-so I can die a happy man . Russ, I know that you (like me) like 'stylist'-type vocalists. This lady is pure perfection. Check out the piano solo - tasteful, elegant; no pyrotechnics but the message is all there. This would have been my life if I'd had the talent....maybe .

Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G99FfalLFWQ

chas

I’m with you thank God some of this music is still around. Wow wonderful music! Very tasty! Love this genre! Do I hear some Bach styling in that piano solo?

Yep, but then you're likely to hear some Bach in every classically trained jazz pianist in the last 50 years. Also, his single note lines reminds me a little of my idol, the great Hank Jones. He may not be up to Billy Childs' level but he's good (I love great accompanist, a skill unto itself).

Steve, you must be in music heaven with that solo piano gig. A "noodling" gig is the most freeing thing ever. I won't be surprised if you don't come back 'north' .

chas

Chas, I’ve always enjoyed Hank Jones. Little tid bit of info he lived for some time in Cresskill, NJ. My late cousin and the brother I never had lived in Cresskill.

You’re right I’m in music heaven with this piano solo gig. It is freeing I look forward to every Monday and today is Monday

I hate to return north, the only reason we are is I’m an only child my mom is 93 and lives in our home in RI just downstairs from us. She needs some eyes on her and I’m the eyes.

Lady's got the "stuff". So glad you're put and about, Chas.

R.

Wonderful !!!!! Thanks so much Chas.

Thanks, Chas:

Nice rendition of a lovely "old standard." Not quite up to "Ella" but close enough to keep me glued.

This is more my style

Dave, glad you enjoyed it, although personally I try to avoid 'rating' artists because of the subjectivity of music (and art) and the personal preferences that we (all) bring to an evaluation. I tend to divide jazz singers into two major categories; singers and stylist. Although some 'stylist' like Billie Holiday can bridge the gap, most tend to 'stay in their lane'. Ella and Sarah Vaughn and Mel Torme and Tony Bennett and (okay) Sinatra, are singers, Carmen Mcrae, Betty Carter, Shirly Horn, and this lady, Cecile Salvant, are stylists. Normally, I hate labels but sometimes when I think apples and oranges are being unfairly compared (my opinion only), I tend to speak out. For the record, I think it's perfectly ok, and even normal, to say I prefer this artist over this one, but often that is based on personal style preferences rather than the quality of the performance or artist, which is subjective at best.

BTW, this is in no way a rebuke of your post, Dave....it just triggered some thoughts on a subject I've thought about often in the past. Take care (and by all means listen to more jazz, it's therapeutic ).

chas

Fran, that's a beautiful rendition. Just goes to show how much 'relatively unknown' talent there is out there. Sadly, they aren't the ones making the big bucks. But hey, that's life. And like I said, everyone has their own preferred style. Thank goodness there are so many quality choices.

chas