Vocal / Jazz; Ballads
Standards
Traditional Pop
Vocal Jazz
In the early '60s, the U.S. government came up with the idea to tape jazz instrumentalists and vocalists for special programs aimed at recruiting young men for the National Guard. While it seems puzzling that male teenagers of the era would be drawn to the likes of Sarah Vaughan and Woody Herman, both of whom are heard in this program, the music is superb. Vaughan's vocals are on the money throughout, especially in the lush treatment of "On Green Dolphin Street" (with Herman's clarinet in the background), along with one of her most requested numbers, "Poor Butterfly." Herman's instrumentals include a swing version of "Muskrat Ramble," along with oft-requested numbers like "Woodchopper's Ball" and "Four Brothers." Herman even chances a vocal (a passable "Don't Go to Strangers"), a brave act with Vaughan in the studio. The only annoying aspect of the program is the ridiculous scripted banter between host Martin Block (who keeps introducing nearly every song with the irritating comment "This is take one") and the clearly uncomfortable Vaughan and Herman. In any case, this music more than makes up for the inane jabber.
---Ken Dryden, AMG |
