An Intimate Variety Of Vocal Charm
BMG, 2021
8/10
Listen to An Intimate Variety Of Vocal Charm
Originally released in 1959, An Intimate Variety Of Vocal Charm collects songs by Nina Simone, Carmen McRae, and Chris Conner, and here it lives again with brand new stereo mastering and a new essay by Daphne A. Brooks, the author of Liner Notes For The Revolution.
The album starts with the piano led “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands”, where Simone’s stunning vocals make an immediate and memorable impression, and “Someone To Watch Over Me” follows with soulful brass complementing the poetic and gorgeous pipes from Connor.
Elsewhere, the radiant keys of “I Loves You, Porgy” suits the passionate singing of the romantic album highlight, while “You Made Me Care” picks up the pace with brushed percussion and an upbeat jazz spirit to the highly melodic setting. “Too Much In Love To Care”, another exceptional track, then displays winds, keys and, of course, McRae’s diverse pipes with a rare charm.
Near to the end, the frisky “African Mailman” bounces and shuffles amid a stylish energy that showcases Simone’s incredible piano playing, and “Last Time For Love” finishes the listen with some of the finest work, where twinkling piano, calm drums, carefully plucked bass and playful winds support the spellbinding singing from McRae.
A fantastic affair that showcases 3 amazing vocalists, this is a masterpiece in the area of soul, jazz and blues, and this updated version is certainly worth a revisit and is a must if you’ve never sat down with the original.
Travels well with: Nina Simone- Little Blue Girl; Nina Simone- The Montreux Years