Being a female jazz singer is an exceedingly difficult role. Jazz fans are notorious tormentors quick to assassinate all forms of hypersensitivity because it unveils a pathos that is much too heavy to bear; and they are prompt to decry any excessive technique that might defeat the sensibilities of an otherwise perfect voice. And whose voice could pride itself on its perfect technique and a totally natural sensitivity? One is tempted to answer “none,” because all the most beautiful voices, from Billie to Carmen and from Ella to Helen, have one day shown excess. Sarah Vaughan included. But when Sarah disclosed her restrained sensitivity and a technique superior to all others, she was unrivalled, even by the greatest. 

Her vocal range, of course, allowed her to be daring, and her inborn feeling for rhythm, melody and harmony placed her in the bosom of the orchestra, at the heart of the music. But whether her material was jazz, decidedly so, or intended for performance in front of a wider public, as in the cocktail of songs gathered here, Sarah always knew how to unveil a sensibility that was profound and yet light enough to move us. She had just what it takes to remove our shell of jaded urbanity.

TRACKLISTING: 

A1. Interlude

A2. September Song

A3. Lullaby Of Birdland

A4. I’m Glad There Is You

A5. Embraceable You

B1. I Cried For You

B2. Pennies From Heaven

B3. Words Can't Describe

B4. September In The Rain

B5. Willow Weep For Me

B6. Just One Of Those Things

C1. The Best Is Yet to Come

C2. Doodlin’

C3. The Man I Love

C4. Baubles, Bangles and Beads

C5. It’s Magic

C6. An Occasional Man

D1. Witchcraft

D2. Summertime

D3. Fly Me To The Moon

D4. Corner To Corner

D5. Whatever Lola Wants

D6. Isn’t It A Pity

D7. I Could Write A Book