CAL TJADER | MARY STALLINGS — Cal Tjader Plays, Mary Stallings Sings (1961-2005) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Mary Stallings was just 22 at the time this album, her first, was cut in 1961. Fortunately, she was teamed up with a group of top professionals led by vibist Cal Tjader. She also sticks with mostly tried and true material, with Duke Ellington's songs getting a big play. Tjader is not a virtuoso on the vibes, but has made a name for himself because of his attachment to Latin rhythms. With no such music on this album, Tjader's playing seems somewhat stiff at times, particularly on ballads and slow blues. However, alternating pianists Lonnie Hewitt and Clare Fischer get with the program to give Stallings the backing she needs. The vibes player also loosens up on up-tempo tunes like "It Ain't Necessarily So." The singer has a powerful voice with a straight from the shoulder, no holds barred delivery. Her years singing in churches in San Francisco no doubt helped to develop her powerful style, and also give her some sympathy for such tunes as "God Bless the Child," which gets a particularly reverent reading. Paul Horn's flute helps make this a premier track. Stallings also makes good use of vibrato to emphasize a word or a phrase. This technique is used effectively on blues tunes such as "Mr. Blues." Stallings' dedication to pitch comes through on "Just Squeeze Me," where the bass is her only accompaniment. But some seasoning is needed. She sings everything with just about the same volume, paying no attention to dynamics. But all the equipment is there and, coupled with a natural affinity for the blues and swing, taking care of this matter should be no problem. Dave Nathan 
Tracklist :
1     Mighty Rumblin' Blues    3:46
    Written-By – Unknown Artist
2     It Ain't Necessarily So  2:28
    Written-By – Gershwin-Gershwin

3     God Bless The Child   3:14
    Written-By – Herzog, Holiday
4     Just Squeeze Me   2:37
    Written-By – Ellington, Gaines
5     I Didn't Know About You    3:47
    Written-By – Russell, Ellington
6     I'm Beginning To See The Light    3:08
    Written-By – George, Ellington, James, Hodges
7     Goodbye    2:40
    Written-By – Gordon Jenkins
8     Why Don't You Do Right?    2:36
    Written-By – McCoy, Melrose
9     Honeysuckle Rose 2:08
    Written-By – Razaf, Waller
10     I'm Just A Lucky So And So    2:28
    Written-By – Ellington, David
11     Ain't Misbehavin' (I'm Saving My Love For You)    3:07
    Written-By – Razaf, Waller, Brooks
12     Mr. Blues    2:39
    Written-By – Costell Akrie
– BONUS TRACK –
13    Just In Time    1:59
14    Why Don't You Do Right? [Alt. Take]    2:38
Credits :
    Bass – Freddie Schreiber, Victor Venegas
    Drums – Johnny Rae
    Vocals – Mary Stallings
    Flute – Paul Horn
    Piano – Lonnie Hewitt
    Vibraphone – Cal Tjader

MARY STALLINGS - Manhattan Moods (1997) APE (image+.cue), lossless

 
A product of the San Francisco Bay Area jazz scene, Mary Stallings recorded in New York for the first time when she entered a Manhattan studio for her third Concord release, Manhattan Moods. Contrary to what some provincial, myopic jazz critics implied, Stallings didn't have to record in the Big Apple to prove her legitimacy -- she would have been a great singer even if she'd never set foot outside of northern California. But Stallings' visit to New York was a good thing, for her talented East Coast support includes pianist Monty Alexander and producer Allen Farnham (who is a fine pianist himself, though he doesn't play on this CD). Farnham was known for his work with Mel Tormé and Susannah McCorkle, and when it came to working with singers in the 1990s, you couldn't ask for a more insightful producer. Farnham's input was obviously a major asset for Stallings, who really pours her heart into such chestnuts as "You Go to My Head," "I Wish I Knew," and "Lullaby of the Leaves." Perhaps the album's most surprising track is "How High the Moon," which was done at maximum speed by countless beboppers, but becomes a haunting ballad in Stallings' hands. With Stallings having put her singing career on the back burner for so many years, it was great to see her building an impressive catalog at Concord. by Alex Henderson  
Tracklist:
1 This Can't Be Love 4:19
2 Sweet And Lovely 5:21
3 I Have A Feeling 6:11
4 How High The Moon 5:39
5 Lullaby Of The Leaves 4:41
6 I Wish I Knew 5:07
7 Surrey With The Fringe On Top 4:51
8 You Go To My Head 6:38
9 He Was Too Good To Me 6:06
10 Willow Weep For Me 6:02
11 I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You 5:21
12 I Love You Madly 4:24
Credits:
Drums – Clyde Lucas
Flute – Dick Oatts (tracks: 4,9)
Harmonica – Hendrik Meurkens (tracks: 6, 8)
Piano – Monty Alexander
Soprano Saxophone – Dick Oatts (tracks: 3)
Vibraphone – Hendrik Meurkens (tracks: 9)
Vocals – Mary Stallings