What Kind of Fool Am I? - Sarah Vaughan, Bricusse, Leslie
Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry - Sarah Vaughan, Cahn, Sammy
Sermonette - Sarah Vaughan, Adderley, Cannonbal
In Love in Vain - Sarah Vaughan, Kern, Jerome
Gravy Waltz - Sarah Vaughan, Allen, Steve [1]
The Good Life - Sarah Vaughan, Distel, Sacha
Moanin' - Sarah Vaughan, Hendricks, Jon
'Round Midnight - Sarah Vaughan, Hanighen, Bernie
Easy Street - Sarah Vaughan, Jones, Alan Rankin
Baby, Won't You Please Come Home - Sarah Vaughan, Warfield, Charles
Midnight Sun - Sarah Vaughan, Burke, Sonny [Arran
Sassy's years on the Roulette label (1960-64) have been called the legendary singer's finest hour, a time when Vaughan's musicality merged exquisitely with her unbridled vocal ardor to achieve the sublime. Sarah Sings S... more »oulfully, recorded at the close of that period, stands as a stunning testament to this claim--a divine collection of tracks that reveals an artist staking her soul on the rendering of each and every note, as well as the silences between them. Seductively spare, luxuriously poignant, and achingly honest all at the same time, Vaughan's vocals careen incandescently through the 12 standards presented here, swooping, sighing, and soaring with an intensity that remains unparalleled to this day. Listen to her reading of the "Just let our love take wing" line on the version of Monk's "'Round Midnight" found here: the fat, luscious drop of the word "just," the long fermata on "love," and the dip and swell that pulls the phrase forward on "take." It's a moment of revelation--and incredibly, only one among the many that shimmer throughout this collection. --Sylvia W. Chan« less
Sassy's years on the Roulette label (1960-64) have been called the legendary singer's finest hour, a time when Vaughan's musicality merged exquisitely with her unbridled vocal ardor to achieve the sublime. Sarah Sings Soulfully, recorded at the close of that period, stands as a stunning testament to this claim--a divine collection of tracks that reveals an artist staking her soul on the rendering of each and every note, as well as the silences between them. Seductively spare, luxuriously poignant, and achingly honest all at the same time, Vaughan's vocals careen incandescently through the 12 standards presented here, swooping, sighing, and soaring with an intensity that remains unparalleled to this day. Listen to her reading of the "Just let our love take wing" line on the version of Monk's "'Round Midnight" found here: the fat, luscious drop of the word "just," the long fermata on "love," and the dip and swell that pulls the phrase forward on "take." It's a moment of revelation--and incredibly, only one among the many that shimmer throughout this collection. --Sylvia W. Chan
"Although I am only in my early twenties, Sarah Vaughan was my introduction to jazz almost ten years ago. I own about twenty of her albums and I do believe that "Sarah Sings Soulfully" is an essential recording for any true fan of Sassy's to own. Recorded in 1963, it captured Sassy's glorious voice in top shape. The originality here is that this is not exactly a jazz album; there is bass, trumpet, tenor sax, guitar and drums but the acoustic piano is replaced by an organ played to perfection by Ernie Freeman. The result is absolutely breathtaking. Sassy here not only showcases very precise interpretative skills but also her brilliant musicianship on every track; more importantly, Sarah's impeccable vocal technique never outweighs the language of the soul. See for yourself by listening to "What Kind of A Fool Am I?," "In Love In Vain," Monk's classic tune "'Round Midnight", and one of the most magnificent renditions of "Midnight Sun" I have ever heard. The Jazziest number on this album has to be "Moanin'" as its instrumentation very much recalls the "big-band" style. I guess this record owes its title to the variety of moods that Sarah explores here. She swiftly alternates between melancholy and foolish, exhilirating joy ("Sermonette," "Gravy Waltz") and always, she remains engaging and believable. Another reason to buy this album--especially if you're in need of an intro to Sarah--is that it provides you with an opportunity to really appreciate her legendary, wide range vocal range, from her unmistakable vibrato to her astonishing falsetto. Pay close attention to Sassy's vocal prowesses as she closes "A Taste of Honey" and "In Love In Vain" and you might just understand why many critics thought that many an opera singer envied that voice! Go get this album and recommend it to your friends; it's pure gold from start to finish."
Sublime Sarah Breaks Your Heart
Peter | East of Los Angeles | 12/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sarah Vaughan was often not given enough credit in the shaping and emotional impact of her performances on record. Always overshadowed by the ghost of Billie Holiday's emotional interpretations and Ella Fitzgerald's sense of swing, Sarah was often relegated to third in line in the world of female jazz divas. Unfortunately this record has not received the attention it deserves. Sarah's interpreations and performance on this set leaves no emotional door unopened, she simply breaks your heart with her subtle yet effective interpretation. Rarely has Sassy sounded so emotionally honest, not overpowering the material here. By this time, Sarah was listening to her critics and pulling back to let the lyrics and melody shine instead of calling undue attention to the power of her majestic voice. It is very evident Sassy was watching herself here, and just lets the music itself and her wonderful instrument to guide the listener thru the twists and turns of a heartbroken journey. Strongly recommended."
W O W
Damian P. Gadal | Santa Barbara, CA USA | 05/01/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording really packs a punch! Soulfully is an understatement - but how else could you describe this recording? The phrasing, pauses, and drawn out notes, all coalesce with the beautiful musical arrangements - standing the listeners every hair on end.Listening to this creates a numbing bliss! As soulful as soul stirring, this is one of Sarah's best recordings I've listened to!"
STUNNING VOCAL MAGNIFICENCE~BRAVO SARAH!!!
Bradly Briggs | TOLUCA LAKE, CALIFORNIA | 05/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Nobody could match the vocals from this peerless singer who is easily one of the greatest voices ever to grace the recording studio or concert stage and this great collection has the brilliant voice of Sarah Vaughan on display in all of its sublime soulful magnificence..."A Taste Of Honey" is the dark hauntingly brilliant opener of this great set and Sarah's beautifully fluid vocal is intoxicating and at its glorious peak giving chills when Sassy goes to the top of her stunning range at the ending! A moody and beautifully sung "What Kind Of Fool Am I?" is a different take on this classic that works while "I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry" is a totally engrossing stunner that is only matched by Diane Schuur's brilliant version that is her salute to the "Divine One" in her classic "Tribute" collection which is another Essential Collection for anyone who is a connoisseur of great female vocalists! In the early 70's I was fortunate to witness Sarah's return to performing in a small club in West Hollywood that was one of the most incredible performances I have ever experienced as The Divine One's voice grew greater and more rangy in her later years and although this album was some eight years earlier this wonderful set of jazzy songs is a grand example of a more mature and developed Sarah..."In Love In Vain" is romantic and gorgeous, the rhythmic "Gravy Waltz" is a delightful romp while "The Good Life" is lush and richly sung as only Sarah could sing them! A grand and elegant performance makes "Moanin'" a standout in a truly incredible program of performances that are full of them..."'Round Midnight" is hauntingly beautiful and a stirring and soulfully sung "Easy Street" is a blissful glorious vocal that is nothing less than magical. A hypnotic vocal that is enchanting make "Baby, Won't You Please Come Home" a wonderous listening experience while a deeply haunting "Midnight Sun" is an incredibly great closer for a totally magnificent collection of peerless vocal performances...Bravo Sarah and thank you for sharing your magical voice in concert and recordings for so many years that were sublime and are you ever missed!!!"