By the mid-50s Sinatra had well-and-truly resurrected his career, this time around consciously making a hard-swinging dance album. Nelson Riddle shows he can arrange the up-tempo stuff just as effectively the string-laden ballads on the previous album. It's not really jazz, but the album certainly showcases Sinatra at his swinging best.
Buy Amazon
The Best of the Song Books Ella Fitzgerald 1956-64 [Verve]
Ella's famous songbook series for Norman Granz's Verve label made her a household name. The Cole Porter set that launched the series almost single-handedly kept Verve afloat for several years - with noted follow-ups covering material from Rodgers & Hart, the Gershwins, Duke Ellington and Irving Berlin. Hard to go past this one.
Buy Amazon
...Sings the Cole Porter Songbook Ella Fitzgerald 1956 [Verve] 2CDs
This smash-hit was the first in Ella's songbook series recorded for Norman Granz's Verve label. All entries in the series are uniformly superb, with Fitzgerald at the peak of her vocal powers displaying an innate understanding of the material. Casual listeners, however, may want to start with the single-CD 'Best of' before digging deeper.
Buy Amazon
Lady in Satin Billie Holiday 1958 [Columbia]
Nearing the end, her voice cracking--this tormented classic may not be the best way to remember this fine vocalist. Ray Ellis' string arrangements try to make things sound a little breezier, but the real story hits like a ton of bricks throughout Lady Day's tortured vocal delivery. Emotionally riveting, despite its musical flaws.
Buy Amazon
Everybody's Boppin' Lambert, Hendricks & Ross 1961 [Columbia]
Great introductory set to the highly influential 'vocalese' trio. Vocalese is the art of setting established instrumental jazz solos to lyrics and singing them. Jon Hendricks is still recognised as the greatest ever vocalese lyricist. Worth it for the remake of Annie Ross' 'Twisted' alone - the CD release includes some superb bonus tracks.
Buy Amazon
Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley 1962 [Capitol]
Not long after this record was made vocalist Wilson found commercial success in the pop and R&B markets, eventually ending up with her own variety show on American television. Here she teams with the Adderley brothers (Cannonball on alto sax) and pianist Joe Zawinul to produce her best pure jazz album. Cannonball is his usual brilliant self.
Buy Amazon
Sinatra At the Sands Frank Sinatra with the Count Basie Orchestra 1966 [Warner Reprise]
The majority of Sinatra's work is not generally regarded as jazz, but with Count Basie in support this one comes close. Sands was Sinatra's first live set to be released on record and, not unexpectedly, contains several of his better-known pop hits. Jazz enthusiasts, however, won't want to miss the delightfully melancholy 'One For My Baby'.
Buy Amazon
I've Been Doin' Some Thinkin' Mose Allison 1968 [Atlantic]
Although a budget-priced boxed set of his Atlantic recordings is now available (Sage of Tippo), this single CD represents the most structured example of what this laconic pianist/songwriter has to offer. The title of 'Your Molecular Structure' gives away its intentions, while 'Everybody's Cryin' Mercy' may be his most compelling work.
