Helen Merrill With Strings

Helen Merrill

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Helen Merrill With Strings Review

by Richard Mortifoglio

Helen Merrill recorded her well-received, self-titled debut with Clifford Brown for the Emarcy label in 1954. Her second album, 1955's HELEN MERRILL WITH STRINGS, was the Chicago-based label's attempt to enhance her commercial appeal with full-string arrangments, shorter songs, and a highly romantic concept. While Merrill ultimately bucked the commercial orientation, WITH STRINGS is an unmitigated artistic success. The strings are tastefully scored, the songs are classics or soon to be ("Anything Goes," "Wait Till You See Him," "Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year"), and Merrill's delivery is by turns emotional, haunting, and highly musical. Highlights are "When I Fall In Love," where she outdoes Doris Day at her own romantic game, and the exotic opener, "Lilac Wine," which competes with Eartha Kitt's as the definitive version.

Track Listing

Title/Composer Performer Time Stream
1
Lilac Wine
Helen Merrill 04:23 SpotifyAmazon
2
Anything Goes
Helen Merrill 03:05 SpotifyAmazon
3
Mountain High, Valley Low
Helen Merrill 02:59 SpotifyAmazon
4
Beautiful Love
Helen Merrill 03:13 SpotifyAmazon
5
Comes Love
Helen Merrill 02:59 SpotifyAmazon
6
End of a Love Affair
Helen Merrill 03:24 SpotifyAmazon
7
When I Fall in Love
Helen Merrill 03:21 SpotifyAmazon
8
The Masquerade Is Over
Helen Merrill 04:01 SpotifyAmazon
9
Just You Just Me
Helen Merrill 03:35 SpotifyAmazon
10
Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year
Helen Merrill 03:49 SpotifyAmazon
11
You Won't Forget Me
Helen Merrill 03:07 SpotifyAmazon
12
Wait Till You See Him
Helen Merrill 03:23 SpotifyAmazon
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Helen Merrill With Strings

Helen Merrill Discography Browser