Search - Abbey Lincoln :: Straight Ahead

Hangin' on from year to year...

ramencity | 10/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is widely recognized as Abbey's finest album, and I'm happy to see its back in print again. Not long after this recording her musical career was put on hiatus--apparantly no one would touch her in those troubling political times--a crying shame, as it means more albums of this caliber were not to be. (Her later recordings do hold up surprisingly well, however, quite "smoky" still, as my friend put it.) A stunning, powerful album with gutsy vocals that indict the many injustices of the day [and are still relevant]. Impressive back-up band includes Coleman Hawkins, Julian Priester, Booker Little, Max Roach. A Thelonious Monk cover with some fun lyrics. "Malindy" is the obvious classic; "Straight Ahead" and "African Lady" are two of my other favorites. A long way to go for a former supper-club singer... Maybe they'll reissue her album with then-husband Max Roach, "Freedom Now! Suite"..."

The Mother Lode for this Wonderful Artist

Rick Cornell | Reno, Nv USA | 01/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It has been 30 years since I listened to this on vinyl. I still consider it to be one of this artist's best. Her interpretations of "Blue Monk" and "When Malindy Sings" simply are unforgettable, and "African Lady" demonstrates her very strong tie to the third world. Ms. Lincoln to me is second-generation Billie Holiday. She doesn't have the widest range or the purest voice, to be sure, but what she has is the biggest heart. She comes to the table and brings it with everything she has, and in the process, creates something original. Buy this one, then one of her early '90's classics, such as "The World Is Falling Down" or "You Gotta Pay the Band", and prepare to be mesmerized."

No cute sexy music anymore

Alain Robert | Québec | 09/01/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Just take a look who's playing here : Booker Little, Eric Dolphy, Mal Waldron, Coleman Hawkins and Mr. Max Roach and more: and Monk liked the way she sang "blue monk". A great album."