April Ames went solo in 1957 for what was apparently her only LP, Strike A Match. The album, which
was remixed for a 1959 stereo re-release, is part of the GNP Crescendo catalogue of jazz and lounge
singers of the ’50s and early ’60s, particularly women.
Ames displays a girlish voice, with a pleasing tremolo, that effortlessly conveys warmth and
emotional sincerity.
In the manner of the day, Strike A Match is a themed album with, in addition to the title track,
other odes to ciggies, like ‘I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire’, ‘Smoke Rings’, ‘Two Cigarettes
In The Dark’, ‘My Old Flame’, and so forth. Sure, back in the film-noir period puffing away was the norm…
but, times change of course, but an LP of soft, breathy, sexy songs never get old!
