Jacintha - Autumn Leaves: The Songs Of Johnny Mercer (Hybrid SACD)
Jacintha, vocals [click here to see more Vinyl / SACD featuring Jacintha]
Teddy Edwards, tenor saxophone
Kei Akagi, piano
Darek Oles, bass
Larance Marable, drums
Anthony Wilson, guitar
1 Hybrid SACD
Original analog Master tape : YES
Stereo
Studio
Label : Groove Note
Original Label : Groove Note
Produced by Joe Harley
Remastered by Bernie Grundman
Originally released in 1999
Reissued in 2018
Tracks:
- And The Angels Sing
- Skylark
- Once For My Baby
- Midnight Sun
- Autumn Leaves
- Days of Wine & Roses
- I Remember You
- Trav'lin Light
- Something's Gotta Give
- Moon River
- Here's To Life (Soundtrack)
- Here's To Life (Opening)
Reviews :
"Nine of the 11 tracks here are ballads. Their uncluttered arrangements spotlight Jacintha's smooth and sensuous voice, while her expressive phrasing draws the most from the classic Johnny Mercer lyrics. Jacintha includes the original lyrics to "Autumn Leaves," done in soft and flawless French; otherwise, her primary innovation is to deliver the tunes straight and sincerely, with minimal improvisation and maximum tenderness. There's no trace of the customary bitterness in "One More for the Road," and her unaccompanied reading of "Moon River" liberates that song from any prior goopy associations. In fact, her version brings out the poignancy of the lyrics so purely that her additional chorus, coming after a rather wandering piano interlude, seems redundant. The band is good but pretty restrained throughout, supplying subtle commentary and close support, then breaks out nicely on the two up-tempo tracks: "And the Angels Sing" and "Something's Got to Give." Jacintha's measured, legato approach isn't very conducive to swinging, but listening to "Skylark"and "Midnight Sun," in particular, is like sipping cool champagne in a fragrant hot tub. Another highlight is the bonus track, "Here's to Life," a signature tune for Shirley Horn, which Jacintha takes at a slightly faster tempo. While it's not a Mercer lyric, its beautiful sentiments and melody fit nicely into this relaxed and intimate set." AllMusic Review by Judith Schlesinger
Ratings :
Discogs : 4,47 / 5