Vaughan And Violins

During the 1950s, Sarah Vaughan wowed the public with her lush, rich vocals, especially in ballad settings. She is backed by a string section for most of this collection of ballads recorded in Paris with conductor/arranger Quincy Jones. This 1958 recording is notable as it is one of the first albums to feature Erroll Garner's mega-hit "Misty" with Johnny Burke's brand new lyrics; this version is notable for its simplicity and lack of gimmicky vocal effects. Many of the tracks add a rhythm section (usually pianist Ronnell Bright, bassist Richard Davis, and drummer Kenny Clarke, though other drummers also took part), along with a saxophone quartet for backgrounds, with tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims providing occasional brief solos or counterpoint, though the saxophone credits in the booklet don't match up very well with the music. Vaughan is in top form throughout the disc; only the use of excessive reverb on the closing to "Gone with the Wind" dates these magical sessions. ~ Ken Dryden|