Austin Cromer - Sings for Her (1964) [2014 Japan 24-bit Remaster]

Features 24 bit remastering and comes with a mini-description. Austin's one and only album as leader. If you like crooners, then he can croon with best. The only album we've ever seen from vocalist Austin Cromer – a deep-voiced jazz singer with a style that's somewhere in the best space between Billy Eckstine and Arthur Prysock! Cromer's a lot more relaxed and less posturing than either of those bigger names – and he's got a great setting here, with small combo backing from a group that features Hubert Laws on flute, Chick Corea on piano, Richard Davis on bass, and Bruno Carr on drums! The set's a jazz one at heart, but has some soulful undercurrents too.
When I first heard Austin Cromers' rendition of 'Over The Rainbow,' with The Dizzy Gillespie Big Band, from the 1950's album 'Birks Works,' I thought it was the definitive version of that song. I often play that selection on my NPR radio show. What a powerful vocalist! For decades, there has been no information on Austin, and whatever happened to him? You wont find info on him on Wikipedia or Allmusic. Rumor has it he recorded with The Ravens, another that he broke his jaw and retired from singing. That is about all there is about him on the web. Not so much as a picture!
And so it was with great excitement, that his only album on Atlantic, 'Sings For Her,' has been released on CD, as a Japanese import!

This album, finds Austin in fine form, a decade after his stint with Dizzy. Most of the selections are ballads, but Austin can still hit those money notes, that make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. The recording is crisp and intimate. I can only hope, with this release, that more light will be shed, as to what ever happened to Austin Cromer? One of our greatest unheralded vocalists. LX Skye - NPR kzmu.org


Tracks:

01 - As Long As She Needs Me
02 - This Love Of Mine
03 - A Tree In The Meadow
04 - Laura
05 - Once In a While
06 - The More I See You
07 - There Is No Greater Love
08 - I Wish I Knew

Personnel:

Austin Cromer - vocals
Hubert Laws - flute, guitar
Chick Corea - piano
Richard Davis - bass
Bruno Carr - drums