Sunday, November 1, 2009

Abbey LINCOLN - That's Him 1957


Abbey LINCOLN - That's Him 1957

Jazz

Abby Lincoln's voice is as unique as it is expressive. Over the years she has made recordings with some of the best musicians in the business. This record is outstanding. I had the privilege of hearing Abby Lincoln live in New Haven at the Festival of Arts and Ideas several years back, and her creative ideas and ability to interpret a melody haven't diminished over the years.
This record features Sonny Rollins, Kenny Dorham, Wynton Kelly, and Paul Chambers. This is an outstanding line-up.
The first tune is one one of my favorites. It is entitled "Strong Man." It is refreshing in this day an age to hear someone sing "I am in love with a strong man." Today most men are portrayed in music as stupid, weak, or womanizing and sexist. This is a refreshing reminder of what real men are called to be.
The whole record is beautiful and beautifully recorded. "Porgy" is a real gem as well.
Sonny Rollins is brilliant on this record. His solos are sparse and he is a supporting role, but he fulfills it very competently.
Great record.
**
This CD reissue brings back singer Abbey Lincoln's second recording and first for Riverside, adding alternate takes of "I Must Have That Man!" and "Porgy" to the original LP program. Lincoln is accompanied by quite an all-star roster (tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, trumpeter Kenny Dorham, pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Max Roach) and, even this early, she was already a major jazz singer with a style of her own. Lincoln was careful from this point on to only interpret lyrics that she believed in. Her repertoire has a few superior standards (including several songs such as "I Must Have That Man!" and "Don't Explain" that are closely associated with Billie Holiday) plus Oscar Brown, Jr.'s "Strong Man" and Phil Moore's "Tender as a Rose"; she takes the latter unaccompanied. "Don't Explain" is slightly unusual in that Paul Chambers is absent and Wynton Kelly makes an extremely rare appearance on bass. All three of Abbey Lincoln's Riverside albums (each of which have been reissued through the OJC imprint) are well worth several listens.
By Scott Yanow, All Music Guide.
**
Abbey Lincoln- Vocals,
Sonny Rollins- Tenor Sax,
Kenny Dorham- Trumpet,
Wynton Kelly- Piano,
Paul Chambers- Bass.
Max Roach- Drums
**
01. Strong Man 5:01
02. Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe 5:53
03. My Man 3:54
04. Tender As A Rose 2:57
05. That's Him 3:23
06. I Must Have That Man 3:57
07. I Must Have That Man (take 3, bonus track) 3:54
08. Porgy 4:24
09. Porgy (take 1, bonus track) 4:28
10. When A Woman Loves A Man 4:25
11. Don't Explain 6:39
**
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