Live In Sweden ’58, Holland ‘58 & Sweden ‘64

It is not an overstatement to say that Sarah Vaughan (1924-90) had one of the most wondrous voices of the 20th century.

Throughout her career, which spanned over 45 years, Vaughan never seemed to have an off night, no matter how little sleep or how much traveling or partying she had just done; whenever she opened her mouth to sing, magic came out.

One of the very first jazz singers to grasp the intricacies of bebop, Sarah Vaughan had a wide range, a beautiful tone in all registers, always swung, and could make the most complex phrases sound effortless.

For proof of all of that, the three sets of music that are included here feature the singer at her prime.

Sarah Vaughan is joined by pianist Ronnell Bright, bassist Richard Davis, and drummer Art Morgan for performances from Sweden on July 9, 1958 (Sometimes I’m Happy/Lover Man/September In The Rain/Mean To Me/Tenderly/If This Isn’t Love) and Holland from June 7, 1958 (Over The Rainbow/They All Laughed/Lover Man/Cherokee/Sometimes I’m Happy).

She also is seen performing from Sweden on Jan. 10, 1964 with pianist Kirk Stuart, bassist Buster Williams, and drummer George Hughes (I Feel Pretty/The More I See You/Baubles, Bangles And Beads/I Got Rhythm/Misty/Honeysuckle Rose/Maria/Bill Bailey).

These are classic performances by one of the true greats at the peak of her powers.

– Scott Yanow