Lean On Me - 16 Great Jazz Vocal Recordings

Various Artists – Lean On Me (16 Great Jazz Vocal Recordings)

A varied collection celebrating the expressive range, individuality and timeless appeal of jazz singing, Lean On Me – 16 Great Jazz Vocal Recordings brings together some of the most distinguished voices in jazz, soul and traditional American popular music.

Featuring an impressive line-up including Al Jarreau, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Sarah Vaughan, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong and Anita O'Day, this compilation offers an enjoyable journey through several generations of vocal jazz. From intimate, emotionally expressive performances to swinging big-band arrangements and sophisticated jazz-pop, the selection highlights the remarkable diversity of the genre.

Al Jarreau features prominently, contributing four tracks that demonstrate the versatility and rhythmic sophistication that made him one of the most distinctive vocalists of his generation. His interpretations of Bill Withers' 'Lean On Me' and 'Grandma's Hands', alongside 'You' and 'Use Me', reveal his natural affinity for soul, jazz improvisation and inventive vocal phrasing.

The collection also features some of the greatest names in classic jazz singing. Ella Fitzgerald brings her unmistakable clarity, swing and effortless improvisational style to 'Sing Song Swing', 'Flying Home' and 'Lemon Drop'. Sarah Vaughan showcases her extraordinary vocal range and harmonic sophistication on 'Mean To Me' and 'Perdido', while Billie Holiday's 'I Cover The Waterfront' provides a more intimate and emotionally nuanced moment.

Elsewhere, Ray Charles brings his distinctive blend of blues, jazz and rhythm and blues to 'I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now', while Nat King Cole's relaxed delivery and impeccable phrasing shine on 'Straighten Up And Fly Right' and 'It's Only A Paper Moon'. Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong and Anita O'Day add further variety, representing different approaches to the art of jazz interpretation, from classic swing and traditional jazz to polished vocal performance.

What makes this selection particularly appealing is the contrast between its performers and musical styles. The older-school swing and traditional jazz sensibilities of Armstrong and Fitzgerald sit comfortably alongside the soulful, contemporary approach of Jarreau and Charles, creating a broad overview of the enduring relationship between jazz, blues and popular song.

An enjoyable collection for admirers of great vocal performances, Lean On Me – 16 Great Jazz Vocal Recordings is well suited to fans of classic jazz, vocal jazz, swing, jazz standards and sophisticated soul. With sixteen recordings from some of the most celebrated singers in American music, it offers plenty of variety and an excellent introduction to the many different voices that have shaped jazz singing.

Tracklist

A1. Al Jarreau – Lean On Me
A2. Ella Fitzgerald – Sing Song Swing
A3. Ray Charles – I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now
A4. Sarah Vaughan – Mean To Me
A5. Nat King Cole – Straighten Up And Fly Right
A6. Billie Holiday – I Cover The Waterfront
A7. Al Jarreau – Grandma's Hands
A8. Ella Fitzgerald – Flying Home

B1. Tony Bennett – Jeepers Creepers
B2. Louis Armstrong – I'm Confessin'
B3. Ella Fitzgerald – Lemon Drop
B4. Al Jarreau – You
B5. Anita O'Day – Wish You Were Waiting For Me
B6. Nat King Cole – It's Only A Paper Moon
B7. Sarah Vaughan – Perdido
B8. Al Jarreau – Use Me