Jazz / Big Band; Swing; Ballads; Standards; Traditional Pop
Recorded: Jul 1960-Jan 1961, Capitol Studios, New York, New York
Sarah Vaughan - vocals
Joe Williams - vocals
Frank Foster - arranger, tenor saxophone
Thad Jones - arranger, trumpet
Ernie Wilkins - arranger
Frank Wess - alto & tenor saxophones, flute
Marshall Royal - alto saxophone, clarinet
Billy Mitchell - tenor saxophone
Charlie Fowlkes - baritone saxophone, flute
Sonny Cohn - trumpet
Joe Newman - trumpet
Snooky Young - trumpet
Henry Coker - trombone
Al Grey - trombone
Benny Powell - trombone
Kirk Stuart - piano
Freddie Green - guitar
Eddie Jones - bass
Sonny Payne - drums
Although Count Basie gets top billing, he actually does not appear on this CD reissue. Basie's Orchestra (other than a couple of short spots for trumpeter Joe Newman and Frank Foster's tenor) and pianist Kirk Stuart are purely in a supporting role behind the magnificent voice of Sarah Vaughan. Sometimes she gets overly mannered and seems to give little weight to the words she is singing but Vaughan's wide range and impeccable musicianship carry the day. In addition to such numbers as "Perdido," "Mean to Me" and "You Go to My Head," this CD is rounded out by two charming Vaughan duets with Joe Williams ("Teach Me Tonight" and "If I Were a Bell") that were originally released as a single plus a "new" alternate take of "Until I Met You". The set is much more recommended to Sarah Vaughan fans than to Count Basie collectors.
Includes liner notes by James Gavin. |
