Lady Kim - Left Alone (2004) [SACD]

This is one of the best vocal jazz records I know. Kim`s versions of twelve standards are thrilling, sometimes surprising, always exciting. Most songs are slow melancholic ballads which seem to be Lady Kim`s world. She lays so much soul and emotion into her interpretations so you are captured by each song although been heard so many times before. The band accompanies her perfectly with retention but poignant and with deep feeling. Now and then there is a short exciting solo. If you are in the mood for that, this is a top recommendation. May be there`s the best version of Strange Fruit on this disk since Lady Day`s. The sound is perfect, rich of colour, very good soundstage and imaging, air for the instruments and the singer to breath, very dynamic, brilliant.

Tracks:

01. Left Alone
02. Afro Blue
03. When Sunny Gets Blue
04. Since I Fell for You
05. I’m Glad There Is You
06. If I Were a Bell
07. Misty
08. Softly as in a Morning Sunrise
09. Amgel Eyes
10. On a Clear Day
11. Bird Alone
12. Strange Fruit

Personnel:

Lady Kim (vocal)
Lloyd Mayers (piano)
Paul Brown (bass)
Clarence “Tootsie” Bean (drums)