Such is the quality and immediacy of the sound on these two albums, it’s hard to believe that they were recorded live. Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks and Yolande Bavan blend and interweave their vocals so intricately and imaginatively that, at times, you’re left breathless… as they should be, but aren’t.
At Newport ’63 starts with Count Basie’s One O’Clock Jump, where LH&B set out their stall confidently, introducing an incredible five-piece band that includes Coleman Hawkins and Clark Terry. Unsurprisingly, these instrumental giants match the invention of the vocals, making for splendid tracks such as Watermelon Man, Sack O’ Woe and Yeh Yeh!.
Newport probably just edges the Village Gate set for overall power, though the latter sounds just as good, with Jumpin’ At The Woodside providing another Basie lead-off. There are some humorous songs here that may divide a few listeners, but the overall effect of the two albums is a satisfying masterclass of jazz vocals the like of which we seldom hear today.
