Another day, still too hot. Dog days, indeed. I really ought to put more into these introductions, but the music speaks volumes without. Besides, just look at the time …
And so, here are two goddesses from the pantheon of jazz.
[audio:svaughn_summertime.mp3]
Sarah Vaughn – “Summertime” – from Sarah Vaughn Sings George Gershwin. She had two nicknames: “Sassy” and “The Divine One.” On this recording, both are apt.
[audio:bholiday_summertime.mp3]
Billie Holiday – “Summertime” – from a collection of her earliest work called Billie Holiday & Her Orchestra: 1933-1937 (now only available as part of a 3-CD collection). This is a Holiday you don’t hear very often, with a voice as yet unravaged by time, smoke, alcohol and just too much life. I like her later work just as well, but the perspective is worth noting.
