Duke Ellington Songbook One Review

07/13/2005 4:34 AM, AMG


Sarah Vaughan interprets ten Duke Ellington-associated songs on the first of two sets; Song Book Two was recorded at the same two sessions as this CD reissue. Vaughan is accompanied by a variety of jazz all-stars including trumpeter Waymon Reed, trombonist J.J. Johnson and the tenors of Frank Foster, Frank Wess and Zoot Sims. Bill Byers contributed the arrangements for the larger band performances. The emphasis is on ballads with the highlights including "I'm Just a Lucky So and So," "I Didn't Know About You," "All Too Soon" and "Lush Life." Sassy's voice is in typically wondrous form throughout. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide