Lambert, Hendricks & Ross - 1957 - Sing a Song of Basie

Sing a Song of Basie

1 Everyday Chatman 5:18

2 It's Sand, Man! Hendricks, Lambert, Lewis 2:27

3 Two for the Blues Hefti, Hendricks 2:42

4 One O'Clock Jump Basie, Durham 3:00

5 Little Pony Hefti, Hendricks 2:28

6 Down for Double Green, Hendricks, Lambert 2:11

7 Fiesta in Blue Goodman, Hendricks, Lambert ... 3:14

8 Down for the Count Foster, Ritter 2:58

9 Blues Backstage Foster 2:58

10 Avenue C Clayton, Hendricks, Lambert 2:52

Review by Scott Yanow
The premiere vocal jazz group, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross made their recording debut on this classic album, which has been reissued on CD by GRP. After unsuccessfully searching for a dozen singers in 1957 who could sing vocalese in a re-creation of some famous records by the Count Basie Orchestra, Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks, and Annie Ross decided to overdub their voices several times instead. Utilizing just a rhythm section, the vocalists sing the witty and inventive lyrics of Hendricks in note-for-note reproductions of ten Basie records. Highlights include "It's Sand, Man!," "One O'Clock Jump," the up-tempo "Little Pony," and "Avenue C." This record was a sensation when it was released and it is still quite enjoyable and unique.