Barbara Long - Soul: The Voice of Barbara Long (1961/1993) mp3

It is very easy to call this the definitive Barbara Long album (or her best) because it is the only one she ever made. The obscure singer had a swinging style and a soft voice whose pitch sometimes wandered a little. She definitely had an adventurous spirit, starting the date with a very uptempo "Trolley Song" and stretching herself on some of the dozen songs. This Savoy reissue from the Japanese Denon label features Long with a fine backup group that includes trumpeter Billy Howell (who has an active role), pianist Nat Phipps, bassist George Tucker, drummer Al Harewood, and (on two songs) the great tenor Booker Ervin. This sincere effort is worth a few spins.


Tracks:

01. Trolley Song (2:22)
02. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You (3:13)
03. Largo to Oscar (3:34)
04. When You're Smiling (3:09)
05. Call Me Darling (2:26)
06. Where Is Lonesome (3:20)
07. Green Dolphin Street (3:13)
08. You Don't Know What Love Is (4:02)
09. Serenade (1:47)
10. Squeeze Me (3:16)
11. Swan Lake (2:52)
12. It's Heaven (4:18)

Personnel:

Barbara Long - vocals
Billy Howell - trumpet
Nat Phipps - piano
George Tucker - bass
Al Harewood - drums
Booker Ervin - tenor saxophone