Abbey Lincoln Abbey Is Blue CD

Personnel: Abbey Lincoln (vocals); Les Spann (guitar, flute); Stanley Turrentine (tenor saxophone); Kenny Dorham, Tommy Turrentine (trumpet); Julian Priester (trombone); Phil Wright, Wynton Kelly, Cedar Walton (piano); Bobby Boswell (double bass); Max Roach, Philly Joe Jones (drums).
Liner Note Author: Orrin Keepnews.
Abbey Lincoln's third of three Riverside albums (all of these recommended sets have been reissued on CD) directly precedes her more adventurous work with drummer (and then-husband) Max Roach. With fine backup from trumpeter Kenny Dorham, pianist Wynton Kelly, Les Spann (doubling on guitar and flute), bassist Sam Jones and drummer Philly Joe Jones) on seven of the ten numbers and by Roach's regular quintet of the time on the other three selections, Abbey Lincoln is quite emotional and distinctive during a particularly strong set. Highlights include the first vocal version ever of "Afro-Blue," "Come Sunday," Oscar Brown, Jr.'s "Brother, Where Are You," "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise," "Long as You're Living" and Lincoln's own "Let Up." A very memorable set. ~ Scott Yanow
Abbey Lincoln recorded three albums for the Riverside label in the late '50s, the last of which was ABBEY IS BLUE. On four cuts, including the album opener, Lincoln is backed by a three-piece horn section and a propulsive rhythm section (including her then-husband, Max Roach). The opening cut features the first vocal presentation of Herbie Mann's "Afro-Blue." Two pieces by Kurt Weill stand nicely alongside numbers by Ellington, Lincoln herself, and other jazz composers of the day. The entire album has the feel of a chamber piece, with its quietly propulsive arrangements and Lincoln's elegant simplicity and emotional depth. ABBEY IS BLUE is yet another highly recommended title from Abbey Lincoln's rich catalog.Down Beat (1960) - 5 Stars - Excellent - "..One can but stand in awe at the beauty, artistry, and poignancy of this album...Abbey Lincoln climbs into your very being...one of the most artistically satisfying vocals albums to be had.."