Ruth Brown

"Lush" usually isn't the first word that comes to mind when you think of Ruth Brown -- earthy, gritty, funky, and soulful, certainly, but not lush. However, lush is exactly the word that describes this reissue, which finds the influential vocalist joined by a huge string orchestra. On Here's That Rainy Day, Brown's lavish backing includes no less than 17 violins as well as four violas, three cellos, a variety of horns, and a rhythm section. Not a typical Brown project, Here's That Rainy Day is, for the most part, an album of jazz-influenced pre-rock pop. Brown provides some exuberant blues shouting on Nellie Lutcher's "He's a Real Gone Guy," but overall, Here's That Rainy Day is very much a pop album. In fact, Brown's performances of "Whispering Grass," "Porgy," and the title song aren't unlike Dinah Washington's commercial pop output of the 1950s. Far from essential, Here's That Rainy Day isn't recommended to casual listeners. But hardcore collectors will find it to be an interesting departure for the singer. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide