Helen Merrill - Helen Merrill (LP)Helen Merrill had the voice of an angel!
She had just one of those voices that would tear your heart out.....warm.....clear....misty......and emotive
Helen Merrill had one of the great jazz singing voices and is a member I guess of the "Cool-Jazz" 50's Club scene along with Julie London and June Cristy.
She made several notable EmArcy albums during 1954-1958 with her debut album standing out as arguably her finest moment. In 1954 at 21 years old Merrill released her eponymous solo album featuring legendary trumpeter Clifford Brown and bassist Oscar Pettiford with Quincy Jones handling the production. This debut album in amongst my favorites of this genre and is an album I play quite frequently. Merrill's voice actually reaches out to you (like Coltrane does) with her delicate yet softly powerful voice and key accents. The album was an instant success and has remained a treasure amongst jazz and crooner enthusiasts to this day. Merrill's version of "What's New?" will take you into another dimension and sets the mood for the whole album. This is an essential album to own! I have the original LP in mint condition as well as Mercury's Japan released 4 disc set (the Complete Helen Merrill on Mercury) which was very well remastered to CD in 1986. Audiophile will love either version as I checked the DR (Dynamic Range) readings on the CD and they are in the "excellent" zone. The vinyl is deep and warm as well and this is the perfect album for a chilled out evening when you feel like a softer listen !
Simple Essential !
you can listen to my Helen Merrill podcast at
http://progboy.podbean.com/2013/08/16/helen-merrill-the-voice-of-an-angel/
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