Search - Sarah Vaughan :: How Long Has This Been Going On?

Four Equals Five; Bad Math, Maybe, But Great Music!

Paul Dana | San Francisco, CA USA | 12/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Singers -- particularly jazz singers -- are usually regarded as some sort of "separate entity," a species unto themselves as opposed to the "instrumental" musicians who accompany them. This attitude is nonsense, a fact which has rarely been better demonstrated than by this 1978 outing in which five all-star musicians -- one of whose instruments happens to be vocal -- combine in a mix that is nothing short of brilliant.Are you an Oscar Peterson fan? A Joe Pass devotee? Ray Brown, Louie Bellson? Doesn't matter; chances are, you'll love each one's work here. (Ditto for Sarah Vaughn admirers, it should go without saying.) There are no extended solos, nor is there a hint of "star temperament" to be found; simply put, this is a session in which five artists (headliners all) immersed themselves into an ensemble effort, relying primarily upon their acquired virtuosity as well as the "three I's" of jazz musicianship: Instinct, Intuitiveness, and Interaction.The blend that results from their mutual support and admiration is a dictionary-perfect definition of irresistible!"

Her Very Best Ever! . . . "This Is What Great Jazz Is All Ab

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 02/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The interaction of Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass, Ray Brown and Louie Bellson with Sarah is what great jazz is all about." ~ Norman Granz ~



Norman Granz, producer of this CD who had produced countless of remarkable jazz recordings for Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Pass, Oscar Peterson, Stan Getz, Bill Evans, Anita O'Day, Bud Powell, Sonny Stitt and Lester Young, among many others, pretty sums up on the above quote what is to expect in this CD, Sarah Vaughan's "How Long Has This Been Going On." It is definitely "what great jazz is all about." The "Sassy Lady" teaming up with some of the greatest jazz giants of all-time is so overwhelmingly delightful! Of all her recordings, nothing beats this one - what with a support of the finest musicians and jazz legends you can ever think of? Sarah Vaughan with Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass, Ray Brown and Louis Bellson at the center stage, you can't go wrong with this great album. It's one of the best jazz albums ever recorded - a must-have to all jazz aficionados. I love everything about this album!



With this album, Sarah Vaughan brings a wealth of experience in the genre of jazz. It is a blend of Ms. Vaughan's extraordinary vocal style and the splendid instrumental chops of Oscar Peterson on piano, Joe Pass on guitar, Ray Brown on bass and Louie Bellson on drums. And with her exceptional renditions of these time-tested standards, Sarah Vaughan creates an elegant and classy musical ambience that ultimately proves her fine-tuned vocal ingenuity.



Being an avid music listener, I find it easy to love this CD that promises a delightful listening experience with its ten par excellence performances of the "Sassy Lady." No matter what song she sings, she brings sincerity, love and dedication that shine all throughout from the first track to the last one. Her interpretations will surely evoke moving emotions. Her sparkling vocal artistry is the perfect compliment to the top-notch instrumentations of Peterson, Pass, Brown and Bellson.



She is is full of spirit and grooves as she sings "I've Got The World On A String" and "Teach Me Tonight" while she remains so emotionally-charged in her stirring renditions of "More Than You Know," "Body And Soul," "Midnight Sun" and the title track as well. No other singer could have sung it with more poignancy and genuine emotion than the "Sassy Lady" herself.



Joe Pass' incredible virtuosity in guitar can be best heard in "My Old Flame." You'll love the guitar sound that is very articulate and so powerful.



This is Sarah Vaughan's finest work and certainly a great addition to your vocal jazz collection.



With my heartfelt recommendation for your listening pleasure now and forever.

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