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Johnnie Ray - A Sinner Am I (1959)

Track listing:
  1. A Sinner Am I 2:42
  2. A Hundred Years From Today 2:21
  3. It's All In The Game 3:22
  4. September Song 4:07
  5. Don't Worry 'Bout Me 3:00
  6. Day By Day 2:03
  7. If I Had You 2:20
  8. Tell The Lady I Said Goodbye 2:36
  9. Give Me Time 2:35
  10. Don't Leave Me Now 3:30
  11. All The Way 2:15
  12. Love 2:22

Notes

Johnnie Ray's 1959 LP A Sinner am I, though recorded with a full orchestra instead of a jazz quartet, is a similar collection of late-night balladry to 1958's 'Til Morning. With a tasteful, never intrusive backing led by Jack Parnell, Ray wends his way through a few night-blooming standards ("Don't Worry 'Bout Me," "A Hundred Years From Today"), along with romantic ballads ("Day by Day," "All the Way," etc.). Unfortunately, Ray just can't keep up a high standard compared to most standards singers; he cracks bit at the peak on "Don't Worry 'Bout Me," sounds a little flat through "Day by Day," and misses notes on the opening title track (written by Ray himself). Mr. High Drama acquits himself on a few selections ("September Song" is a highlight), but it's clear his unique, devastated voice isn't heard best on this material.