NNENNA FREELON - Shaking Free (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For this excellent effort, Nnenna Freelon solidifies her position as one of the better female jazz singers of the 1990s. Her appealing voice and versatility are well displayed throughout a set that includes a 5/4 version of "Out of This World," the folk song "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair," "Birk's Works," "I Thought About You," "Nature Boy," and three originals. Freelon is ably assisted by her regular rhythm section of the period (pianist Bill Anschell, bassist John Brown, and drummer Woody Williams), and there are worthwhile guest spots for guitarist Scott Sawyer, Rickey Woodard on tenor and soprano, and Alex Acuna on congas. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Out of This World 6:01
Harold Arlen / Jimmy McHugh / Johnny Mercer
2 Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair 6:03
Traditional
3 I Live to Love You 4:18
Oscar Castro-Neves / Luverci Fiorini / Ray Gilbert
4 Shaking Free 5:17
Bill Anschell / John Brown / Nnenna Freelon / Woody Williams
5 Stories We Hold 4:54
Bill Anschell / Nnenna Freelon
6 Birk's Works 4:30
Dizzy Gillespie
7 My Shining Hour 4:37
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
8 Visions 4:04
Stevie Wonder
9 I Thought About You 5:04
James Van Heusen / Johnny Mercer
10 What Am I Here For? 6:36
Duke Ellington / Frankie Laine
11 Nature Boy 4:15
Eden Ahbez
12 Blue Daughter 2:22
Nnenna Freelon
Credits:
Congas – Alex Acuña (tracks: 3, 4, 8)
Double Bass – John Brown
Drums – Woody Williams
Guitar – Scott Sawyer (tracks: 3 to 5, 8, 12)
Piano – Bill Anschell
Soprano Saxophone – Rickey Woodard (tracks: 2, 11)
Tenor Saxophone – Rickey Woodard (tracks: 9)
Vocals – Nnenna Freelon