Sing A Song Of Jazz: The Best Of Vocal Jazz On Resonance

by | Aug 21, 2019 | Jazz CD Reviews | 0 comments

Sing A Song Of Jazz: The Best Of Vocal Jazz On Resonance – Resonance Records HCD-2040, 63:32 ****1/2:

(Featuring: Sarah Vaughan; Polly Gibbons; Stan Getz/Joao Gilberto; Shirley Horn; Angela Hagenbach; Cathy Rocco; Aubrey Logan; Greta Matassa; Wes Montgomery feat. Debbie Andrews; Kathy Kosins; Claudio Roditi)

As a part of their latest compilation series, Resonance Records has released a tribute to Jazz Singers, Sing A Song Of JazzThe Best Of Vocal Jazz On Resonance. It seems fitting that Sarah Vaughan would be the opening performer here. She has been described (by Frank Sinatra and Mel Torme) as the greatest jazz singer of all time, with a range from soprano to female baritone. The Gershwin standard, “The Man I Love” has been a torch song for the ages, hallowed in jazz circles by the likes of Billie Holiday, Lena Horne and Vaughan herself in 1948. This 1978 performance (from Live At Rosy’s backed by a piano trio) is swinging. “Sassy” delivers a variety of scat-laden vocals. her lower-register command is palpable. And she can still deliver a soprano finish. Cut to 2017, and British chanteuse Polly Gibbons shines on a full-throttle up tempo version of “Ability To Swing”. She uses vocalese as counter and unison with the horn section. Her soulful phrasing carries the day. Reaching back to 1976, Stan/Getz Joao Gilberto live performance of “E Preciso Perdoar” captures the stylistic, idiosyncratic voice of Gilberto (with his steady guitar chords). The hushed delicacy and lilting inflection of Gilberto’s voice is hypnotic and it’s always invigorating to hear a Stan Getz tenor solo.

Resonance Records uncovered another hidden treasure when Shirley Horn’s Live At The Four Queens was released in 2016. “Just For A Thrill” is a sensual ballad, articulated with a smokey vibrato by Horn (who fronts her own trio on piano). She caresses the melody with deeply felt poignancy.  Angela Hagenbach continues the tradition of alto jazz vocals. “Slow Hot Wind” (from The Way They make Me Feel) is a lesser-known Henry Mancini composition that has an an airy eloquence. Hagenbach’s slow-burning voice is surrounded by lush strings that create a melancholic atmosphere. In another orchestrated (reeds) arrangement, Cathy Rocco distills a bluesy swagger on “Daydreaming” (from You’re Gonna Hear From Me). Soulful backup vocals and an ensemble with jazz gravitas add to the layered texture of this performance. Keeping the r & b going, Aubrey Logan covers “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman with deep feeling and doubles on trombone. Seattle singer Greta Matassa displays a polished 70’s type sound on “Chan’s Song” (from I Wanna Be Loved). Her flexible vocal style bridges jazz and rhythm and blues with impeccable timing. As with many of these tracks there is ample musical support from various Resonance instrumentalists.

Going back in time, a 1956 date with Wes Montgomery and Debbie Andrews resulted in a sultry version of “I Should Care” (In The Beginning). This is yet another gem in the Resonance “lost treasure” recordings. Andrews’ evocative, heart wrenching vocals insinuate an aching torch song . Montgomery’s laid-back guitar licks make a perfect complement to this vocalist. The sound quality belies the vintage of the recording. Kathy Kosins embodies pure jazz vocals on “November Twilight” (from To The Ladies Of Cool). Her deliberate elocution and  emotional presentation feature gently suggestive undertones that amplify the jazzy context. Polly Gibbons returns for a gritty, soul-inspired take on “So Good”. Tamir Hendelman (piano) and Christian Howes (violin) contribute memorable solos. Gibbons interacts with the band, using her voice instrumentally. Brazilian trumpeter Claudio Roditi offers a mellow rendition of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Ligia” (Bons Amigos) to bring this vocal compilation to a relaxed finish.

Sing A Song Of Jazz: The Best Of Vocal Jazz On Resonance delivers on its premise. A vibrant mix of restored and modern recordings showcasing the art of jazz vocalists. Additionally the accompanying instrumentals are equally compelling. Like all of the “Best Of” Resonance releases, there is visually striking graphic work by Takao Fujioka.

TrackList: 
The Man I Love
Ability To Swing
E Preciso Perdoar
Just For A Thrill
Slow Hot Wind
Daydreaming
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Chan’s Song
I Should Care
November Twilight
So Good
Ligia

—Robbie Gerson

 




Related Reviews
Logo Pure Pleasure
Logo Crystal Records Sidebar 300 ms
Logo Jazz Detective Deep Digs Animated 01