Abbey Lincoln: A Child is Born
Musicians:
Abbey Lincoln (vocals), J.J. Johnson (trombone), Grady Tate (drums),
Rodney Kendrick (piano), Marcus McLaurine (bass)
.Music by Thad Jones with lyrics by Alec Wilder
.Recorded: New York City, NY. February, 1992
Rating: 90/100 (learn more)
This reading of Thad Jones’s standard has a sedate, introspective quality, and the solos from Johnson and Kendrick are beautifully executed, fully adding to that atmosphere. The underlying presence of the blues in their playing is thrilling, yet does not tarnish the somber tone of the work. The real show here, however, is Lincoln’s singing. I’d never heard Alec Wilder’s words previous to this listening, and I’m not sure they’ve settled in, but the horn-like quality of Lincoln's voice mesmerizes no matter what words come out. Such a unique and precious jazz instrument!
Reviewer: Frank Murphy
Tags: a child is born · jazz waltz
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