Customer Reviews

Skylark

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...whose fine documentary, "'Tis Autumn: The Search for Jackie Paris," introduced me and many, many others to this unique and wonderful jazz singer. "'Tis Autumn" tells us that "Skylark" was Paris' signature song, so this was the logical CD to buy immediately after seeing the movie. Paris' distinctive sound--honey with just a touch of sandpaper--is perfect for conveying the wistful, optimistic longing of Johnny Mercer's lyrics. (Check out Nancy LaMott's recording of the same song on her "Beautiful Baby" CD for a contrasting yet equally beautiful and valid version.)

Neal Hefti's arrangements and Billy Taylor's piano are outstanding accompaniments to Paris' splendid voice. Sarah Vaughan called Paris "The Kissy Singer," and I can see what she meant: few singers have sounded more intimate, more like they are making love to their audience, than Paris. Every cut on "Skylark" is so excellent that your favorite is likely to be the one you're listening to at the time. Why Paris did not become famous will remain one of the enduring mysteries of jazz. De Felitta cites myriad reasons in the documentary--Paris' gigantic ego and combustible temper, his consistent refusal to do as Sinatra did and accept mob backing, the sheer inability of record executives to understand what Paris was doing. Yet De Felitta also points out that these things also were true of singers who became household names. Well, Paris' obscurity will remain a mystery. All we can do now is spread the word.

One disc 35 minutes in length approximately. The sound is very good. Paris' voice is clean,crisp,and smooth,and is out front on these tracks. A few songs are arranged for strings,the title track is a great example,being arranged by Neal Hefti,who went on to become an in-demand music arranger. But the majority of these tracks have a simple backing consisting of Billy Taylor-piano,Earl May-bass,Kalil Madi-drums,and Charlie Shavers-trumpet. The notes are short but to the point-giving a very short overview of Paris' career.

This album was originally issued in 1954,on the Brunswick label. This album focuses primarily on ballads,which (the late) Jackie Paris excelled on. His way with a set of lyrics was indeed,and still is,an intimate listening experience. One listen to something like "I'm Through With Love",or "A Cottage For Sale" will tell the listener all they need to know about Paris' way with a song. No wonder musicians of the caliber of Lionel Hampton,Dizzy Gillespie,Charlie Parker,and Charles Mingus were in awe,not only of his singing prowess,but the emotion he put into the lyrics of each tune.

The feel of this album is definitely late-night. Paris's voice,while clean and clear,seems to ooze out of the speakers with a sadness that's almost palpable. Some of these tracks will remind listeners somewhat of a Frank Sinatra album,"In The Wee Small Hours". The voices are different of course,but the feeling is much the same-unrequited sadness,a longing for better times. This is quintessential fifties-style jazz vocals,from a very fine singer who fell off the scene after recording several albums in the fifties and sixties.

This release seemed to be available for only a short time,which is a shame. Don't let the short recording time,or the fact that Paris isn't well known today,deter you from picking this album up when it becomes available again. For listeners who like/crave this era of singing,you can't do much better than this fine album,from a singer who definitely deserves to be more well known,even though he passed away in 2004 in relative obscurity.

A perfect ballad album by an overlooked singer. This guy has a boppish Bobby Vinton lilt that is the logical extension of Chet Baker. His version of Skylark is the absolute best. Get everything that's available!

Skylark is probably the best work - side to side - Murphy did at Decca.
There are several other Decca albums before this one that are well worth trying to get too,
but on Skylark, everything just clicked. The titles are well thought out as are the
arrangements. The band was swingin' and Mark was more than equal to the task.
Mark Murphy's "Skylark" is vocalese at it's best!