Abbey Lincoln - Abbey Is Blue

Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve. 2006. Album Description

Get It!

I was first introduced to Abbey Lincoln through film. I have in my collection "For Love of Ivy" in which she co-stars with Sidney Poitier. Also, "Nothing But a Man" in which she co-stars with Ivan Dixon. The films are timeless pieces. I play them again and again. Sidney and Abbey are FUNNY, FUNNY, FUNNY in "For Love of Ivy." (Check them out.)

I knew Abbey sang BUT I didn't know how WELL she sang. Smooth, controlled flexible, melodic tones. Lyrics that had/have significance - then and now. If you like jazz, check out the listening samples and add "Abbey is Blue" to your shopping cart. Shirley Horn - may she rest in peace - is another forgotten notable, as well. She sang the opening and closing theme song to "For Love of Ivy." (Her name is nowhere to be found on the credits - at least not on the VHS I purchased.) Broaden your musical palate.

October 20, 2007

You truly hear and feel the singer's love for the songs!

Abbey Lincoln is one of the great jazz legends. Unfortunately, there are too many of those... So not all received the same fame as Ella, Billie and Sarah. Since I discovered her, Abbey Lincoln keeps impressing me, and quickly found a place of honour in my music collection. She is one of a kind and an intelligent and creative artist, going more experimental later on in her career. It sure is no coincidence that she worked with so many great musicians!

I liked to read somewhere that she is rather an "actress with a song" than a singer, with her intense, emotive interpretations. As far as I'm concerned, Abbey even beats her hero Billie Holiday a few times (check also Abbey's 1957 album "That's Him", with "Don't Explain" and "My man").

Indeed, "Abbey is blue" (from 1959) is an essential early recording of Abbey Lincoln. Apparently, Abbey Lincoln was the first to record a sung version of the standard "Afro-Blue", a great opener here.
The aching "Let up" reminds me strongly of Nina Simone (which whom she has the political character of her work in common), yet... it was written by Abbey Lincoln herself!
There's more than a few haunting songs on this album (what's in a name?)! "Lost In The Stars", "Brother, Where Are You?", "Laugh, Clown, Laugh", ... fantastic!!
I wonder how many singers could make the very simply arranged "Lonely house" so captivating as this!

High quality blue atmosphere ! August 11, 2006

Simply Beautiful

Everything Abbey Lincoln records isawesome! This is one of her best recordings. She is great and that saysit all. I have most of her recordingsand I`m greatly satisfied with themall. She was inspired by Billie Holiday. Need I say More? March 26, 2001

Essential

No collection of vocal jazz should be without this. Abbey's versions of Kurt Weill's "Lonely House" and especially "Lost in the Stars" are classic. Many of the performances are imbued with the spirit of the times as well; you can't hear this album and not think about the nascent Civil Rights Movement. A deeply moving and human experience. May 10, 1999

More reviews at Amazon.com ...