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Aretha Franklin - Unforgettable - A Tribute To - Speakers Corner – Audiophile Audition 27.04.21, 1025

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Aretha Franklin –

Unforgettable – A Tribute To Cembal d’amour Dinah Washington – Speakers Corner

Home » SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews » Aretha Franklin – Unforgettable – A Tribute To Dinah Washington – Speakers Corner

by Audiophile Audition | Apr 26, 2021 | Pop/Rock/World CD Reviews, Pure SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews | 0 comments Pleasure / Speakers Corner

Aretha Franklin – Unforgettable – A Tribute To Dinah Washington – Columbia CS 8963 (1964)/Speakers

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Corner Records (2020) 180- Cedille gram stereo vinyl, 36:49 ****1/2:

(Aretha Franklin – vocals, ; – arrangements, conductor; Teddy Charles – vibraphone; Buddy Lucas – harmonica; Ernie Hayes – piano, organ; Ernie Site Search Royal – trumpet; Buddy Lucas – tenor Search here... saxophone; Gary Chester – drums; Bob Asher – trombone; George Duvivier – bass; Paul Griffin – organ)

Once Aretha Franklin started recording with Atlantic Records, her meteoric career was launched. She became a pop and r& b legend, dominating the music scene for decades. Like Ray Charles, she was able to take her gospel roots and transform them into artistic and commercial success. Her mesmerizing voice and emotional depth were unsurpassed. However, Franklin was originally signed to Columbia. From 1961-1967, Aretha released 9 albums that showcased her versatility in doo-wop, and jazz. Even with traditional material, she enjoyed some chart success. In 1964, Franklin recorded a tribute album (Unforgettable) to legendary singer Dinah Washington. In essence, this was handing off the torch from the recently deceased “Queen Of The Blues” to her inevitable successor, “The Queen Of Soul”.

Speakers Corner Records has released a 180-gram vinyl re-mastering of Unforgettable. This album is stylishly produced with veteran session musicians and meticulous arrangements of Washington covers. While not possessing the visceral impact of her powerhouse future soul catalog, her prodigious talent emerges. Side 1 opens with the eternal pop standard, “Unforgettable”. Nat “King” Cole initially popularized this song, but most agree that Dinah Washington’s 1959 version is historical. With a shading of tenor saxophone and Teddy Charles on vibes, strings add a tender counterpoint. Franklin glides into the first verse. While there is considerable subtlety in the vocals, the slow- burning intensity is there. Her deliberate phrasing with heart-aching, soulful accents build until a rousing finish. “Cold Cold Heart” (by one of the greatest American , ) has always been a country/popular music crossover. This arrangement intermingles a country blues resonance with harmonica (Buddy Lucas), organ and piano-fueled gospel fervor. Aretha instinctively knows when to dial up the emotion, and the horns add some muscle. On another well-known song, “What A Diff’erence A Day Makes”, the singer’s precise elocution is timeless. Franklin channels the spirit of Washington on the jazz ballad, “Drinking Again”. It eventually transitions to soul testimony, reflecting

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the bitter melancholy of the context. A muted trumpet (Ernie Royal) and evocative saxophone (Buddy Lucas) complement the stellar vocals. In vintage 16-bar blues, “Nobody Knows The Way I Feel This Morning” is close to perfection. The listener can hear the visceral essence of “modern” Aretha Franklin as she brings this one home.

Side 2 is compelling. “Evil Gal Blues” is a gritty performance and rivals the greats of this genre. A bigger swagger is augmented by - type horns and harmonica. This song (as pointed out by in the incisive liner notes) became a staple of Aretha Franklin live performances throughout her career. It mirrors her larger-than-life musical persona. Switching gears, “Don’t Say Your Sorry Again” is pure torch song. The singer’s deep sentiment is balanced with a mellifluous trombone (Bob Asher) and gentle organ (Ernie Hayes). Additionally, various technical vocal skills, including vibrato are on display. There is an overt jazziness with Gary Chester’s crashing cymbals initiating a tempo change. Franklin covers back-to-back ballads (“”, “”) with commitment. The former showcases crystallized gospel wailing in homage to Mahalia Jackson (no doubt an inspiration to Washington and Franklin). The latter is equally moving (arranged like a 1950’s slow-dance orchestration) as Aretha displays her innate sense of timing. The finale (“Soulsville”) is revelatory. Here is the glimpse into the future of perhaps the greatest singer of all time. It is quintessential “Memphis-style” soul that simply blows the roof off. She not only offers incendiary lead vocals, but provides tracked-backup and piano. Even at the age of 21, her impactful artistry is clearly evident.

Speakers Corner has done an excellent job in re-mastering Unforgettable to 180-gram vinyl. The state-of-the-art 60’s Columbia Categories Records “360 Sound” has been faithfully captured with a vibrant, Classical balanced mix. The vinyl pressing is flawless, with no hisses or pops. The Reviews aforementioned Leonard Feather liner notes are insightful regarding Jazz Reviews the making of this album. Hi-Res Reviews

TrackList: Classical Side 1: Unforgettable; Cold, Cold Heart; What A Diff’rence A Day Makes; Reissue Drinking Again; Nobody Knows The Way I Feel This Morning Reviews Side 2: Evil Gal Blues; Don’t Say You’re Sorry Again; This Bitter Earth; If I Video Reviews Should Lose You; Soulville Pop/Rock/Worl —Robbie Gerson d Reviews

For more information on this or other releases from Speakers Corner, Special please visit distributor Acoustic Sounds: Features Component Reviews

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