Rita Reys - Rita Reys Today (1969)

Cut in swinging London in mid-1969 with the team of producer Johnny Franz and arranger Peter Knight (best known for their work with the immortal Scott Walker), Rita Reys Today remains the singer's hippest, most charming LP, channeling the singular spirit of its time and place to create music that radiates with youthful energy. The songs are bold and brassy, drawing on elements of orchestral pop, soul, and modern jazz to forge a sound that can only be described as "groovy". Even better, Franz and Knight sidestep the familiar standards in favor of new and lesser-known material that affords Reys the opportunity to stretch out and make the songs her own.© Jason Ankeny /TiVo