Various Artists - Great Jazz Vocalists Sing the Gershwin Songbook

In the pantheon of jazz singers, the great tunes of George and Ira Gershwin have always been favorites. Special vocalists can make these compositions their own, elevating each number by the way they phrase, emote, or interpret without reinterpreting. That innate ability to take a well-worn standard and invigorate it is well documented within these 16 tracks. Easily among the highlights are Nat King Cole's "Embraceable You," Carmen McRae's "The Man I Love," Dakota Staton's "A Foggy Day," Johnny Hartman's "How Long Has This Been Going On?," Nina Simone's forever classic "Summertime," the lesser-known "Love Walked In" by Abbey Lincoln, and Mel Tormé's fun and funny "Do Do Do." You also get two tracks from Sarah Vaughan, who had a singular command of Gershwin like nobody else. This is a solid collection of vocal magic from top to bottom, and can be recommended to all. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

Name Credits Abbey Lincoln Performer Albert "Tootie" Heath Drums Annie Ross Performer Benny Carter & His Orchestra ? Beverly Kenney Performer Bill Holman Conductor, Arranger Bob Cooper Oboe, Conductor, Arranger, Sax (Tenor) Bob Neal Drums Bud Shank Sax (Alto), Flute Carmen McRae Performer, Vocals Carson Smith Bass Charlie Harris Bass Chet Baker Performer Dakota Staton Performer Dave Barbour Guitar David Allyn Performer Don Costa Conductor, Arranger Don Lamond Bongos Ed Leddy Trumpet Frank Rosolino Trombone Gerald Wilson Rhythm Arrangements, Conductor, String Arrangements Hank Jones Piano Jack Wilson Piano James Gavin Consultant Jim Hall Guitar Jimmy Bond Bass Jimmy Rowles Piano Joe Pass Guitar John Collins Guitar Johnny Hartman Performer Johnny Mandel Arranger Jonah Jones Trumpet June Christy Performer Kenny Dennis Drums Lalo Schifrin Conductor, Arranger Lee Gillette Producer Mel Lewis Drums Mel Tormé Performer Monty Budwig Bass Nancy Wilson Performer Nat King Cole Performer, Vocals, Piano Nina Simone Vocals, Piano, Performer Patrick Roques Design Peggy Lee Performer, Vocals Ralph Burns Director, Arranger Red Callender Tuba Richard Bock Producer Rudy Traylor Conductor Russ Freeman Piano Sarah Vaughan Performer Sonny Burke ? Teddy Reig Producer Todd Sommer Bongos Tom Morgan Producer Will Friedwald Compilation Producer, Liner Notes William Richards Photography Zoot Sims Sax (Tenor)