This Is Chris

Chris Connor found success in the jazz field during the 1950s and was one of the first successful performers signed to Bethlehem Records. Her debut album for the label was released in 1954 titled Chris Connor Sings Lullabys for Lovers. This was followed by several more Bethlehem products over the next few years, including This Is Chris. The album was recorded in April 1955 alongside the label's consistent session musicians including pianist Ralph Sharon and trombonist J. J. Johnson.^[2] This Is Chris consisted of ten tracks, including four composed by Cole Porter: "It's All Right with Me", "I Concentrate on You", "From This Moment On" and "Ridin' High".^[3]

This Is Chris was released in August 1955 by Bethlehem Records^[1] and was her third album for the label.^[4] The album received a positive critical reception. Cash Box praised her vocal performance, writing, "Miss Connor’s obvious feeling for the lyric and her perfectly controlled vocal mannerisms have resulted in excellent sales. This should be an album to be stocked immediately and in ample numbers."^[1] DownBeat believed it to be her best album to date and believed that once she "becomes this consistent in a night club, she'll really have it made."^[4] Allmusic's Scott Yanow gave it four out of five stars praised her voice and several tracks: "Connor's cool tone, subtle, emotional delivery and haunting voice were perfect for the music of the 1950s. Highlights of this superior set include "The Thrill Is Gone," "Blame It on My Youth," and "I Concentrate on You," but all ten numbers are rewarding."^[5]

All credits are adapted from the liner notes of This Is Chris.^[3]

• Chris Connor – Vocals
• Tom Dowd – Engineer
• Burt Goldblatt – Photography (cover design)
• Milt Hinton – Bass
• Shirley Hoskie Collins – Liner notes
• J. J. Johnson – Trombone
• Osie Johnson – Drums
• Herbie Mann – Flute
• Joe Puma – Guitar
• Ralph Sharon – Piano
• Kai Winding – Trombone