Fave 1961 Albums
It’s a womans world and we’re lucky 2 b livin in it |
| 1 |  | Abbey Lincoln
Straight Ahead
Abbey’s got a voice ready to throw some roundhouses and uppercuts, and her backing band has no problem rolling with the punches. They’re a much endorsed bunch - Booker Little, Max Roach and Eric Dolphy help out here. While her voice is strong throughout, it’s In The Red with its instrumental dissonance and the angriest of vocals that steals the show for me. On The flipside, Lincoln’s wrote lyrics to a Thelonoius Monk classic (Blue Monk)and it’s damn smooth! Front to back the strongest thing I heard from 61, and it’s all thanks to that voice. |
| 2 |  | Ella Fitzgerald
Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!
Tough to not give this the number one spot, but wow, what a beautiful, powerful voice. She’s got tones that can float with a slow, lounge-about piano player (Round Midnight, Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most), but just as well keep the party rockin’ on an upbeat cut like Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie. Still, undoubtedly at its best when she lets those dulcet tones linger. Slow melancholy rules supreme here. What a listen, wow. |
| 3 |  | Eric Dolphy
Out There
You don’t know what’s coming next, really. It’s imposing, a little head-tilthing, eyebrow-raising. It starts out with what feels like a jumpscare. It’s certainly out there |
| 4 |  | Joan Baez
Joan Baez, Vol. 2
An absolutely wonderful voice armed with only a guitar to strum should keep you captive for as long as this record runs. Haunting stories that’ll stick with you and some pretty expert playing. Solid listen. |
| 5 |  | John Coltrane
My Favorite Things
It’s the title track that steals the show, with Summertime coming in at a close second. He really makes ‘My Favorite Things’ his own, injecting it with influences that turn it into something so worldly with what feels like absolute ease. |
| 6 |  | Miles Davis
Someday My Prince Will Come
Just a solid album with a pretty all-star array of musicians. Between Davis, Mobley and Coltrane there are memorable and lively phrases to be found on each track. Moods range from forlorn to relaxing to lively and back. |
| 7 |  | Elza Soares
A bossa negra
fem!Louie Armstrong that grew up in Brasil and took as much as inspiration from samba as she did jazz. Her voice is strong and solid, and she even shouts in that sort of guttural way that Louie did. It’s impressive, and its tons of fun. Don’t miss out on Elza’s black bossa. |
| 8 |  | Kenny Drew
Undercurrent
Just some incredible brass going on here. Kenny Drew is the titular undercurrent that allows Hank Mobley and Freddie Hubbard to shine. |
| 9 |  | Roy Orbison
Lonely and Blue
Orbison feels regal on Lonely and Blue, a smooth string section accompanying his voice wherever he goes. The highlight is that classic - I Can’t Stop Loving You, with its sweeping strings and chorus sung out as loud as can be. |
| 10 |  | Bill Evans
Explorations
Mellow piano focused jazz played as smooth as it possibly can be. Alternates between music for a conversation lounge and slower cuts that feel awfully romantic. Interesting explorations. |
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