A really amazing set of recordings – vocal sessions done by Fred Astaire in the later season of his career – recorded in the studio with intimate backing by a Verve group that includes Oscar Peterson, Barney Kessel, Charlie Shavers, and Flip Phillips! The material features lovely new interpretations of tunes made famous by Astaire in films, but offered here in a much more relaxed, jazz-based mode. And whether you're a fan of his films or not, Astaire is one heck of a great singer – and hearing him in a setting like this, without the distraction of dancing or film, is really great proof of that fact! Titles include "Cheek To Cheek", "S'Wonderful", "You're Easy To Dance With", "Fascinating Rhythm", "Top Hat White Tie & Tails", "No Strings", and "I Concentrate On You" – plus a few instrumental numbers by the combo. CD
A really amazing set of recordings – vocal sessions done by Fred Astaire in the later season of his career – recorded in the studio with intimate backing by a Verve group that includes Oscar Peterson, Barney Kessel, Charlie Shavers, and Flip Phillips! The material features lovely new interpretations of tunes made famous by Astaire in films, but offered here in a much more relaxed, jazz-based mode. And whether you're a fan of his films or not, Astaire is one heck of a great singer – and hearing him in a setting like this, without the distraction of dancing or film, is really great proof of that fact! Titles include "Cheek To Cheek", "S'Wonderful", "You're Easy To Dance With", "Fascinating Rhythm", "Top Hat White Tie & Tails", "No Strings", and "I Concentrate On You" – plus a few instrumental numbers by the combo. LP, Vinyl record album
(Late 70s white label DRG pressing. Includes the booklet. Box has light aging.)
A really amazing set of recordings – vocal sessions done by Fred Astaire in the later season of his career – recorded in the studio with intimate backing by a Verve group that includes Oscar Peterson, Barney Kessel, Charlie Shavers, and Flip Phillips! The material features lovely new interpretations of tunes made famous by Astaire in films, but offered here in a much more relaxed, jazz-based mode. And whether you're a fan of his films or not, Astaire is one heck of a great singer – and hearing him in a setting like this, without the distraction of dancing or film, is really great proof of that fact! Titles include "Cheek To Cheek", "S'Wonderful", "You're Easy To Dance With", "Fascinating Rhythm", "Top Hat White Tie & Tails", "No Strings", and "I Concentrate On You" – plus a few instrumental numbers by the combo. LP, Vinyl record album
(Blue vinyl pressing. Ltd ed spiral bound edition. Inner content is still bound & intact, but a few pages are a bit frayed on the bottom edge. Outer cover looks nice, with minimal wear.)
4
Nat King Cole —
At The Sands ... LP Capitol, 1959/1960. Sealed Gatefold ...
Just Sold Out!
An important album by Nat King Cole – one that presented him in a live format, working in front of a very relaxed crowd at the Sands, expressing himself in a way that's quite different than some of his studio albums. The staid sound of Cole is opened up a bit here in the live set – a bit more relaxed, not necessarily improvised, but with a familiarity that shows Nat as more of an entertainer than you might expect. Titles include "Thou Swell", "Ballerina", "Funny (Not Much)", "I Wish You Love", "You Leave Me Breathless", and "Where Or When". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono pressing, still sealed with a cutout hole and square sticker spot. Shrinkwrap is torn across the bottom, but is still intact and unopened.)
A great example of the Muse Records charm of altoist Richie Cole – bop-fired creativity at its peak, mixed with some added contemporary elements to keep things fresh! In this case, Richie's horn takes on some key bop classics, but also opens up a bit with vocalsits too – Eddie Jefferson on versions of "Hi Fly", "Relaxin At Camarillo", and "Waiting For Waits" – the latter of which also features Tom Waits as well! The Manhattan Transfer make some subtle guest appearances too – but in ways that are much more restrained than their own albums, really leaving most room for Richie's horn. Bruce Forman plays guitar and Dick Hindman piano – and titles include "Hi Fly", "Relaxin At Camarillo", "Hooray For Hollywood", "I Love Lucy", "Malibu Breeze", "Waiting For Waits", and "Tokyo Rose Sings The Hollywood Blues". (Jazz, Vocalists)CD
(1994 pressing.)
6
Richie Cole with Eddie Jefferson —
Hollywood Madness ... LP Muse, 1980. Very Good ...
Temporarily Out Of Stock
A great example of the Muse Records charm of altoist Richie Cole – bop-fired creativity at its peak, mixed with some added contemporary elements to keep things fresh! In this case, Richie's horn takes on some key bop classics, but also opens up a bit with vocalsits too – Eddie Jefferson on versions of "Hi Fly", "Relaxin At Camarillo", and "Waiting For Waits" – the latter of which also features Tom Waits as well! The Manhattan Transfer make some subtle guest appearances too – but in ways that are much more restrained than their own albums, really leaving most room for Richie's horn. Bruce Forman plays guitar and Dick Hindman piano – and titles include "Hi Fly", "Relaxin At Camarillo", "Hooray For Hollywood", "I Love Lucy", "Malibu Breeze", "Waiting For Waits", and "Tokyo Rose Sings The Hollywood Blues". (Jazz, Vocalists)LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear and some price sticker remnants.)
One of Bing Crosby's greatest moments of the 50s – and maybe one of his greatest records ever – a wonderful set of duets with Rosemary Clooney, done in all the relaxed, natural styles of his best appearances on film! The tracks all have a travel theme, and Billy May handles the arrangements with some nice Sinatra-esque touches. LP, Vinyl record album
(Later stereo pressing – AFL1-1854 – still sealed with a cutout notch. Shrinkwrap is torn at the top left corner. Cover has a catalog number sticker under the shrink.)
One of Bing Crosby's greatest moments of the 50s – and maybe one of his greatest records ever – a wonderful set of duets with Rosemary Clooney, done in all the relaxed, natural styles of his best appearances on film! The tracks all have a travel theme, and Billy May handles the arrangements with some nice Sinatra-esque touches. CD
(Out of print First Editions pressing. Still sealed with a mark through the barcode.)
A live little set from Blossom Dearie – one recorded in Reno at the end of the 70s, with mostly Blossom on piano and vocals, plus a bit of bass from Bill Takas and some guest duet vocals from Bob Dorough! The album really captures the charm and grace of Blossom in her later live years – a mode that's relaxed, but confident – able to come across with new wisdom on the sadder, mellower tunes – and possibly even more wit on the more upbeat numbers! Dorough's presence is especially great, and his hipster voice only adds more electricity to the record – and titles here include "I'm Shadowing You", "Baby It's Cold Outside", "I'm Hip", "When The World Was Young", "Sweet Surprise", "Ballad Of The Shape Of Things", "Lush Life", and "Two Sleepy People". LP, Vinyl record album
Matt Dennis is best-known to most as the composer of the classic evergreen "Angel Eyes" – but he's also a pretty great singer and piano player, with an easy and hip style that's a lot like Bobby Troup. This album's one of the few he ever cut in this mode – and is a great small group session with backing from guitar, bass, and drums – done in a gentle groove that has some cocktail touches, but which also shares a fragileness with the vocal work of Chet Baker – quite unusual for a male singer of the time! The set list is filled with great original tunes as well – making for a set that sounds quite fresh, especially when compared to the average RCA vocal jazz session of the time. Titles include "Bless You Little Sleepyhead", "That's How Close I Want To Be To You", "Show Me The Way To Get Out Of This World", "Devil Talk", "Old Uncle Fud", "The Land Of Danger", and "Relax". CD
One of the coolest, sharpest albums ever recorded by Frances Faye – a set that has the singer working with unusual backing from Frank Hunter, who brings a lot more punch to the grooves than you might expect! The horns are full – with work by Herbie Mann on flute and tenor, Allen Eager on tenor, and both Bernie Glow and Nick Travis on trumpets – and that unique Faye style of singing really fits in well with the lineup – that kind of short-range quality that makes Frances sound so personal at all the right moments. Titles include "Love Is Just Around The Corner", "Just You Just Me", "Darktown Strutter's Ball", "Well All Right", "My Baby Just Cares For Me", and "Don't Blame Me". LP, Vinyl record album
Something groovy always happens to Ella Fitzgerald in London – and in the 60s and 70s, the city became home to some of her best post-Verve recordings! This date's a compelling live performance recorded at Ronnie Scotts in 1974 – with backing by a quartet that includes Tommy Flanagan on piano and Joe Pass on guitar – gently grooving behind Ella in a setting that's one of the most relaxed live dates we've ever heard her do. Some of the tunes feature a bit of patter on the introductions – showing the Fitzgerald charm that extended way beyond singing – and titles include "The Man I Love", "Everytime We Say Goodbye", "They Can't Take That Away From Me", "You've Got A Friend", "Happy Blues", and "Lemon Drop". LP, Vinyl record album
A real treasure from Ella Fitzgerald – a huge batch of previously unreleased live recordings from the 50s, all done at the legendary Chicago nightclub Mister Kelly's! However, the set's noteworthy not just because it's rare, but also because it offers Ella up in a relaxed, unfettered setting – a nice contrast to the smoother sound of the Verve studio albums of the time – or some of the more hyped-up festival appearances too – and instead, there's a personal, intimate sound here that's quite wonderful throughout, and which has really re-ignited our love of Ella's music! The sound quality is great – no dodgy crowd recording here – and the backing is by a trio that includes Lou Levy on piano, Max Bennett on bass, and Gus Johnson on drums. 2CD set is divided up into a "main show" and a "late show" – and titles include "Perdido", "Your Red Wagon", "I'm Glad There Is You", "Bewitched", "The Lady Is A Tramp", "Joe Williams Blues", "Witchcraft", "In The Wee Small Hours", "Exactly Like You", "S'Wonderful", and "My Funny Valentine". CD
Some of the hippest American work of the 70s by vocalist Johnny Hartman – smooth, sophisticated, and with a groove that's almost somewhat different than his more famous records of the decade before! Hartman's captured here in a live setting that's intimate, but never too sleepy or standard – warmly relaxed with backing from a trio that includes Reggie Moore on piano and Bill English on bass – and recorded with some great between-songs patter from Johnny, showing a charm that goes even beyond his studio sides. Titles include "On Green Dolphin Street", "Didn't We", "Watch What Happens", "Help Me Make It Through The Night", "Bidin My Time", "If", "The Folks Who Live On The Hill", "I've Got To Be Me", "Blues", and "Lush Life". CD also features 8 bonus tracks – recorded live in Tokyo in 1977 with Roland Hanna on piano and George Mraz on bass – on titles that include "Send In The Clowns", "My Foolish Heart", "On A Clear Day", "Summertime", and "The Way We Were". CD
Great live set recorded by Jon Hendricks during a time when he was making his home in the artsy community of Sausalito, on the San Francisco Bay. The set's recorded at the town's tiny Trident club, where Jon played for a while on a very regular basis, and the feeling is very relaxed and comfortable. The band includes players who would go on to make more of a name for themselves in the 70's – like Noel Jewkes and Flip Nunez – but the real focus is on Jon's rich, raspy, always-swingin' vocals. There's a lot of nice uptempo tracks that demonstrate his agile vocalese skills, including readings of "Yeh Yeh", "Watermelon Man", "Gimme That Wine", "Stockholm Sweetnin", and "Jon's Mumbles". CD
Late work from the great Billie Holiday – the kind of mature set that made Verve Records such a perfect home for the singer in the 50s! Where other labels might have pushed too much to try to get Billie into more commercial, or more straightforward modes – Verve just relaxes into the kind of small combo sound that usually had the singer at her best – pairing Holiday with a great lineup that includes Harry Edison on trumpet, Ben Webster on tenor, Jimmy Rowles on piano, and Barney Kessel on guitar. The songs are short and focused – with Billie at the top of her form on familiar standards like "Comes Love", "Darn That Dream", "Body & Soul", "They Can't Take That Away From Me", and "Embraceable You". This deluxe reissue features 3 takes of "Comes Love", new notes, great sound, and a cool looking package! CD
(Out of print Verve Master Edition, teeth inside case are broken.)
Late work from the great Billie Holiday – the kind of mature set that made Verve Records such a perfect home for the singer in the 50s! Where other labels might have pushed too much to try to get Billie into more commercial, or more straightforward modes – Verve just relaxes into the kind of small combo sound that usually had the singer at her best – pairing Holiday with a great lineup that includes Harry Edison on trumpet, Ben Webster on tenor, Jimmy Rowles on piano, and Barney Kessel on guitar. The songs are short and focused – with Billie at the top of her form on familiar standards like "Comes Love", "Darn That Dream", "Body & Soul", "They Can't Take That Away From Me", and "Embraceable You". LP, Vinyl record album
(Part of the Verve Acoustic Sounds series – heavy vinyl and cover!) This item will not be delivered to you before Friday, June 14.
Late work from the great Billie Holiday – the kind of mature set that made Verve Records such a perfect home for the singer in the 50s! Where other labels might have pushed too much to try to get Billie into more commercial, or more straightforward modes – Verve just relaxes into the kind of small combo sound that usually had the singer at her best – pairing Holiday with a great lineup that includes Harry Edison on trumpet, Ben Webster on tenor, Jimmy Rowles on piano, and Barney Kessel on guitar. The songs are short and focused – with Billie at the top of her form on familiar standards like "Comes Love", "Darn That Dream", "Body & Soul", "They Can't Take That Away From Me", and "Embraceable You". LP, Vinyl record album
Possibly one of the most essential Billie Holiday albums for Verve – a set that carries the same title as her famous autobiography, and which also features many key numbers from her songbook at the time! The feel here is quite easygoing and relaxed – with small group backing behind Billie's vocals, which themselves are recorded cleanly and clearly throughout. One side features backing by a combo that includes Wynton Kelly on piano, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Charlie Shavers on trumpet, and Paul Quinichette on tenor – and the other features a group that includes Bobby Tucker on piano, Charlie Shavers on trumpet, Barney Kessel on guitar, and the great Willie Smith on alto sax. Titles include plenty of classics – including "God Bless The Child", "Strange Fruit", "Lady Sings The Blues", "No Good Man", "Good Morning Heartache", "I Must Have That Man", and "Trav'lin' Light". CD
Possibly one of the most essential Billie Holiday albums for Verve – a set that carries the same title as her famous autobiography, and which also features many key numbers from her songbook at the time! The feel here is quite easygoing and relaxed – with small group backing behind Billie's vocals, which themselves are recorded cleanly and clearly throughout. One side features backing by a combo that includes Wynton Kelly on piano, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Charlie Shavers on trumpet, and Paul Quinichette on tenor – and the other features a group that includes Bobby Tucker on piano, Charlie Shavers on trumpet, Barney Kessel on guitar, and the great Willie Smith on alto sax. Titles include plenty of classics – including "God Bless The Child", "Strange Fruit", "Lady Sings The Blues", "No Good Man", "Good Morning Heartache", "I Must Have That Man", and "Trav'lin' Light". LP, Vinyl record album
(Early 80s mono Japanese Polydor pressing – UMV 2047 – with obi and insert. Cover has light wear, some spotty aging, and some small white print blemishes.)
Possibly one of the most essential Billie Holiday albums for Verve – a set that carries the same title as her famous autobiography, and which also features many key numbers from her songbook at the time! The feel here is quite easygoing and relaxed – with small group backing behind Billie's vocals, which themselves are recorded cleanly and clearly throughout. One side features backing by a combo that includes Wynton Kelly on piano, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Charlie Shavers on trumpet, and Paul Quinichette on tenor – and the other features a group that includes Bobby Tucker on piano, Charlie Shavers on trumpet, Barney Kessel on guitar, and the great Willie Smith on alto sax. Titles include plenty of classics – including "God Bless The Child", "Strange Fruit", "Lady Sings The Blues", "No Good Man", "Good Morning Heartache", "I Must Have That Man", and "Trav'lin' Light". LP, Vinyl record album
One of the first albums ever from the team of Jackie Caine and Roy Kral – and one of the best, too! The album's got a relaxed, open-ended approach to jazz vocals that already carries all the hallmarks of the Jackie & Roy style – wordless scatting on some tunes, playful lyrical interplay on others, and a focus on Jackie's ballad talents on some of the gentler numbers – all wrapped up in small combo backing that's sensitive, creative, and modern – yet never in a way that overwhelms the vocals. It's hard to match the poise, class, and cleverness of this one – and the album easily set a new standard for vocal jazz in the 50s! Titles include a few great early tunes by Tommy Wolf – the songwriter who would become so important for the pair – and backing is by Roy on piano, Barney Kessel on guitar, Red Mitchell on bass, and Shelly Manne on drums. Titles include "Let's Take A Walk Around The Block", "You Smell So Good", "Listen Little Girl", "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most", "Bill's Bit", "Dahuud", "I Wish I Were In Love Again", and "Lover". LP, Vinyl record album
One of the first albums ever from the team of Jackie Caine and Roy Kral – and one of the best, too! The album's got a relaxed, open-ended approach to jazz vocals that already carries all the hallmarks of the Jackie & Roy style – wordless scatting on some tunes, playful lyrical interplay on others, and a focus on Jackie's ballad talents on some of the gentler numbers – all wrapped up in small combo backing that's sensitive, creative, and modern – yet never in a way that overwhelms the vocals. It's hard to match the poise, class, and cleverness of this one – and the album easily set a new standard for vocal jazz in the 50s! Titles include a few great early tunes by Tommy Wolf – the songwriter who would become so important for the pair – and backing is by Roy on piano, Barney Kessel on guitar, Red Mitchell on bass, and Shelly Manne on drums. Titles include "Let's Take A Walk Around The Block", "You Smell So Good", "Listen Little Girl", "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most", "Bill's Bit", "Dahuud", "I Wish I Were In Love Again", and "Lover". CD
Could anyone ever utter a sexier line than "Don't go to strangers, come to me?" We think not, and it's material like that that makes the album a real killer from Etta Jones – one of her best from the 60s, cut when she was really developing her skills as a vocalist, but still had enough of an edge to be interesting. Backing is by a small group that includes Frank Wess, Roy Haynes, and Richard Wyands – and the album has a relaxed, jazzy quality that easily makes it one of the real standouts in Etta's career! Titles include "All The Way", "Where Or When", "Yes Sir, That's My Baby", "If I Had You", "Something To Remember You By", and "Don't Go To Strangers". CD
Could anyone ever utter a sexier line than "Don't go to strangers, come to me?" We think not, and it's material like that that makes the album a real killer from Etta Jones – one of her best from the 60s, cut when she was really developing her skills as a vocalist, but still had enough of an edge to be interesting. Backing is by a small group that includes Frank Wess, Roy Haynes, and Richard Wyands – and the album has a relaxed, jazzy quality that easily makes it one of the real standouts in Etta's career! Titles include "All The Way", "Where Or When", "Yes Sir, That's My Baby", "If I Had You", "Something To Remember You By", and "Don't Go To Strangers". LP, Vinyl record album
(Green label pressing. Vinyl has oxidation on side 2. Cover is nice.)
26
Teddi King —
Now In Vogue ... CD Storyville/Muzak (Japan), 1955. Used ...
$6.99
One of a number of great small group sessions done by singer Teddi King for the Storyville label – nicely relaxed, with backing from a septet that features Billy Taylor on piano, Bob Brookmeyer on trombone, Nick Travis on trumpet, and Gene Quill on alto! The Storyville approach really brings out the best in Teddi's vocals – as the easy-going nature of the record has King sounding a bit more grown-up and adult than before – singing lines in a slightly sultry style, yet still with some of the bird-like notes heard on other albums. Taylor's piano adds a nice grounding to the record – and titles include "Old Folks", "Why Do You Suppose", "I'm In The Market For You", "You Hit The Spot", "Something To Live For", and "Like A Ship Without A Sail". CD
27
Teddi King —
Now In Vogue ... LP Storyville, 1955. Near Mint- ...
Out Of Stock
One of a number of great small group sessions done by singer Teddi King for the Storyville label – nicely relaxed, with backing from a septet that features Billy Taylor on piano, Bob Brookmeyer on trombone, Nick Travis on trumpet, and Gene Quill on alto! The Storyville approach really brings out the best in Teddi's vocals – as the easy-going nature of the record has King sounding a bit more grown-up and adult than before – singing lines in a slightly sultry style, yet still with some of the bird-like notes heard on other albums. Taylor's piano adds a nice grounding to the record – and titles include "Old Folks", "Why Do You Suppose", "I'm In The Market For You", "You Hit The Spot", "Something To Live For", and "Like A Ship Without A Sail". LP, Vinyl record album
A very laidback little album from Teddi King – a set that mostly features Teddi singing with only piano accompaniment from Dave McKenna, and which also features a few solo tracks by Dave as well! Teddi's voice has changed a bit since the 50s – but in a good way, with a bit more human qualities amidst the trademark trills – especially in the company of McKenna's thoughtfully crafted piano lines. The titles are all Gershwin tunes, taken at a very relaxed pace – and tracks include "Soon", "Long Ago & Far Away", "Here's What I'm Here For", "Isn't It A Pity", "My Ship", "How Long Has This Been Going On", and "But Not For Me". CD
A very laidback little album from Teddi King – a set that mostly features Teddi singing with only piano accompaniment from Dave McKenna, and which also features a few solo tracks by Dave as well! Teddi's voice has changed a bit since the 50s – but in a good way, with a bit more human qualities amidst the trademark trills – especially in the company of McKenna's thoughtfully crafted piano lines. The titles are all Gershwin tunes, taken at a very relaxed pace – and tracks include "Soon", "Long Ago & Far Away", "Here's What I'm Here For", "Isn't It A Pity", "My Ship", "How Long Has This Been Going On", and "But Not For Me". LP, Vinyl record album
Peggy Lee's at Basin Street, but the set's an upbeat, swinging date that's right up there with her studio work for Capitol in the 60s! The album's billed as an "after hours" performance – and it's definitely got the relaxed feel to live up to that promise – a feel that's more small combo jazzy than other Lee work of the period, although it's still got that upbeat punch we love from the Capitol years. The group is directed by Joe Harnell, who also plays piano – and other members include Bob Donovan on flute, Willie Thomas and Phil Sunkel on trumpets, Dennis Budimir on guitar, and Chino Pozo on congas and bongos. Titles inlcude "I Got A Man", "The Second Time Around", "Fever", "Moments Like This", "Day In Day Out", and "Them There Eyes". CD also features a bonus track – "Call Me Darling". LP, Vinyl record album
Peggy Lee's at Basin Street, but the set's an upbeat, swinging date that's right up there with her studio work for Capitol in the 60s! The album's billed as an "after hours" performance – and it's definitely got the relaxed feel to live up to that promise – a feel that's more small combo jazzy than other Lee work of the period, although it's still got that upbeat punch we love from the Capitol years. The group is directed by Joe Harnell, who also plays piano – and other members include Bob Donovan on flute, Willie Thomas and Phil Sunkel on trumpets, Dennis Budimir on guitar, and Chino Pozo on congas and bongos. Titles inlcude "I Got A Man", "The Second Time Around", "Fever", "Moments Like This", "Day In Day Out", and "Them There Eyes". CD also features a bonus track – "Call Me Darling". CD
Abbey Lincoln takes on the legacy of Billie Holiday – in a strong live set recorded with a small group at the end of the 80s! The setting's a bit more relaxed here than on some of Abbey's other albums of the period – a bit looser and sometimes more languid, but only in the best sort of ways to get at the moodiness of Billie Holiday's approach to the tunes. A few numbers seem to bristle with a bit more of that Abbey Lincoln sense of pride – that righteous legacy that runs straight from Billie's classic "Strange Fruit" – but overall, the spirit of Holiday's more traditional approach definitely guides the performance. The group's a quartet – with Harold Vick on tenor! CD
Great later work from Abbey Lincoln! The album Talking To The Sun is something of a comeback set for Abbey Lincoln – an extremely powerful set from the early 80s, and one that helped set the tone for some great albums to come! Abbey's working here in a bold style that includes a fair bit of original material – done in collaboration with alto saxophonist Steve Coleman, whose edgey tone really adds a lot to the record! There's a sense of voice here that takes us back to Abbey's bold experiments with Max Roach in the early 60s – a righteous tone that effortlessly mixes politics and art, yet which never forgets its key mission of music. The set includes original compositions "The River", "Talking To The Sun", "People On The Street", and "Prelude/A Wedding Song" – plus a nice take on the Mercer/Mancini number "Whistling Away The Dark". On the second two records, Abbey Lincoln takes on the legacy of Billie Holiday – in a strong live set recorded with a small group at the end of the 80s! The setting's a bit more relaxed here than on some of Abbey's other albums of the period – a bit looser and sometimes more languid, but only in the best sort of ways to get at the moodiness of Billie Holiday's approach to the tunes. A few numbers seem to bristle with a bit more of that Abbey Lincoln sense of pride – that righteous legacy that runs straight from Billie's classic "Strange Fruit" – but overall, the spirit of Holiday's more traditional approach definitely guides the performance. The group's a quartet – with Harold Vick on tenor – and titles include "For All We Know", "No More", "Gimme A Pigfoot", "God Bless The Child", "For Heaven's Sake", and "Don't Explain". CD
34
Dean Martin —
Relaxin' ... LP Tower, Late 50s. Near Mint- ...
Out Of Stock
A very unusual session for Carmen McRae – a live recording that features only her vocals and piano, on spare readings of a number of sophisticated songs that ably demonstrate the class and care she was bringing to her work at the time! The approach is quite different from some of the smoother, more soul-based records that McRae was cutting in the 70s – a very laidback, late nite sort of date that takes us right back to Carmen's earliest years on record – but with a 60s' worth of hipness thrown into the mix. She's still got some sense of poise on the tunes, but also brings up a slightly earthy undercurrent at points too – a relaxed, mature vibe that really fits the intimacy of the record. Titles include "The Last Time For Love", "More Than You Know", "I Can't Escape From You", "I Could Have Told You", "Please Be Kind", and "Supper Time". CD
(Out of print 1986 Japanese CD pressing, includes obi.)
A very unusual session for Carmen McRae – a live recording that features only her vocals and piano, on spare readings of a number of sophisticated songs that ably demonstrate the class and care she was bringing to her work at the time! The approach is quite different from some of the smoother, more soul-based records that McRae was cutting in the 70s – a very laidback, late nite sort of date that takes us right back to Carmen's earliest years on record – but with a 60s' worth of hipness thrown into the mix. She's still got some sense of poise on the tunes, but also brings up a slightly earthy undercurrent at points too – a relaxed, mature vibe that really fits the intimacy of the record. Titles include "The Last Time For Love", "More Than You Know", "I Can't Escape From You", "I Could Have Told You", "Please Be Kind", and "Supper Time". CD
A very unusual session for Carmen McRae – a live recording that features only her vocals and piano, on spare readings of a number of sophisticated songs that ably demonstrate the class and care she was bringing to her work at the time! The approach is quite different from some of the smoother, more soul-based records that McRae was cutting in the 70s – a very laidback, late nite sort of date that takes us right back to Carmen's earliest years on record – but with a 60s' worth of hipness thrown into the mix. She's still got some sense of poise on the tunes, but also brings up a slightly earthy undercurrent at points too – a relaxed, mature vibe that really fits the intimacy of the record. Titles include "The Last Time For Love", "More Than You Know", "I Can't Escape From You", "I Could Have Told You", "Please Be Kind", and "Supper Time". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has some ring and edge wear, light aging, and small seam splits.)
Carmen McRae —
Lover Man ... LP Columbia, 1962. Near Mint- ...
Out Of Stock
An overlooked gem from Carmen – one of her few albums for Columbia from the 60s, and a wonderfully swinging small group session that's got a much more relaxed feel than some of her earlier sets! The album's ostensibly a tribute to Billie Holiday – but it's taken in a way that's completely unlike Holiday's own work – filled with life, joy, and a swinging sensibility that's carried off perfectly by arranger Norman Simmons – who heads up a small combo on piano, working with Walter Perkins on drums, Bob Cranshaw on bass, Nat Adderley on cornet, Eddie Lockjaw Davis on tenor, and Mundell Lowe on guitar. Carmen's vocals are wonderfully groovy – and tunes include "I Cried For You", "Them There Eyes", "My Man", "Strange Fruit", "Miss Brown To You", and "Some Other Spring". LP, Vinyl record album
(6 Eye stereo CBS label pressing. Cover has some surface wear, edge wear, minor blemishes, and a round sticker in back.)
39
Marilyn Moore —
Moody Marilyn Moore ... CD Bethlehem/Solid (Japan), 1957. New Copy ...
$14.9918.99About May 29, 2024
A rare and exceptional vocal jazz LP – cut by the obscure Marilyn Moore, then the wife of Al Cohn – who's pictured in profile on the cover of the record! Marilyn's got a style that's somewhat raspy – clearly inspired by Billie Holiday at times, and not what you'd expect in comparison to some of the cooler, clearer female singers who worked on Bethlehem in the 50s. The backing is in a small group mode – with Cohn on tenor and bass clarinet, plus Don Abney on piano, Joe Wilder on trumpet, Barry Galbraith on guitar, Milt Hinton on bass, and Osie Johnson on drums – all in a nicely relaxed mode to fit the mellow, moody sound of the record. There's a nice sense of darkness throughout – a bit more edge than you might expect – and titles include "Trouble Is A Man", "Ill Wind", "Born To Blow The Blues", "Lover Come Back To Me", and "You're Driving Me Crazy". CD
A late live recording from the legendary Mark Murphy – and a great one, too – as the vocalist works here at the height of his powers, in a small club setting that really has the singer taking off! Murphy's been making records since the 50s, but he's never dimmed at all – and, if anything, his performances are astounding in the way he continues to explore his phrasing, timing, and careful approach to the words of the songs – always at a level that relatively few other singers can touch! We miss Mark tremendously, and this live set is a wonderful reminder of just why he was always so special – a set that has him working with a relaxed quartet led by guitarist Spiros Exaras, on titles that include "On The Red Clay", "Summertime", "On Green Dolphin Street", "All Blues", "Miles", "Milestones", and "Inutil Paisagem/Dindi". CD
One of those great obscure Anita O'Day sessions from the 70s – the sort that we've almost come to love even more than her classic albums on Verve! There's a relaxed, mature approach here that's really great – a toning down of the sometimes too-vibrant energy that Anita hit in her youth – and a way of schooling the tunes with lessons learned from life – so that her readings of the lyrics, and her inflections in a jazz-based way, really show the care that goes into the music. The group features guitar from Billy Webb and Al Bruno, and titles include "Old Folks", "I Cried For You", "Chicago", "It Don't Mean A Thing", and "Ace In The Hole". LP, Vinyl record album
More than just a great overview of Lou Rawls' jazz work for Capitol Records – because the set also features 3 previously unissued numbers that Rawls recorded with the Curtis Amy Sextet! Those 3 tracks are almost worth the price of the album alone – as Amy's combo was one of the hippest on the LA scene of the time, and offers Lou a rare opportunity to sing in a more relaxed setting than some of his more tightly arranged big band numbers. But honestly, all the work here is pretty darn great – and even the already-issued tracks are tremendous – a great illustration of how Lou linked together jazz and blues during the 60s soul era – and came up with a classy, sophisticated groove that inspired many others in years to come! Arrangements are by Benny Carter, Onzy Matthews, and HB Barnum – and titles include "Nobody But Me", "How Long How Long Blues", "Blues For Weepers", "Something Stirring In My Soul", "I Wonder", "Let's Burn Down The Cornfield", "Old Folks", "Somebody Have Mercy", and "Why Do I Love You So" – as well as the 3 unissued numbers, "Fine & Mellow", "Mean Old World", and "Long Gone Blues". (Soul, Vocalists)CD
43
Jacky Terrasson & Cassandra Wilson —
Rendezvous ... CD Blue Note, 1997. Used ...
$1.99
Jacky Terrasson on piano, Lonnie Plaxico and Kenny Davis on bass, Mino Cinelu on percussion, and Cassandra Wilson on vocals. (Jazz, Vocalists)CD
Nothing crazy and mixed up here, but a wonderful later date from Sarah Vaughan – one that's recorded with subtly sophisticated brilliance! The setting is easygoing and relaxed – far more so than most of Vaughan's records from many years past – and backing is provided by Roland Hanna on piano, Joe Pass on guitar, Andy Simpkins on bass, and Harold Jones on drums – all grooving in a warmly rounded mode that seems to further the already-great sound of Sarah's vocals at this point in her career. The record's one you might pass by because of the date, but it's easily one of the greatest Vaughan albums from later years – and tracks include "I Didn't Know What Time It Was", "That's All", "Seasons", "Love Dance", "The Island", "In Love In Vain", and "Autumn Leaves". CD
A great little date – one that's presented here with a really classic sense of jazz vocal recording, but oddly the kind of record that Sarah Vaughn hardly ever got to make back in the 50s! The setting is spare and simple – backing by a quartet that includes Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass, Ray Brown, and Louis Bellson – but all players are nicely relaxed here, and never too uptight, or trying to over-express their place in the lineup – and instead step forward gently, quietly, to match Sarah's wonderfully mature vocals on the record. Titles include "Easy Living", "You're Blase", "More Than You Know", "Teach Me Tonight", "Body & Soul", "How Long Has This Been Going On", and "Midnight Sun". CD
A great little date – one that's presented here with a really classic sense of jazz vocal recording, but oddly the kind of record that Sarah Vaughn hardly ever got to make back in the 50s! The setting is spare and simple – backing by a quartet that includes Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass, Ray Brown, and Louis Bellson – but all players are nicely relaxed here, and never too uptight, or trying to over-express their place in the lineup – and instead step forward gently, quietly, to match Sarah's wonderfully mature vocals on the record. Titles include "Easy Living", "You're Blase", "More Than You Know", "Teach Me Tonight", "Body & Soul", "How Long Has This Been Going On", and "Midnight Sun". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has some edge wear and yellowing from age. Includes the Pablo inner sleeve.)
A fantastic 70s album from the great Sarah Vaughan – maybe one of her best small combo sessions of the decade – and a set that also makes room for some great instrumental contributions too! As you'd guess from the title, the group features the great Jimmy Rowles on piano – having a bit of time in the limelight at this point in his career, and graced with a relaxedly emotive style that's perfect for the similar qualities in Sarah's voice! Yet it's also the whole package on the set that makes things great – as Rowles group features wonderful work on bass from Monty Budwig, maybe some of his best performances on record – plus drums from Donald Bailey, tenor from Teddy Edwards, and trumpet from Al Aarons. These players never get in the way of Sarah, but do a true job of accompanying the singer, while inspiring her to her best with their own top talents – on titles that include "That Face", "Folks Who Live On The Hill", "A House Is Not A Home", "That Sunday That Summer", and "Morning Star". CD
Dinah's in a perfect setting here – one that gets more jazz out of her style than other records at the time! The "after hours" setting has Dinah singing with a relaxed jazz combo – one that features Eddie Lockjaw Davis and Paul Quinichette on tenor, Clark Terry on trumpet, and Junior Mance on piano – as well as some other nice touches, like congas from Candido, and a bit of organ work from Jackie Davis! The tunes still have the slightly bluesy feel of Dinah's other work, but are more jazz-based in their phrasing and presentation – and titles include "A Foggy Day", "Bye Bye Blues", "Am I Blue", "Blue Skies", and "Love For Sale". CD features one bonus track – an unedited "Blue Skies", which runs over three minutes longer than the originally released version! CD
Dinah's in a perfect setting here – one that gets more jazz out of her style than other records at the time! The "after hours" setting has Dinah singing with a relaxed jazz combo – one that features Eddie Lockjaw Davis and Paul Quinichette on tenor, Clark Terry on trumpet, and Junior Mance on piano – as well as some other nice touches, like congas from Candido, and a bit of organ work from Jackie Davis! The tunes still have the slightly bluesy feel of Dinah's other work, but are more jazz-based in their phrasing and presentation – and titles include "A Foggy Day", "Bye Bye Blues", "Am I Blue", "Blue Skies", and "Love For Sale". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has heavy ring and edge wear.)
50
Dinah Washington —
Dinah Jams ... CD EmArcy/Phonogram, 1954. Used ...
Out Of Stock
One of the best jazz-based sessions recorded by Dinah Washington in the 50s – appropriately titled Dinah Jams, which is a pretty good reference to the feeling of the set! The sessions were recorded in a relatively relaxed, intimate feel – not necessarily as unbridled as a true jam session might be, but with a lot more interplay between the instrumentalists in the group than you might get on a typical 50s jazz session. And with horn players that include Cliford Brown, Harold Land, and Herb Geller – alongside rhythm by Junior Mance, Richie Powell, and Max Roach – you'd have to expect that there'd be some good interplay on the set! Titles include "I've Got You Under My Skin", "No More", "Darn That Dream", "You Go To My Head", and a nice open-ended version of "I'll Remember April"! CD
Dinah Washington —
Dinah Jams ... LP EmArcy, 1955. Very Good- ...
$19.99
One of the best jazz-based sessions recorded by Dinah Washington in the 50s – appropriately titled Dinah Jams, which is a pretty good reference to the feeling of the set! The sessions were recorded in a relatively relaxed, intimate feel – not necessarily as unbridled as a true jam session might be, but with a lot more interplay between the instrumentalists in the group than you might get on a typical 50s jazz session. And with horn players that include Cliford Brown, Harold Land, and Herb Geller – alongside rhythm by Junior Mance, Richie Powell, and Max Roach – you'd have to expect that there'd be some good interplay on the set! Titles include "I've Got You Under My Skin", "No More", "Darn That Dream", "You Go To My Head", and a nice open-ended version of "I'll Remember April"! LP, Vinyl record album
(Blue label drummer logo pressing with deep groove, in a cover with green text. Cover has light wear, some aging and two small splits on the bottom seam.)
A killer album that's one of Joe's best! Unlike some of his other albums as a vocalist, in which the arrangements are a bit too cluttered to swing, this nice relaxed live set has Joe hitting a very soulful groove, and stepping out nicely on cuts like "Gravy Waltz", "Come Back Baby", "April In Paris", "Some Of This N Some Of That", and "She's Warm, She's Willing, She's Wonderful". Backing is by an all-star group that includes Coleman Hawkins, Junior Mance, and Zoot Sims. LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono pressing with deep groove. Cover has light surface wear, promo stamps, and rounded corners.)
53
Joe Williams & Harry Sweets Edison —
Together ... LP Roulette, 1961. Very Good+ ...
$24.99
A gem of a record from this pair of Basie-ites – one that allows Joe Williams to hit some different modes than on his fuller records with the Count – set up here in a nicely relaxed groove with trumpeter Harry Sweets Edison! Arrangements are by Ernie Wilkins, but are more laidback than some of his fuller charts – and we love hearing Joe at a level when he doesn't have to punch it out of the park, and can just fall back in a sweet groove alongside Harry's trumpet, which then often gets a spot to solo on the tune. Charles Thompson plays piano – again with a style that's more easygoing than Basie – and titles include "Out Of Nowhere", "Together", "Winter Weather", "By The River Saint Marie", "Alone Together", "Deep Purple", and "Lover Come Back To Me". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono color bar label pressing with deep groove and AudioMatrix stamp. Cover has light wear, some yellowing from age, and some minor stains at the spine.)
54
Cassandra Wilson —
Blue Skies ... CD JMT (Germany), 1988. Used ...
Temporarily Out Of Stock
Accompanied by Mulgrew Miller on piano, Lonnie Plaxico on bass, and Terri Lyne Carrington on drums. CD
Backed by Mulgrew Miller, Rod Williams and James Weidman on piano, Grachan Moncur III on trombone, Lonnie Plaxico on bass and Terri Lyne Carrington on drums! CD
One of the greatest Nancy Wilson albums of the 60s – a small combo jazz date, done with a style that's different than some of Wilson's larger sessions of the time! The group has a relaxed, easygoing feel – and Wilson slides in with a style that's a lot more laidback and subtle than on other Capitol dates – almost the mellow feel of a late 50s Dakota Staton date, but still song with all the careful class that Nancy brings to her vocals! The group's a quartet, led by pianist Hank Jones – and featuring Gene Bertoncini on guitar, Ron Carter on bass, and Grady Tate on drums – on titles that include "Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe", "Do it Again", "Glad To Be Unhappy", "Prelude To A Kiss", "Supper Time", and "I Thought About You". LP, Vinyl record album
2 key albums in the early career of Nancy Wilson – back to back on one CD! For Hollywood My Way, Wilson turns her wonderfully sophisticated vocal style towards a batch of hits from Hollywood films of the 40s, 50s, and 60s – arranged and conducted by Jimmy Jones, in that classy blend of jazz and soul that suited Wilson so well in the 60s! The style is really a cut above the usual – handled with great poise by Nancy throughout, but also done in a mode that's relaxed enough to get past some of the stodgier sounds of records like this. The mellower tunes are actually some of the best here – personal, reflective, and echoing the "Guess Who I Saw Today" sound of Wilson in the 60s. Titles include "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To", "Almost In Your Arms", "When Did You Leave Heaven?", "My Shining Hour", "Days Of Wine & Roses", and "Wild Is The Wind". Broadway My Way is also arranged and conducted by Jimmy Jones – and as usual with Wilson in this sort of setting, the material is really transformed by her presentation – taken way past its roots in popular shows of the time. Titles include "Loads Of Love", "My Ship", "Getting To Know You", "Tonight", "You Can Have Him", and "I Believe In You". 24 tracks in all. CD
The long-overdue issue of a classic Nancy Wilson album recorded live at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas – one that captures her at the height of her youthful powers! The style here is a great illustration of the genius of Nancy Wilson at the time – an approach that was classy and careful, yet also relaxed and soulful – with a quality that not only reached out to a variety of audiences at once, but which also helped to further transform the role of the female singer in jazz through its success. Backings are swinging and jazzy – tightly arranged, but with a style that's different and more jazz-based than most of Nancy's studio arrangements of the 60s – and titles include "Small World Isn't It", "The Man That Got Away", "If We Only Have Love", "Gypsies The Jugglers & The Clowns", "We Would Have Been Fine", and "KC Medley". CD
A beautiful collaboration between vocalist Pinky Winters and pianist Lou Levy – the second half of the live date that was partially issued on the album Shadow Of Your Smile – recorded back in 1983, but making its world premiere here! There's a mellow, intimate feel to the record that really fits Pinky's vocals – a style that's relaxed, but never sloppy or sleepy – and which ignites a surprising amount of fire from the interplay between Pinky's vocals and Lou's careful work on the keys. Bill Takas plays bass on the date, and titles include the vocal numbers "Speak Low", "I Am In Love", "Never Let Me Go", "The Trolly Song", "I'm Old Fashioned", and "No More Blues" – and Lou plays beautifully on 2 instrumental tracks, "The Piccolino", and a great reading of "The Dolphin". CD
(2006 Japanese pressing – includes obi!)
Didn't find what you're looking for? You can set a product alert and we'll notify you of new matches.