Search - Abbey Lincoln :: It's Me

For love of abbey

rjchesney2 | usa | 11/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many comparisions have been made over the years between Abbey Lincoln and Billie Holiday. At 73 years of age and a 50+ year carreer, Abbey lincoln does not stand in the shadow of the great lady day or any other great figure in musical history. Abbey lincoln is one of the most original artists ever to grace this planet we call earth. Her latest album "It's me" starts off with the best interpretation of "Skylark" that I have ever heard. The album ends with "Can you dig it", one of the hippest songs to come out this year, the eternally cool abbey lincoln has a way with language that is both poetic and ironic, she trusts her audience will "get it" and " dig it". anyone who has seen her live in recent years knows that her band is first rate and as usual they shine on this recording. From what I understand this is the last recording made under contract to verve records, I can only pray that Ms lincoln decides to record for many years to come. Her music is gospel to me, it feels like divine intervention to me, and I am a better man for having heard this songbird sing. If you are new to Ms lincolns work may I suggest: A turtles dream, Wholly earth, Over the years, and Gotta pay the band (with stan getz). If you are already familiar with ms. lincoln then "it's me" is a no risk buy. It is quite and understated and with each listen you will hear something new and her voice will sink deep into your bones and soothe your soul. This music will set your spirit free!!!! They call it Jazz, I prefer to just listen to the message it has, and I dig it !"

Buy it for 'Skylark'

A. Griffin | New York, NY United States | 02/15/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I went to see Abbey at the Blue Note in NYC in November 2004 when this CD was released. Her first number was 'Skylark'. When she finished I was on my feet to give her the standing ovation she deserved. Her live rendition of this classic and it's recorded sibling on this CD are the most moving versions of this standard I've ever heard. From the first words, you know you are hearing something unique: she imbues 'Skylark' with life Hoagy Carmichael probably never imagined when he wrote it. Cassandra Wilson and Dianne Reeves, two singers I greatly respect, have both recorded this standard (Cassandra on 'Blue Skies' and Dianne on 'A Little Moonlight') but they had no idea what they were doing. Both express like teenagers hoping for a first crush. Abbey correcly relates the plaintive hopefulness of the lyrics: the heartbreaking final glimmer of faith of the critically disappointed.



Only Billie Holiday or Louis Armstrong could express the combination of grief and hope as Abbey has done with this landmark version of 'Skylark'. Anyone who doesn't recognize the importance of Abbey's performance can't hope to understand why Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong are exalted as jazz's greatest singers, and will never be able to distinguish cabaret singers or merely talented jazz vocalists from icons."