A Shade of Difference

Helen Merrill

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A Shade of Difference Review

by Scott Yanow

Originally put out by the Milestone label and later reissued by Landmark, this is a superior and consistently surprising effort by singer Helen Merrill. With arrangements provided by pianist Dick Katz and adventurous yet sympathetic playing by Thad Jones on flugelhorn and cornet, flutist Hubert Laws, altoist Gary Bartz (who is only on Ornette Coleman's "Lonely Woman"), Katz, guitarist Jim Hall, either Ron Carter or Richard Davis, on bass and drummer Elvin Jones, this is a particularly strong jazz vocal date. Merrill's voice was at its prime during the era, and her ability to tackle a wide repertoire and to bring new life to standards (including taking "My Funny Valentine" as a fairly free duet with Ron Carter) makes this a highly recommended effort.

Track Listing

Title/Composer Performer Time Stream
1
Lonely Woman
Helen Merrill SpotifyAmazon
2
While We're Young
Helen Merrill SpotifyAmazon
3
Never Will I Marry
Helen Merrill SpotifyAmazon
4
I Should Care
Helen Merrill SpotifyAmazon
5
A Lady Must Live
Helen Merrill SpotifyAmazon
6
I Want a Little Boy
Helen Merrill SpotifyAmazon
7
Spring Can Really Hang You
Helen Merrill SpotifyAmazon
8
My Funny Valentine
Helen Merrill SpotifyAmazon
9
Lover Come Back to Me
Helen Merrill SpotifyAmazon
10
Where Do You Go?
Helen Merrill SpotifyAmazon
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A Shade of Difference

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