Speaking of phone books, I wrote this one a couple of days ago. I was taller when I stood on it, but lost my sense of balance (at least my sense) and decided to post it anyway. If not interested, just add to your "do not call" list.


I don't know what a "jazz" singer is. I can't figure it out.


Anyway, regarding this list:


#18 Autumn in New York Billy Holiday

IMO, Sarah Vaughn's recording of this song is the one. This is my 2nd favorite SV recording.


#28 Georgia On My Mind

I love this, but I'm always astonished that RC's earlier recording of "Come Rain Or Come Shine" (which I like better) doesn't get more love.


#40 Unforgettable Nat King Cole

This one always amazes me. Seriously, has anyone ever heard Dinah Washington's recording? The first 35 seconds of that one are perfection to me; when her gravelly voice enters, that's what great recordings are about. She takes many more liberties with phrasing than Nat King Cole. (jazz???)


I'm surprised that Jo Stafford had nothing on the list. (I love Jo Stafford!)

In "I'll Be Seeing You" she takes many liberties with the phrasing, but they are all in the service of the lyric. I think hers is the definitive version of this classic.

Ditto, for "All The Things You Are", which is coincidentally Jo's favorite of her recordings.



Like I said, I'm bemused about what is jazz and what is not. Here is a case in point, a recording / performance that I consider perfection.

I get that Debbie Reynolds is not a member of the "jazz" club and will never gain admission.

But consider the Oscar nominated "Tammy" from the 1957 film "Tammy and the Bachelor".

At the beginning of the film, over the credits is the song "Tammy", sung by the Ames Brothers. Let me say that I'm not taking a shot at the Ames Brothers here. I love the Ames Brothers; I think they're incredible! (Though this is not a top 20 Ames Brothers for me.)

But they sing this song, original for the movie, straight.

Later in the film, Debbie Reynolds sings "Tammy". As the song finishes there is talking in the film. (The Ames Brothers version, expected to be the hit, hit #5 on Billboard. Debbie Reynolds version hit #1 for 5 weeks.)

She takes enormous liberties with the voicing and phrasing. You really don't notice it, until you compare and contrast it with the Ames Brothers version.

In every instance, her choices are in the service of the lyric. Some are so pronounced that I marvel at the backing musicians and their abilities to stay the course.

No one here is capable of convincing me that DR's version is not stellar. I've made up my mind about this breathtaking performance.



But why isn't it a jazz vocal?



P.S. As a bonus, DR's version has the best violin coda I've ever heard in a pop record!



"Autumn in New York" Billie Holiday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl_e7UW-bz8

"Autumn In New York" (1956) Sarah Vaughn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61HGBYevOcw


"Georgia On My Mind" Ray Charles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZceOIAh1i0

"Come Rain or Come Shine" Ray Charles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biU13KasYrc


"Unforgettable" Nat 'King' Cole https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDN5rG3wLa4

"Unforgettable" (1960) Dinah Washington https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epLWuP_bO-g


"I'll Be Seeing You" Jo Stafford https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O25zQIKiL5I

"All The Things You Are" Jo Stafford https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_yzmsiQqFA


"Tammy" (1957) Ames Brothers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jy4A5onlpU

"Tammy" (HQ) Debbie Reynolds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew-5rO8b67I