless, for decades she was idolized by a substantial base of listeners charmed by her singing and of musicians who admired her integration of vocal performance with self-accompaniment. No singer has been better at playing for herself.
Blossom’s piano playing was probably influenced a lot by Ellis Larkins. She voiced like he did, and had that same delicate touch. Bill Evans’ early playing reflected a lot of Lennie Tristano… I’m sure he must have heard Blossom when she was around the Village, but I think he worked his ideas out pretty much by himself.
She was a wonderful accompanist indeed, right up there with Ellis Larkins and Don Abney. But other than something for Annie Ross 50+ years ago, I can’t recall Blossom ever playing for someone else. Can you, Doug, or one of your knowledgeable readers?
(Not I. Let’s hear from the knowledgeables. — DR)
I read your comments about Blossom. Dead on, of course. And the OP/BB piano blues YouTube is heavenly too.
Behind Bob Dorough on some of their recorded duets in the ’70s is all I can think of (and simillarly behind Grady Tate).
PS.: This a fascinating anecdotal account of her well known foibles:
http://denniscooper-theweaklings.blogspot.com/2008/05/bill-reed-presents-blossom-dearie-day.html
(Maybe now she’s gone it’s not so contentious…? It is, however, interesting…).
I’ve been a Blossom Dearie fan since the early ’60s and am currently researching Ellis Larkins for a Baltimore jazz history book, so I appreciate your perspective on the connection between the two.