1955 · Album
For Those in Love
Recorded June 1955 · EmArcy Records · Arranger: Quincy Jones
Love Songs Arranged by a Master Hand
Quincy Jones brought precision and sophistication to Dinah Washington's romantic ballads.
In June 1955, Dinah Washington entered the studio with a carefully assembled group of musicians and a clear directive: Quincy Jones would arrange these recordings. Jones, already known for his meticulous orchestral approach, shaped every detail. The session brought together Keter Betts on bass, Wynton Kelly at the piano, Barry Galbraith on guitar, Cecil Payne playing baritone saxophone, Paul Quinichette on tenor, Clark Terry on trumpet, Jimmy Cleveland on trombone, and Jimmy Cobb behind the drums. This wasn't a jam session—it was architecture.
For Those in Love is a ballad album, straight and simple. Washington's voice moves across these arrangements with the kind of control and phrasing that comes from years of work. Jones kept things lush but never cluttered; the horns come in clean, the rhythm section stays grounded, and Washington remains front and center. This is not her blues album, not her up-tempo showstopper record. It's intimate without being precious, arranged without being stiff. The band had room to breathe, and it shows.
The album landed on solid ground with critics—the Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings gave it 3.5 out of 4 stars. It sits in the middle tier of her discography: not the essential starting point, but absolutely worth hearing if you know her better work. This is Washington in a specific mood, working with one of the best arrangers in jazz, on material that lets her voice do what it does best.
Who's playing
Keter Bettsbass
Wynton Kellypiano
Barry Galbraithguitar
Cecil Paynebaritone saxophone
Paul Quinichettetenor saxophone
Clark Terrytrumpet
Jimmy Clevelandtrombone
Jimmy Cobbdrums
Where next?
More by Dinah Washington
All 35 albums →
The musicians on this record
Their own records, close in time
