Search - Shirley Horn :: Here's to Life

Shirley Horn - A Jazz Treasure

A Jazz Fan | New York, NY | 01/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the quintessential Shirley Horn album that was produced by the late Joel Siegel. Horn was almost difficult to convince to have strings and orchestration added to her otherwise spare piano and voice recordings. Luckily for all, she acquiesced.



The title song and first track sets the mood for the rest of the album. This album arcs and it should be used as a guide by aspiring jazz singers who would like to have an album that not only tells a story, but one that takes the listener through a musical journey. It is a textbook example of a personal belief of mine that an intelligent, heartfelt, well-phrased interpretation of a lyric propels a song much further than mere musicality.



Shirley Horn bookends the album with Joe Siegel's English-translated version of the Italian song, "Estate," a love song that on the surface appears to be sung to a person, but surprisingly is a serenade to the warm Summer season.



It may sound as though I exaggerate, but Shirley's "Here's To Life" album is within easy reach of my CD player, is in heavy rotation and is also in my iPod. Shirley is with me wherever I go."

How Did I Miss Her

Kimetta Coleman | Phoenix, AZ | 06/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Either I had no idea who I had been listening to (most likely) or just credited that beautiful, sensual voice of Shirley Horn to be someone else (Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughn, etc), I am not sure. But after hearing the song entitled, "Here's To Life," I immediately went to Amazon to review in depth this breath-taking, awe-inspiring artist.



I didn't waste one minute purchasing the download. After hearing this woman, Shirley Horn, I am convinced, I have truly missed a lot in my life. Simpy put....The finer things of life."