Jacintha – Autumn Leaves: The Songs Of Johnny Mercer (1999) [Reissue 2000] {SACD ISO + FLAC 24bit/88,2kHz}

Nine of the 11 tracks here are ballads. Their uncluttered arrangements spotlight Jacintha’s smooth and sensuous voice, while her expressive phrasing draws the most from the classic Johnny Mercer lyrics. Jacintha includes the original lyrics to “Autumn Leaves,” done in soft and flawless French; otherwise, her primary innovation is to deliver the tunes straight and sincerely, with minimal improvisation and maximum tenderness. There’s no trace of the customary bitterness in “One More for the Road,” and her unaccompanied reading of “Moon River” liberates that song from any prior goopy associations. In fact, her version brings out the poignancy of the lyrics so purely that her additional chorus, coming after a rather wandering piano interlude, seems redundant. The band is good but pretty restrained throughout, supplying subtle commentary and close support, then breaks out nicely on the two up-tempo tracks: “And the Angels Sing” and “Something’s Got to Give.” Jacintha’s measured, legato approach isn’t very conducive to swinging, but listening to “Skylark”and “Midnight Sun,” in particular, is like sipping cool champagne in a fragrant hot tub. Another highlight is the bonus track, “Here’s to Life,” a signature tune for Shirley Horn, which Jacintha takes at a slightly faster tempo. While it’s not a Mercer lyric, its beautiful sentiments and melody fit nicely into this relaxed and intimate set. Whatever this CD may lack in fire, it makes up for in warmth.

Tracklist:
01. And The Angels Sing
02. Skylark
03. One For My Baby
04. Midnight Sun
05. Autumn Leaves
06. Days Of Wine & Roses
07. I Remember You
08. Trav’lin’ Light
09. Something’s Gotta Give
10. Moon River
11. Here’s To Life [Soundtrack Mix]

SACD ISO

mqs.link_Jacintha1999AutumnLeaves.TheSngsfJhnnyMercerSACDIS.part1.rar
mqs.link_Jacintha1999AutumnLeaves.TheSngsfJhnnyMercerSACDIS.part2.rar
mqs.link_Jacintha1999AutumnLeaves.TheSngsfJhnnyMercerSACDIS.part3.rar

FLAC 24bit/88,2kHz

mqs.link_Jacintha1999AutumnLeaves.TheSngsfJhnnyMercerFLAC2488.2.part1.rar
mqs.link_Jacintha1999AutumnLeaves.TheSngsfJhnnyMercerFLAC2488.2.part2.rar