AMG Review of From the Heart

Jim Newsom
All Music Guide

The sound of this release brings to mind a cross between Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Patsy Cline. Not a bad combination, and one that sounds remarkably fresh and invigorating long after its 1962 recording date. Here, Etta Jones' swinging singing is augmented with Oliver Nelson's attractive and distinctive arrangements. Wally Richardson's guitar is especially noteworthy in the rhythm section, while Nelson's use of horns and strings is as wonderful as ever. From the Heart is a lot of fun, a too-long-forgotten gem that takes the listener back to a more innocent time and provides the perfect setting for Etta Jones to display her vocal wares.