Released to celebrate Atlantic's 50th anniversary,
Atlantic Jazz Vocal Classics
is a budget-priced, 14-track collection that culls highlights from the Atlantic vaults. The collection spans from the '40s to the '70s and features cuts by
Al Hibbler
(
"Trav'lin' Light"
),
Ray Charles
("Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'"),
Bobby Darin
("Easy Living"),
Betty Carter
("'Round Midnight"),
Mel Torme
("Broadway"),
Esther Phillips
("Every Time We Say Goodbye"),
Carmen McRae
("Day By Day"),
Mose Allison
("Your Molecular Structure"),
Aretha Franklin
("Crazy He Calls Me"),
Jimmy Scott
("Exodus") and
the Manhattan Transfer
("Birdland"). It's a solid sampler that indicates the richness of the label's roster, and for the curious or listeners on a budget, it's an introduction well worth its price. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine