Carol Sloane - Sophisticated Lady (2016)

Tracklist

01. Take the 'A' Train
02. I Let a Song Go out of My Heart
03. Solitude
04. Satin Doll
05. In a Sentimental Mood
06. It Don't Mean a Thing
07. Sophisticated Lady
08. Mood Indigo
09. Prelude to a Kiss
10. Jump for Joy
11. Come Sunday
12. Take the 'A' Train (Refrain)

After recording an impressive set for Columbia in 1961, a lesser-known album in 1962, and a live date in 1964 that came out many years later, Carol Sloane did not lead another record session until this 1977 effort, which was made originally for the Japanese Trio label and released domestically by Audiophile. Sloane, who spent years working outside of music as a secretary, was finally rediscovered, first by the Japanese (the majority of her recordings in the 1970s and '80s were for Japanese labels). This particular set finds Sloane (who is joined by pianist Roland Hanna, bassist George Mraz and drummer Richie Pratt) performing 11 of Duke Ellington's more familiar songs, plus two versions of Billy Strayhorn's "Take The 'A' Train." Despite virtually all of the tunes (which include such warhorses as "Satin Doll," "It Don't Mean a Thing," "Sophisticated Lady" and "Mood Indigo") having been recorded a countless number of times through the decades, Carol Sloane's beautiful voice and strong sense of swing makes the material seem fresher than expected.

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