Jazz / Vocal; Vocal Jazz; Standards
Recorded: Mar 25-26, 1959, Reeves Sound Studios, New York, New York
Abbey Lincoln - vocals
Les Spann - guitar, flute
Stanley Turrentine - tenor saxophone
Kenny Dorham - trumpet
Tommy Turrentine - trumpet
Julian Priester - trombone
Phil Wright - piano
Wynton Kelly - piano
Cedar Walton - piano
Bobby Boswell - double bass
Max Roach - drums
Philly Joe Jones - drums
Abbey Lincoln's third of three Riverside albums (all of these recommended sets have been reissued on CD) directly precedes her more adventurous work with drummer (and then-husband) Max Roach. With fine backup from trumpeter Kenny Dorham, pianist Wynton Kelly, Les Spann (doubling on guitar and flute), bassist Sam Jones and drummer Philly Joe Jones) on seven of the ten numbers and by Roach's regular quintet of the time on the other three selections, Abbey Lincoln is quite emotional and distinctive during a particularly strong set. Highlights include the first vocal version ever of "Afro-Blue," "Come Sunday," Oscar Brown, Jr.'s "Brother, Where Are You," "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise," "Long as You're Living" and Lincoln's own "Let Up." A very memorable set.
---Scott Yanow, allmusic
Liner Note Author: Orrin Keepnews |
