ERNESTINE ANDERSON — Never Make Your Move Too Soon (1980) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The title cut of this near-classic album became a sort of theme song for Ernestine Anderson, but it is not the only high point. The singer sounds in top form on such fine material as "As Long As I Live," a touching "Old Folks," "My Shining Hour," and "Poor Butterfly." With fine assistance from pianist Monty Alexander, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Frank Gant, Ernestine Anderson is heard throughout in prime form, sounding quite enthusiastic and powerful. Highly recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Never Make Your Move Too Soon 3:31
Stix Hooper / Will Jennings
2     What a Diff'rence a Day Made 4:47
Stanley Adams / María Mendez Grever    
3     As Long as I Live 4:40
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler    
4     Old Folks 7:17
Dedette Lee Hill / Willard Robison    
5     Just One More Chance 5:30
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston    
6     My Shining Hour 3:34
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer    
7     Why Did I Choose You? 4:22
Michael Leonard / Herbert Martin
8     Poor Butterfly 5:35
John Golden / Raymond Hubbell
Credits :
Bass – Ray Brown
Drums – Frank Gant
Piano – Monty Alexander
Vocals – Ernestine Anderson

RED GARLAND — The Nearness of You (1962-1999) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Unlike his slightly earlier recordings for Moodsville (which feature Red Garland on unaccompanied piano solos), this strictly ballad date has Garland joined (on all but the solo "Lush Life") by bassist Larry Ridley and drummer Frank Gant. Since all eight of the standards are taken at the same medium/slow tempo, there is not much variety here, keeping the CD from being essential. But Garland's attractive and distinctive chord voicings, plus his ability to uplift melodies while swinging at a slow speed, make this project a success. Highlights include "The Nearness of You," "Where or When," and Irving Berlin's "All Alone." Particularly effective when used as background music. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

RED GARLAND QUARTET — Solar (1962-1992) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist Red Garland recorded many sessions during 1955-63 and his distinctive chord voicings and relaxed style was always worth hearing. The wild card on this quartet is Les Spann who had the unusual double of guitar and flute; his flute is a major asset on "Where Are You?" and "The Very Thought of You." Garland (along with bassist Sam Jones and drummer Frank Gant) is in fine form throughout these underplayed standards; highlights include "Sophisticated Swing," "Solar" and "This Can't Be Love." Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :