Give Him The Ooh-La-La (Verve Vault Series)

Give Him The Ooh-La La, released in 1958 on Verve Records, captures pianist and vocalist Blossom Dearie’s signature blend of cool understatement, crisp diction, and harmonic finesse. Produced by Norman Granz, the session features Dearie on piano and vocals, leading a quartet with guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Jo Jones. The program includes songs by Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, and Noël Coward, along with two Dearie co-writes — “Try Your Wings ” and “Bang Goes the Drum (And You’re in Love)” — which showcase her wit and compositional touch. From the sly charm of the title track to the graceful melancholy of “Plus je t’embrasse,” Dearie’s performances balance elegance with rhythmic ease. The intimate arrangements leave space for subtle interplay between her voice and piano, supported by a rhythm section steeped in the language of swing and bop.

The Verve Vault series is always mastered from analog tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.