(Vocal Jazz, Easy Listening) Martha Hayes & Ilene Woods - A Hayes Named Martha / It’s Late - 2019, MP3, 320 kbps

Martha Hayes
AllMusic
Discogs
Ilene Woods
AllMusic
Discogs
MusicBrainz

A Hayes Named Martha
There were many singers around in the ‘50s—out and out pop singers, pop singers who had forsaken jazz, jazz-tinged singers, jazz influenced singers—but very few jazz singers. Martha Hayes spoke in the jazz tradition with a contemporary feeling. On her album A Hayes Named Martha, her interpretation, phrasing and swing, coupled with her emotional depth is what turned her vocals into actual jazz. She had a natural, unaffected voice, at times reminiscent of Billie Holiday. The jazz mood is expertly set by the solos and background accompaniment of Steve Foster and Lou Fratturo, the perfect complement to the jazz voice of Martha Hayes.
It's Late
Ilene Woods was a singer and actress best known for her role as the title character in Disney’s 1950 animated film, Cinderella. While the film’s success was a boon to Disney Studios during a time of financial hardship, it also made Ilene’s a familiar face on TV, as she became a regular in the shows of Perry Como, Arthur Godfrey, and Garry Moore all through the 50’s. She retired from show business in the early 1970s to become a portrait artist. Her only album It’s Late (1957) is an exciting showcase for Ilene’s bright, sad voice. It is full of emotion and assurance, delivered with sensitive phrasing, and Ilene’s sophisticated approach never detracts from her honesty in this carefully chosen set of tunes. Just listening to Miss Woods is a pleasure, as she makes it all sound so simple over the tasteful background led by the talented pianist Bill Clifton.
AllMusic
Fresh Sound Records