Swingin' Easy is one of
Sarah Vaughan's lesser known albums for Emarcy, combining two separate trio sessions from 1954 and 1957. The earlier date includes pianist
John Malachi (who also worked with singers like
Dinah Washington,
Billy Eckstine, and
Al Hibbler, plus bassist
Joe Benjamin and drummer
Roy Haynes.
Vaughan's lush ballad technique is in full force in "Lover Man," "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," and "Body and Soul," while she scats in a midtempo setting of "If I Knew Then (What I Knew Now)" and her own "Shulie a Bop." The second trio include pianist
Jimmy Jones, bassist
Richard Davis, and
Haynes. Aside from a brisk, miniature treatment of "Linger Awhile" and a playful setting of "I Cried for You," the session is highlighted by a breezy "All of Me."
Vaughan is in terrific form throughout both dates, with the songs mostly running around the three-minute mark. ~ Ken Dryden