Manhattan Moods

Mary Stallings | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 4, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Concord Records
• ASIN: B0000006QQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,743 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jazz vocalizing at it's very finest, that's Mary Stallings., November 27, 2001

By 

Sandra K. Ogunseinde "SandraKaye" (Mount Vernon, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Manhattan Moods (Audio CD)

My very first recording of Mary Stallings was Manhattan Moods. I enjoyed it so much that her other albums were an easy sell. She reminds me much of Carmen McCrae, but not a carbon copy. She is smooth and graciously tells the story to perfection. Mary, keep em' coming.

Sandra Kaye

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars if You're in the Mood for Jazz, You're in the Mood for Mary Stallings, October 4, 2009

By 

Gary L. Connely (Hercules, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Manhattan Moods (Audio CD)

In the 1990's San Francisco jazz legend Mary Stallings cut three outstanding albums for Concord Records. "Manhattan Moods" was the third record in that series, ("I Waited for You" was the first; "Spectrum" was the second).

Mary Stallings is a stand up, straight ahead jazz singer. No pop stuff here. Blessed with a four octave range, a brassy vocal edge and an inimitable sense of swing, Ms Stallings is the real deal. If she's not, as the New York Times once said, "... the best jazz singer alive today...," she's certainly among the very best. Got doubts? Well, put "Manhattan Moods" in your CD player and they will be resolved.

"MM" is a set of standards, including "This Can't be Love," "Lullaby of the Leaves," (if you want to have a little fun, compare this studio version to Ms Stallings' live version, five years later, on her "Live at the Village Vanguard" album), "Willow Weep for Me," and "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance."

Ms Stallings is backed by pianist Monte Alexander, Ben Wolfe on bass and drummer Clyde Lucas. Flutist and soprano saxman Dick Oatts sits in on a couple of songs, as does harmonica and vibes player Hendrik Meurkens. These are top notch jazzers and, as Ms Stallings always does, she gives them plenty of opportunity to shine.

The sonics are up to Concord's usual standards: Ms Stallings' voice is front and center and the instruments are clearly and cleanly presented, with just a little warmth.

"Manhattan Moods" is an excellent album by one of our best contemporary singers. If you're in the mood for main stream jazz, then you're in the mood for Mary Stallings.

4.0 out of 5 stars Simply Talented, June 8, 2011

By 

Cee (NYC) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Manhattan Moods (Audio CD)

As the Mom of the fantastically talented, pre-Eryykah Badu, Neo-Soul Sister, Adriana Evans, Mary Stallings reigns a champ. Between the two, talent is in the DNA. And, Manhattan Moods is a testament to Mom's talent and the gift she passes down to her daughter. She blows a set of strong pipes; her voice, still quite clear. There is no need to resort to stunts. While I am a fan of Stallings' debut music--despite what people say about her rawness, I like it; find it to be her authenticity, proving her ability to break through a longstanding tradition--I enjoy her maturity on Manhattan Moods. Queen Stallings' covers of these jazz standards display a commitment to convention. Yet, her style and vocal skills make her renditions creatively savvy. Track 4 How High the Moon is simply lovely, peaceful and romantic. Stallings is a foremother.