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Every week on the air there's a special focus on one particular jazz album. Check them all out here!

Jazz Album of the Week: Sing A Song Of Jazz, The Best of Vocal Jazz on Resonance

September 16, 2019. Resonance Records has proven to be a jazz powerhouse when it comes to new releases and never-before released vintage material. Sing A Song of Jazz: The Best of Vocal Jazz on Resonance truly celebrates the power of lyrical jazz, whether it was recorded in 1956 or 2019.

Let’s begin with the crème de la crème of this compilation: a walk down memory lane with Sarah Vaughan and Shirley Horn. Sarah’s “The Man I Love” comes from a 2016 Resonance Records release of newly discovered tracks from Ms. Vaughan, recorded in 1978 at Rosy’s Jazz Club in New Orleans. It’s an upbeat version of the classic, but Sassy’s vibrato is there in all its glory. 

As for Shirley, “Just for A Thrill” is pulled from Live At the Four Queens, and was also released for the first time in 2016. Anyone who stumbled into this Vegas club back in 1988 certainly played their cards right – the performance is fantastic. This tune is an ideal example of the performance, as Shirley maintains a sultry purr throughout, whilst building suspense using a stride technique on piano (yes, she played that night as well).

Sing A Song of Jazz manages to cover all bases when it comes to the Resonance catalogue. Music from Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto makes the cut of this outstanding compilation, as well as more recent favorites from Angela Hagenbach, Kathy Kosins, Cathy Rocco, Aubrey Logan , Greta Matassa and British sensation Polly Gibbons.

To cap things off, an unexpected surprise pops up, compliments of Wes Montgomery. In 2015, Resonance completed and released In the Beginning, a mishmash of live recordings from various dates that were discovered by friends of the label and family members of musicians.

The gleaming gem, “I Should Care,” featuring vocalist Debbie Andrews, makes you want to utilize Google to find out more about Ms. Andrews. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Needless to say, if jazz vocal music is your thing, this Resonance Records compilation is something you'll want to own. You get a sample of the more expensive vintage, then move to something a little easier and on the smooth side. Claudio Roditi even makes an appearance, and sings, to add a little spice. Prepare for your tasting, and enjoy!