JOYA SHERRILL - Sings Duke Ellington (1965) FLAC (tracks), lossless

One of the best singers who toured with Duke Ellington, she seemed to be a natural choice for a feature album, only this release was produced by Mercer Ellington with a number of Ellington veterans in the supporting cast and Billy Strayhorn at the piano. Sherrill's confidence singing the twelve gems from the band repertoire allows her to let the timelessness of the music and lyrics speak for itself rather than overembelish the songs. Her superb diction and warm sound are complemented by brief accents by alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges on "Prelude To A Kiss," the muted cornet of Ray Nance on a sassy "I'm Beginning To See The Night," and Nance's violin on her moving take of "Day Dream." This rare outing away from the full band, now available on CD, is worth acquiring. by Ken Dryden
Tracklist:
1 Mood Indigo 2:17
Barney Bigard / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
2 Prelude to a Kiss 3:49
Duke Ellington / Irving Gordon / Irving Mills
3 I'm Beginning to See the Light 1:56 
Duke Ellington / Don George / Johnny Hodges / Harry James
4 Sophisticated Lady  2:50
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Mitchell Parish
5 Kissing Bug 1:49
Joya Sherrill / Rex Stewart / Billy Strayhorn
6 In a Sentimental Mood 2:23
Duke Ellington / Manny Kurtz / Irving Mills
7 Duke's Place 2:36
Duke Ellington / Bob Katz / Bob Thiele
8 I'm Just a Lucky So and So 2:51
Mack David / Duke Ellington
9 Day Dream 3:54
Duke Ellington / John Latouche / Billy Strayhorn
10 Things Ain't What They Used to Be 3:32
Mercer Ellington / Ted Persons
11 Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me) 2:48
Duke Ellington / Lee Gaines
12 A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing 2:52
Billy Strayhorn
Credits:
Joe Benjamin - Bass
Paul Gonsalves - Sax (Tenor)
Ernie Harper - Piano, Sax (Tenor)
Johnny Hodges - Composer, Guest Artist, Sax (Alto)
John Lamb - Bass
Ray Nance - Cornet, Guest Artist, Violin
Berisford "Shep" Shepherd - Bass, Drums
Joya Sherrill - Composer, Vocals
Billy Strayhorn - Composer, Guest Artist, Piano
Cootie Williams - Trumpet
Sam Woodyard - Drums