HELEN MERRILL - Helen Merrill with Strings (1955-2005) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Helen Merrill recorded her well-received, self-titled debut with Clifford Brown for the Emarcy label in 1954. Her second album, 1955's HELEN MERRILL WITH STRINGS, was the Chicago-based label's attempt to enhance her commercial appeal with full-string arrangments, shorter songs, and a highly romantic concept. While Merrill ultimately bucked the commercial orientation, WITH STRINGS is an unmitigated artistic success. The strings are tastefully scored, the songs are classics or soon to be ("Anything Goes," "Wait Till You See Him," "Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year"), and Merrill's delivery is by turns emotional, haunting, and highly musical. Highlights are "When I Fall In Love," where she outdoes Doris Day at her own romantic game, and the exotic opener, "Lilac Wine," which competes with Eartha Kitt's as the definitive version. by Richard Mortifoglio
Tracklist:
1     Lilac Wine 4:26
    Written-By – J. Shelton
2     Anything Goes     3:07
    Written-By – C. Porter
3     Mountain High, Valley Low 3:02
    Lyrics By – B. D. Haningen Music By – R. Scott
4     Beautiful Love 3:15
    Lyrics By – H. Gillespie Music By – E. Vanalstyne, V. Young, W. King
5     Comes Love 3:03
    Lyrics By – C. Tobias, S. H. Stept Music By – L. Brown
6     End Of A Love Affair 3:29
    Written-By – E.C. Redding
7     When I Fall In Love 3:22
    Lyrics By – E. Heyman Music By – V. Young
8     The Masquerade Is Over 4:03
    Lyrics By – H. Magidson Music By – A. Wrubel
9     Just You, Just Me 3:35
    Lyrics By – R. W. Klages Music By – J. Greer
10     Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year 3:51
    Written-By – F. Loesser
11     You Won't Forget Me 3:10
    Lyrics By – Goel*Music By – Spielman
12     Wait Till You See Him 3:22
    Lyrics By – L. Hart Music By – R. Rodgers
Credits:
Bass – Milt Hinton
Conductor [Orchestra], Arranged By – Richard Hayman
Drums – Sol Gubin
Guitar – Barry Galbraith
Piano – Hank Jones
Vocals – Helen Merrill
#1,10,11 : Recorded in New York, October 21, 1955
#3,4,6,7,9 : Recorded in New York, October 22, 1955
#2,5,8,12 : Recorded in New York, October 24, 1955