Lem Winchester - With Feeling + Nocturne, and more... Featuring Oliver Nelson & Etta Jones (2 LP on 2 CD) (2013)

Made in October 1960, just a few months before Lem Winchesters accidental death in early 1961, With Feeling, the first of the albums here, was intended to be part of Prestiges Moodsville ballad series. But the results were rather livelier than that suggests, as the vibist, impeccably supported by pianist Richard Wyands, bassist George Duvivier and drummer Roy Haynes, distinguishes himself on an enjoyable date, especially on Why Dont They Understand, But Beautiful and Skylark.

He joined the same rhythm section that August for Nocturne, another Moodsville album, this time led by alto and tenor saxophonist Oliver Nelson, on which all involved contributed warmly evocative music.

And in between these albums Winchester was reunited with the same rhythm section in September, along with Oliver Nelson, for another swinging and effective session, this time with Etta Jones. A singer influenced by among others, Billie Holiday, she delivers unforced and persuasively engaging interpretations of a set of superior standards, admirably backed by the quintet.