Johnny Hartman - I Just Dropped By To Say Hello (1963) [2026 SACD]

Johnny Hartman’s album “I Just Dropped by to Say Hello” was released in 1963 and falls under the vocal jazz genre. It features a collection of soulful and mellow jazz pieces that are characterized above all by Hartman’s exceptionally warm and deep voice. The songs often deal with love, longing, relationships, and personal emotions. The understated accompaniment and Hartman’s expressive vocals create an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Overall, the album has a very calm, elegant, and emotional feel and showcases Johnny Hartman as a major figure in classic jazz.

Tracks:

01. CHARADE (Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer)
02. IN THE WEE SMALL HOURS OF THE MORNING (Bob Hilliard, David Mann)
03. SLEEPIN' BEE (Harold Arlen, Truman Capote)
04. DON’T YOU KNOW I CARE (Mack David, Duke Ellington)
05. KISS & RUN (Jack Ledru, Rene Denoncin, William Engvick)
06. IF I’M LUCKY (Josef Myrow, Eddie DeLange)
07. I JUST DROPPED BY TO SAY HELLO (Sid Feller, Rick Ward)
08. STAIRWAY TO THE STARS (Matty Malneck, Mitchell Parish, Frank Signorelli)
09. OUR TIME (Stanley Glick)
10. DON'T CALL IT LOVE (Ronnell Bright)
11. HOW SWEET IT IS TO BE IN LOVE (Danny DiMinno, George Cardini)

Personnel:

Johnny Hartman, Vocal
Hank Jones, Piano
Illinois Jacquet, Tenor Saxophone
Kenny Burrell, Guitar [2-5, 7-11]
Jim Hall, Guitar [1, 6]
Milt Hinton, Double Bass
Elvin Jones, Drums

Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, on October 9 & 17, 1963