Sarah Vaughan: Sarah Sings Soulfully

Sarah Vaughan has been the introduction to jazz for many music lovers. "Sarah Sings Soulfully" is an essential recording for any true fan to own. Recorded in 1963, it captured Sassy's glorious voice in top shape. The originality here is that this is not exactly a jazz album; there is bass, trumpet, tenor sax, guitar and drums but the acoustic piano is replaced by an organ played to perfection by Ernie Freeman. 

The result is absolutely breathtaking. Sassy here not only showcases very precise interpretative skills but also her brilliant musicianship on every track; more importantly, Sarah's impeccable vocal technique never outweighs the language of the soul. See for yourself by listening to "What Kind of A Fool Am I?," "In Love In Vain," Monk's classic tune "'Round Midnight", and one of the most magnificent renditions of "Midnight Sun" I have ever heard. The Jazziest number on this album has to be "Moanin'" as its instrumentation very much recalls the "big-band" style.

This record owes its title to the variety of moods that Sarah explores. She swiftly alternates between melancholy and foolish, exhilarating joy ("Sermonette," "Gravy Waltz") and always, she remains engaging and believable. Another reason to download this album--especially if you're in need of an intro to Sarah--is that it provides you with an opportunity to really appreciate her legendary, wide range vocal range, from her unmistakable vibrato to her astonishing falsetto. Pay close attention to Sassy's vocal prowess as she closes "A Taste of Honey" and "In Love In Vain" and you might just understand why many critics thought that many an opera singer envied that voice!

This album is pure gold from start to finish.

 

Track Listing:01. A Taste Of Honey
02. What Kind Of Fool Am I?
03. Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out To Dry
04. Sermonette
05. In Love In Vain
06. Gravy Waltz
07. The Good Life
08. Moanin’
09. ‘Round Midnight
10. Easy Street
11. Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home
12. Midnight Sun