IRENE KRAL — Gentle Rain (1978-2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Hearing this set of cool, restrained ballads, it is difficult to believe that this was singer Irene Kral's final recording and that she only had a year left to live before her death from breast cancer. Throughout her second set of duets with pianist Alan Broadbent, Kral is almost up to the same emotional level as her previous effort, Where Is Love. Broadbent takes "What's New" as a complex and introspective exploration. Otherwise, Kral and Broadbent interact on five ballads, including two by Dave Frishberg, and memorable renditions of "The Gentle Rain," "Something to Live For," and "If You Could See Me Now," plus a four-song "Antique Medley." Few other singers could interpret a full program of slow ballads and hold one's interest throughout. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    The Gentle Rain 5:27
Written-By – Luis Bonfa, Matt Dubey
2    The Underdog 4:47
Written-By – Al Cohn, Dave Frishberg
3    You Are There 4:27
Written-By – Dave Frishberg, Johnny Mandel
4    Something To Live For 5:35
Written-By – Billy Strayhorn
5    If You Could See Me Now 5:35
Written-By – Tadd Dameron
Written-By [Uncredited] – Carl Sigman
6    What's New 5:05
Written-By – Bob Haggart
Written-By [Uncredited] – Johnny Burke
The Antique Medley (What's Old)     (7:45)
7a    Remember
Written-By – Irving Berlin
7b    Someday I'll Find You
Written-By – Noel Coward
7c    I'll See You Again
Written-By – Noel Coward
7d    All Alone
Written-By – Irving Berlin
8    Blue Gardenia 5:23
Written-By – Bob Russell, Lester Lee
Credits :
Piano – Alan Broadbent
Vocals – Irene Kral