Jazz vocal: Helen Merrill singing 'Blue Gardenia'

Helen Merrill has never made a bad record and, while she scarcely conforms to the image of a swinging jazz singer, she’s a stylist of unique poise and sensitivity. Her early work is as involving as her mature records. She sings at a consistently slow pace, unfolding melodies as if imparting a particularly difficult confidence, and she understands the harmonics of the songs as completely as she trusts her way with time. That gives these lingering performances a sensuality which is less of a come-hither come-on than the similarly inclined work of a singer such as Julie London. Merrill thinks about the words, but she improvises on the music too.
Richard Cook and Brian Morton, The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings: Ninth Edition (Penguin Books, 2008)

[@waltergray7722]

A wonderful post in all respects.
Thank you for sharing.

[@etaoin_shrdlu]

It's hard to go wrong with Helen Merrill. I even like her country album.

[@danbarrett20]

Sounds like Brownie comping muted and beautifully, possibly Herbie Mann on flute 🪈

[@etaoin_shrdlu]

Kenny Dorham and Jerome Richardson one flute and sax.