Search - Sandra King :: In a Concert of Vernon Duke Songs

Wow, what a find!

B. Redman | l | 01/01/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Before getting this album I had not heard of Sandra King, but, Wow, what a find! Sandra King's voice is very reminiscent of Cleo Laine's. Her style and approach to the songs are, however, more natural and relaxed - having more in common with Shirley Horn whom she lists as one of her influences in the liner notes. She is a sensitive interpreter of jazz songs, and all of the songs on this album are top quality creations of Vernon Duke, even though some are less familiar. Sandra King is accompanied by Pat Smythe on piano and Tommy Cecil on bass. Both Smythe and Cecil provide sensitive, relaxed, and very interesting accompaniments that complement King's singing very well. Blossom Dearie had stated that Pat Smythe was her favorite pianist, and had dedicated an album on her own label to his memory since he passed away in 1983. The album is from a live recording of a concert that took place at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, DC in 1982. The sound quality is quite good being clear, warm, and well-balanced. I highly recommend this album, and I hope to find more recordings by Sandra King."