Sarah Sings Soulfully

Sarah Vaughan | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 26, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Roulette Jazz
• ASIN: B000002V0K
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #231,464 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "The Divine One"'s Powerhouse Soul!, July 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Sarah Sings Soulfully (Audio CD)

Although I am only in my early twenties, Sarah Vaughan was my introduction to jazz almost ten years ago. I own about twenty of her albums and I do believe that "Sarah Sings Soulfully" is an essential recording for any true fan of Sassy's to own. Recorded in 1963, it captured Sassy's glorious voice in top shape. The originality here is that this is not exactly a jazz album; there is bass, trumpet, tenor sax, guitar and drums but the acoustic piano is replaced by an organ played to perfection by Ernie Freeman. The result is absolutely breathtaking. Sassy here not only showcases very precise interpretative skills but also her brilliant musicianship on every track; more importantly, Sarah's impeccable vocal technique never outweighs the language of the soul. See for yourself by listening to "What Kind of A Fool Am I?," "In Love In Vain," Monk's classic tune "'Round Midnight", and one of the most magnificent renditions of "Midnight Sun" I have ever heard. The Jazziest number on this album has to be "Moanin'" as its instrumentation very much recalls the "big-band" style. I guess this record owes its title to the variety of moods that Sarah explores here. She swiftly alternates between melancholy and foolish, exhilirating joy ("Sermonette," "Gravy Waltz") and always, she remains engaging and believable. Another reason to buy this album--especially if you're in need of an intro to Sarah--is that it provides you with an opportunity to really appreciate her legendary, wide range vocal range, from her unmistakable vibrato to her astonishing falsetto. Pay close attention to Sassy's vocal prowesses as she closes "A Taste of Honey" and "In Love In Vain" and you might just understand why many critics thought that many an opera singer envied that voice! Go get this album and recommend it to your friends; it's pure gold from start to finish.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sublime Sarah Breaks Your Heart, December 21, 2000

By 

Peter (East of Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sarah Sings Soulfully (Audio CD)

Sarah Vaughan was often not given enough credit in the shaping and emotional impact of her performances on record. Always overshadowed by the ghost of Billie Holiday's emotional interpretations and Ella Fitzgerald's sense of swing, Sarah was often relegated to third in line in the world of female jazz divas. Unfortunately this record has not received the attention it deserves. Sarah's interpreations and performance on this set leaves no emotional door unopened, she simply breaks your heart with her subtle yet effective interpretation. Rarely has Sassy sounded so emotionally honest, not overpowering the material here. By this time, Sarah was listening to her critics and pulling back to let the lyrics and melody shine instead of calling undue attention to the power of her majestic voice. It is very evident Sassy was watching herself here, and just lets the music itself and her wonderful instrument to guide the listener thru the twists and turns of a heartbroken journey. Strongly recommended.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars W O W, April 30, 2004

By 

Damian P. Gadal (Santa Barbara, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sarah Sings Soulfully (Audio CD)

This recording really packs a punch! Soulfully is an understatement - but how else could you describe this recording? The phrasing, pauses, and drawn out notes, all coalesce with the beautiful musical arrangements - standing the listeners every hair on end.

Listening to this creates a numbing bliss! As soulful as soul stirring, this is one of Sarah's best recordings I've listened to!