Search - Mary Stallings :: Manhattan Moods

Jazz vocalizing at it's very finest, that's Mary Stallings.

Sandra K. Ogunseinde | Mount Vernon, Texas United States | 11/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My very first recording of Mary Stallings was Manhattan Moods. I enjoyed it so much that her other albums were an easy sell. She reminds me much of Carmen McCrae, but not a carbon copy. She is smooth and graciously tells the story to perfection. Mary, keep em' coming.Sandra Kaye"

If You're in the Mood for Jazz, You're in the Mood for Mary

Gary L Connely | Hercules, CA | 10/05/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In the 1990's San Francisco jazz legend Mary Stallings cut three outstanding albums for Concord Records. "Manhattan Moods" was the third record in that series, ("I Waited for You" was the first; "Spectrum" was the second).



Mary Stallings is a stand up, straight ahead jazz singer. No pop stuff here. Blessed with a four octave range, a brassy vocal edge and an inimitable sense of swing, Ms Stallings is the real deal. If she's not, as the New York Times once said, "... the best jazz singer alive today...," she's certainly among the very best. Got doubts? Well, put "Manhattan Moods" in your CD player and they will be resolved.



"MM" is a set of standards, including "This Can't be Love," "Lullaby of the Leaves," (if you want to have a little fun, compare this studio version to Ms Stallings' live version, five years later, on her "Live at the Village Vanguard" album), "Willow Weep for Me," and "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance."



Ms Stallings is backed by pianist Monte Alexander, Ben Wolfe on bass and drummer Clyde Lucas. Flutist and soprano saxman Dick Oatts sits in on a couple of songs, as does harmonica and vibes player Hendrik Meurkens. These are top notch jazzers and, as Ms Stallings always does, she gives them plenty of opportunity to shine.



The sonics are up to Concord's usual standards: Ms Stallings' voice is front and center and the instruments are clearly and cleanly presented, with just a little warmth.



"Manhattan Moods" is an excellent album by one of our best contemporary singers. If you're in the mood for main stream jazz, then you're in the mood for Mary Stallings."