The brief life span of classic jazz vocalese singing found its first inspiration in these
King Pleasure sides.
Pleasure vocalized many bebop solos by the likes of
James Moody,
Charlie Parker, and
Lester Young, often adding his own hip and witty lyrics to the mix. Initially issued on his debut, Moody's Mood for Love, the first eight sides here include solid senders like "Parker's Mood," "Red Top" (based on a
Gene Ammons solo and featuring singer
Betty Carter), and "Jumpin' With Symphony Sid" (
Lester Young). Balancing out the boppish fare,
Pleasure also delivers ballads like "This Is Always" (featuring the Dave Lambert Singers) and his own composition, "Don't Be Scared" (up-and-coming vocalese star Jon Hendriks guests). Future Hendriks cohort
Annie Ross co-headlines this LP, matching
Pleasure's best with hits like "Twisted" (
Wardell Gray) and "Farmer's Market" (
Art Farmer). Her wordless scat feature, "Annie's Lament," is a highlight as well. A must for bop and vocal jazz fans.