Released March, 2014
Dorothy Donegan was an acclaimed pianist working in nightclubs and cocktail lounges in Chicago. She also appeared in the film “Sensations of 1945” where she played a duet with pianist Gene Rodgers, with assistance from Cab Calloway and his orchestra. She was known as a virtuosic pianist fluent in several jazz styles.
Art Tatum (who along with Earl Hines was the biggest influence on Donegan’s style) heard about her and had her play for him. They become a good friends and Tatum even taught her some ideas.
On this 2 CD set there are recordings from London House in Chicago 1961, Antibes, France in 1975 and Jazzhouse Slukefter in Copenhagen 1980.
CD1:
Dorothy Donegan (p & vo), Mads Vinding (b) and Ed Thigpen (dr)
Recorded live at Jazzhus Slukefter, Copenhagen, May 19, 1980
CD2:
Dorothy Donegan (p), Arvell Shaw (b) and Panama Francis (dr)
Recorded at Studio 19, La Fontonne, Antibes, France
Rosetta
When I Fall in Love/The Way We Were
The Best Things in Life Are Free
Pennies From Heaven/You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
Out of Nowhere/Sweet Lorraine/Send in the Clowns
Take the “A” Train
You’re So Beautiful/Edmung Thigpen’s Gospel
Satin Doll
I Just Want To Sing
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
Donegan’s Blues
Lift Every Voice And Sing
Dorothy Runs Away
Willow Weep For Me
Minuet In G
If I Love You
Stop The World