I've immersed myself in old blues and jazz for tired times on the Clapham commute.
Bessie Smith - Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
I've heard many a good version of this, but none that sounds so genuinely desperate as Bessie's. The emotion in her voice stops me in my tracks. And then that sad little trumpet solo to really put the dagger in.
Cab Calloway - St. James' Infirmary
Another oft-covered classic in one of its very best incarnations. The strut, the glint, the voice acrobatics.
Anita O'Day - Love For Sale
I've listened to a lot of Anita lately. Inherited her entire discography from uncle Hasse. She's one of the coolest.
Betty Carter - 'Round Midnight
On a list full of amazing vocal performances, this stands out as the most satin soft one. That sudden surprising samba break at 2:30 only serves to underline the loveliness of Betty's voice.
Sergei Rachmaninoff - Piano Concerto No.4, Op. 40: II. Largo
Went to the BBC Proms last week to celebrate the centenary of the Russian revolution with this guy Leif-Ove playing perhaps my favourite Rachmaninoff piece. He's sure got a knack for dramatic swooning beauty that Sergei!
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