A really great later effort from Helen Merrill – one recorded in Paris at the end of the 80s with some excellent tenor sax work from
Stan Getz! The mode of the record is similar to other Merrill records from the time – spare, gentle, and moody – sometimes threatening to lapse into its own blueness, but wonderfully redeemed by
Stan's solo lines – which push a boldness and raspy edge into the tunes that really livens things up. The album's a great demonstration of the
Getz power on a vocal session – a sound that never overtakes the presence of the singer, but really brings in something fresh – a voice of its own that helps redefine the tunes and create some of the most exciting moments on the record. Other players include Joachim Kuhn and Torrie Zito on piano, JF Jenny-Clark on bass, and Daniel Humair on drums – and titles include "Music Makers", "Cavatina", "It's Not Easy Being Green", "Yesterdays", "If You Go Away", and "Just Friends".
(Out of print, still sealed with obi!)