VAUGHAN, SARAH sarah vaughan UCCU-9079

A Pinnacle of Vocal Jazz: “Sarah Vaughan” featuring Clifford Brown

In the vast discography of the legendary Sarah Vaughan, certain albums stand out as absolute peaks, definitive statements of her unparalleled artistry. The self-titled album recorded for the EmArcy label in 1954 is undeniably one of those towering achievements. We are looking at a Japanese CD reissue of this iconic session, with the catalog number UCCU-9079.

This album is a landmark not just for Vaughan but for all of vocal jazz. It famously pairs “The Divine One” with another brilliant star whose light burned far too briefly: the legendary trumpeter Clifford Brown. Backed by an absolutely stellar group including Paul Quinichette on tenor sax and Herbie Mann on flute, the chemistry between Vaughan and Brown is pure magic.

“Sarah Vaughan” is a masterclass in sophisticated, bebop-infused vocal performance. Vaughan is in breathtaking form, showcasing her incredible multi-octave range, flawless control, and daring improvisational skills. She treats these classic standards not just as songs to be sung, but as vehicles for virtuosic musical exploration. Clifford Brown’s contributions are equally brilliant, his warm, golden trumpet tone and fluid, inventive solos providing the perfect instrumental counterpoint to Vaughan’s voice.

The album features definitive versions of timeless standards like “Lullaby of Birdland,” “April in Paris,” and “Embraceable You,” among others. Every track is a gem, showcasing a perfect balance of masterful technique and deep, heartfelt emotion.

This Japanese CD reissue offers a superb way to experience this historic and essential recording. For any fan of jazz, vocal or instrumental, this album is simply required listening – one of the absolute pinnacles of the art form. You can find this album on our website.