Mary Stallings - Remember Love (2005) 320Kbps

Mary Stallings has long been a very impressive singer living on the West Coast. Her style is conventional, a bit reminiscent of Carmen McRae's, but of very high quality and a logical match with her warm voice. Remember Love greatly benefits from the guiding hand of Geri Allen, who not only plays piano and organ but produced the project and provided all of the arrangements. The backing is a bit more modern than is usual on a Mary Stallings disc and some of the selections are more challenging, yet still comfortably in her style. Stallings is heard throughout at the peak of her powers. Among the many high points are a touching version of "Hello Yesterday," very slow renditions of "Dindi" and "Lucky to Be Me," a duet with bassist Darryl Hall on "Centerpiece," a swinging and joyful "I Just Found Out About Love," a haunting "Remember Love," and the closer, an unusual vocal-tenor duet with veteran Frank Wess on "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes." This is one of Mary Stallings' finest recordings and is highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow

Personnel: Mary Stallings (vocals); Frank Wess (flute, tenor saxophone); Vincent Herring (alto saxophone); Wallace Roney (trumpet); Geri Allen (piano, organ); Darryl Hall (double bass); Billy Hart (drums).