For budget jazz samplers, Verve is the place to go. The label's Jazz 'Round Midnight series particularly stands out, with its bevy of prime ballad sides by some of the music's most outstanding vocal and instrumental stylists. Mostly culled from the vintage vocal years of the '50s and early '60s, this Chanteuses roundup features both the stars (Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington) and the often unsung (Blossom Dearie, Shirley Horn, Helen Merrill). Usually strangers to the jazz-sampler world, both '50s pop star ...
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For budget jazz samplers, Verve is the place to go. The label's Jazz 'Round Midnight series particularly stands out, with its bevy of prime ballad sides by some of the music's most outstanding vocal and instrumental stylists. Mostly culled from the vintage vocal years of the '50s and early '60s, this Chanteuses roundup features both the stars (Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington) and the often unsung (Blossom Dearie, Shirley Horn, Helen Merrill). Usually strangers to the jazz-sampler world, both '50s pop star Patti Page and Broadway favorite Pearl Bailey are also featured. The material is all high-quality, with top honors going to Nina Simone's "Wild Is the Wind," Monica Zetterlund's fine take on the Bernstein classic "Some Other Time," and Dearie's absolutely transcendent "Manhattan." A perfect way to start off your jazz vocal obsession. ~ Stephen Cook, Rovi
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