Nancy King Live At Jazz Standard CD

Personnel: Nancy King (vocals); Fred Hersch (piano).
The story behind Nancy King's LIVE AT JAZZ STANDARD WITH FRED HERSCH is almost as amazing as the music on the album. Jazz vocalist King had never met pianist Hersch before the night of the performance, and the extraordinary music they made together was performed without planning, rehearsal, or even a set list. The resulting music belies the facts of the story, however: King and Hersch sound like they've been playing together for years on classic tunes such as "I Fall in Love Too Easily," "Ain't Misbehavin'," and "Autumn in New York." The performances, the chemistry, and the caliber of musicianship are remarkable throughout.
It's no wonder that Fred Hersch had the confidence to tape his initial meeting with Nancy King. King is one of the best jazz vocalists of her generation, though she is unjustly not as widely recognized as a number of major-label artists who don't begin to compare with her. King and Hersch put together a wide-ranging program at the Jazz Standard, frequently extending their interpretations well beyond the expectations for a vocal/piano duo. Hersch, who has long since proved his abilities as a solo accompanist for singers (especially Janis Siegel), is never less than brilliant throughout the evening, though the singer is equally impressive, an adventurous spirit who is unafraid of taking chances. King's expressive voice is full of humor in the swinging take of "Ain't Misbehavin'," while she scats up a storm in Antonio Carlos Jobim's neglected gem "If You Never Come to Me." She's equally inspired as she revives once popular standards that have fallen out of favor like "There's a Small Hotel" and "Everything Happens to Me." But the finale clearly steals the show as King devours "Four" whole, throwing caution to the wind as she playfully adds her own twists to Jon Hendricks' vocalese setting of Miles Davis' famous tune. This beautifully recorded set is a tribute to the musicianship of both artists, as well as the foresight of Fred Hersch to request that the soundboard operator record it without notifying Nancy King in advance. ~ Ken DrydenJazzTimes (p.86) - "Hersch's reputation as one of the very best compers and swingers in the business is reinforced. Each track is a highlight."