Joining her equally stunning Compact Jazz entry,
Sarah Vaughan's
Jazz 'Round Midnight disc makes for a very fine introduction to the singer's extensive catalog. As is the case with the entire
'Round Midnight series, the emphasis here is on the ballad-heavy, after-hours end of the spectrum, which
Vaughan handled with the utmost class and skill. The 15 tracks mostly cover her prime '50s and '60s sessions, including combo, strings, and big band dates featuring
Clifford Brown,
Cannonball Adderley,
J.J. Johnson, and top-notch arrangers like
Ernie Wilkins and
Thad Jones. So, turn down the lights, pour the Remy Martin, and enjoy. ~ Stephen Cook