(Vocal Jazz) Sallie Blair - Squeeze Me (1957) - 2014, MP3, 320 kbps

On her Bethlehem debut, Sallie Blair teams up with arranger Richard Wess and a small combo featuring bassist Milt Hinton, guitarist Sal Salvador and pianist Sanford Gold. This 1957 release runs the gamut from romantic ballads to uptempo, Latin-flavoured songs, all complimenting Blair's unique voice.

With its saucy title and come-hither cover photo, Squeeze Me promises an abundance of sex-kitten thrills, but what separates Sallie Blair from dozens of other postwar bombshells is her bluesy, earthy voice -- sultriness notwithstanding, the girl can sing. This Bethlehem debut pairs Blair with arranger Richard Wess and a small-combo support unit headlined by bassist Milt Hinton, guitarist Sal Salvador, and pianist Sanford Gold. The record's candlelit ambience emphasizes Blair's prowess on romantic ballads, but a few uptempo, Latin-inspired cuts underscore the breadth of her vocal range.