Easy Living

Mary Ann McCall's lone Regent session captures the singer at her most potent. Created in collaboration with arranger Ernie Wilkins and a superlative backing band including Zoot Sims, Seldon Powell, and Kenny Clarke, Easy Living is painted in both bright pastels and haunting grays, capturing the romantic spectrum in toto. McCall is the rare singer who tackles upbeat love songs and melancholy ballads with equal aplomb. Her dusky voice communicates a strength and intelligence that lend gravitas and spark to even the slightest, most familiar lyrics.