The Voice of Audrey Morris is a quintessential Bethlehem label release -- a smoky, profoundly expressive session bathed in neon tavern light, it's the singer's lone release for the label, which seemed to specialize in this kind of one-and-done snapshot of feminine malaise and melancholy. Morris steadfastly avoids being either sentimental or saccharine, remaining tough even in the face of Marty Paich's soft, sympathetic arrangements. Ably supported by a superb band including trumpeter Stu Williamson, guitarist Bill Pitman, and bassist Joe Mondragon, she approaches material like "I Never Mention Your Name," "What More Can a Woman Do," and "I Wonder What Became of Me" with uncommon intimacy and assurance, wrapping her voice around the lyrics like smoke curling around the cherry of a cigarette.
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