Mink Jazz – PEGGY LEE****

It’s A Big Wide Wonderful World/Whisper Not/My Silent Love/The Lady Is A Tramp/Days Of Wine & Roses/As Long As I Live/I Won’t Dance/Cloudy Morning/I Could Write A Book/I Never Had A Chance/Close Your Eyes/ Where Can I Go Without You

For these jazz numbers on Mink Jazz vocalist Peggy Lee eschews strings and big orchestrations in favour of a smaller ensemble, with the trumpet to the fore, backing up the ballads. (US:42)

“Mink Jazz is a mostly inconsequential, tongue in cheek take on jazz standards. As an album, it’s a bit too uneven to play from front to back, but the best songs are fantastic and obscure lounge jazz that are desperately in need of a revival. Lee is an undeniably great singer with a charismatic presence, and she has a natural sense of restraint. She never overwhelms the songs, but rather infuses them with her personality. Mink Jazz might not be her best album, but its highpoints make it a worthy addition to the collection of anyone who enjoys coffee house jazz.”

“This is an exquisite album. Not only Peggy's voice at her finest, both her swinging and sensuous ballads, but some of the finest West Coast jazz players backing her from any era. Most notably on this album is some of the tastiest trumpet playing of all time, with no wasted notes and all brilliant, melodic, captivating ideas.”

“The very title of the album suggests quality, and that's what you get here. Peggy was, of course, in her element on the slow, seductive songs which were her trademark, but what really makes this album sparkle is the variation in pace. The musicianship throughout the album is masterful, yet always secondary to Peggy's lovely voice. This is a classy album by a classy singer. If you haven't got any of Peggy's music, this is a great place to start. After hearing this, you will surely be tempted to buy more."

"On Mink Jazz Peggy Lee is simply matchless as she perfectly interprets great standards to superb jazz accompaniments. This is one of the great albums of all time and still sounds fresh and exciting. Don't miss it.”

“This LP of ever popular songs like The Lady Is A Tramp, Days Of Wine & Roses and many more is really a pleasure to listen to. The album provides an interesting selection of music for serious or easy listening, whether during cocktail or dinner respectively.”