First Songs (1999)

About this title: On her debut recording, Cameron (influenced by Jeri Southern and coached by Sue Raney) sports a thin, wispy vocal quality that recalls Blossom Dearie. On this set of five standards and two originals by Abbey Lincoln -- mainly ballads -- she's backed by husband/bassist Charlie Haden, drummer Larance Marable and pianist Chris Dawson. Except for the more uptempo, kitschy "Slow Boat to China," the fare is slow and easy -- a mix of positive and regretful love songs more than downtrodden blues. Her mid-range voice is most effective on "He's Funny that Way," and the only substantive solo is Haden's ... read more

Tracks:

1. Bird Alone [Lincoln]
2. On a Slow Boat to China [Loesser]
3. Young and Foolish [Hague/Horwitt]
4. He's Funny That Way [Moret/Whiting]
5. The Night We Called It a Day [Adair/Dennis]
6. The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress [Webb]
7. First Song [Haden/Lincoln]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.