****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Eddie Jefferson first recorded his pioneering vocalese in 1949. I first started paying attention to Jefferson a couple decades ago when I heard Tim Hauser, a founding member of Manhattan Transfer, praise Jefferson as the world's greatest jazz singer.Jefferson writes and sings intelligent and clever lyrics to recorded jazz solos, usually those with a boppish feel. Jefferson's voice is not beautiful; he lacks the stunning vocal equipment of Joe Williams, for example. However, Jefferson is a skillful master of vocalese who can deliver tortuous lines with verve and rhythmic precision.Jefferson selects jazz classics likely to be known by his audience. His presentations are rhythmically captivating, and his vocal delivery is oftentimes percussive. Jefferson has a stunning ability to duplicate complex and rapid lines while delivering his narratives with always intelligible pronunciation. This clear enunciation of even rhythmically demanding passages helps draw listeners into the music.This session from 1962 has Jefferson in top form and surrounded by top tier musicians. Jefferson performs three tunes with a quintet featuring Johnny Griffin on tenor. Other tracks feature an all-star tentet playing arrangements by Ernie Wilkins, best known for his work with Count Basie. Musicians include Clark Terry, Ernie Royal, Joe Newman, Joe Zawinul, Junior Mance, Wynton Kelly, James Moody, Jimmy Cleveland, Sam Jones, and Louis Hayes.Bottom Line: Arguably Jefferson's best, this album should bring joy to nearly any listener. Jefferson's intelligent lyrics and winning delivery help draw listeners into the music, even listeners who have little interest in bebop ... even some who might normally listen only to "pretty" voices. His lyrics and rhythmically precise delivery are that good.
