Cryptology Stallings

Just over 50 years have passed since 22-year-old Mary Stallings established herself as the finest new voice in jazz with the release of Cal Tjader Plays, Mary Stallings Sings. Since then, Stallings has released fewer albums than the average person has fingers, the earliest dating to 1990. Tempting as it is to ruminate over what could have been, it’s better to celebrate the fact that she has been steadily active throughout the past two decades and remains, at 72, the consummate jazz singer.

Mary Stallings was just 22 at the time this album, her first, was cut in 1961. Fortunately, she was teamed up with a group of top professionals led by vibist Cal Tjader. She also sticks with mostly tried and true material, with Duke Ellington's songs getting a big play. Tjader is not a virtuoso on the vibes, but has made a name for himself because of his attachment to Latin rhythms. With no such music on this album, Tjader's playing seems somewhat stiff at times, particularly on ballads and slow blues. However, alternating pianists Lonnie Hewitt and Clare Fischer get with the program to give Stallings the backing she needs. The vibes player also loosens up on up-tempo tunes like "It Ain't Necessarily So." The singer has a powerful voice with a straight from the shoulder, no holds barred delivery…

"Cal Tjader Plays/Mary Stallings Sings" is a noteworthy album in that it represents Mary Stallings's recording debut. Only 22 at the time, Stallings sings with a remarkable amount of conviction and control here, displaying the rich tone and heavy gospel influence that would mark all her work. Tjader leads a fine band through a set filled with standards and tunes by Fats Waller and Duke Ellington, and his cool-toned vibes add a shimmering atmosphere to the proceedings. The 2005 reissue boasts excellent remastered sound and two alternative takes from the session.

Mary Stallings sings 12 excellent and soulful interpretations of songs by such great composers as Cole Porter, Burton Lane, Louis Prima, and Duke Ellington on her second release for the Maxjazz label, Live at the Village Vanguard. Her voice is strong, rich, and full of the introspection that only comes with musical growth. Accompanied by Ron Blake on tenor saxophone, Eric Reed on piano, Vicente Archer on bass, and Carl Allen on drums, Stallings is in touch with her music and in sync with her emotions on such notables as "You're Sensational," "Sunday Kind of Love," "All Night Long," and "I Didn't Know About You." Mary Stallings brings her seductive concept to listeners and will floor you with her exceptional phrasing on "Sunday Kind of Love" and "All Night Long"…

Mary Stallings sings 12 excellent and soulful interpretations of songs by such great composers as Cole Porter, Burton Lane, Louis Prima, and Duke Ellington on her second release for the Maxjazz label, Live at the Village Vanguard. Her voice is strong, rich, and full of the introspection that only comes with musical growth. Accompanied by Ron Blake on tenor saxophone, Eric Reed on piano, Vicente Archer on bass, and Carl Allen on drums, Stallings is in touch with her music and in sync with her emotions…

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. This is one of Mary Stallings' finest recordings and is highly recommended.