Shirley Horn – Live at the 4 Queens (2016) DSF DSD128

Shirley Horn – Live at the 4 Queens (2016)
DSF Stereo DSD128, 1 bit/5,6 MHz | Time – 54:54 minutes | 4,37 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download – Source: nativeDSDmusic | Booklet, Front Cover | © 2xHD/Resonance Records

The first previously unreleased music by Shirley Horn in nearly a decade was recorded live at the 4 Queens Hotel in Las Vegas in May 1988 and feature Horn’s longtime trio, bassist Charles Ables and drummer Steve Williams. The set was recorded by KNPR radio for a syndicated jazz show and captures the angora-voiced jazz singer and pianist at the very beginning of her resurgence on the jazz scene. Renowned for her inimitable ability to negotiate melodies and lyrics at an exquisitely unhurried pace, Horn applies her unique alchemy to classic and contemporary songs: when she sings a song, she changes the way it’s heard forever.

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Shirley Horn – Here’s To Life (1992) [Reissue 2004] MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Shirley Horn – Here’s To Life (1992) [Reissue 2004]
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 & 5.1 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 62:07 minutes | Scans included | 3,93 GB
or FLAC 2.0 Stereo (converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | 62:40 min | Scans | 1,17 GB

Shirley Horn’s meeting with a string section and an orchestra arranged by Johnny Mandel has some exquisite moments although sometimes it is just overly sweet. Horn recorded with her trio (which includes bassist Charles Ables and drummer Steve Williams) first, emphasizing slow ballads. Mandel used the pianist-vocalist’s improvisations and chord voicings as the basis for his charts and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis took guest solos on “A Time for Love” and “Quietly There.” Shirley Horn fans will love this CD (which includes such numbers as “Here’s To Life,” “How Am I To Know” and “If You Love Me”) but no real surprises or contrast occurs.

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Shirley Horn – Live at the 4 Queens (2016) [Official Digital Download 24bit/192kHz]

Shirley Horn – Live at the 4 Queens (2016)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 54:54 minutes | 1,91 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © 2xHD – Resonance Records

The first previously unreleased music by Shirley Horn in nearly a decade was recorded live at the 4 Queens Hotel in Las Vegas in May 1988 and feature Horn’s longtime trio, bassist Charles Ables and drummer Steve Williams. The set was recorded by KNPR radio for a syndicated jazz show and captures the angora-voiced jazz singer and pianist at the very beginning of her resurgence on the jazz scene. Renowned for her inimitable ability to negotiate melodies and lyrics at an exquisitely unhurried pace, Horn applies her unique alchemy to classic and contemporary songs: when she sings a song, she changes the way it’s heard forever.

(more…)

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Shirley Horn – Softly (Remastered) (2019) [Official Digital Download 24bit/192kHz]

Shirley Horn – Softly (Remastered) (2019)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 52:03 minutes | 3,36 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © 2xHD

Softly is the documentation of a recording session which yielded only indispensable tracks, with an incredibly on-target approach to each tune chosen for performance. The reflective mood of the album effectively captures the late-night intimacy of the recording sessions. Distanced from the “time-is-money” anxiety and clinical ambiance of commercial recording studios, instead surrounded by devoted friends and inevitably, food, this recording presents a more introspective and emotionally intense performance from Shirley Horn than any other on record.

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Shirley Horn – Softly (1988/2019) DSF DSD256 + Hi-Res FLAC

Shirley Horn – Softly (1988/2019)
DSD256 (.dff) 1 bit/11,28 MHz MHz | Time – 00:52:03 minutes | 8,21 GB
or FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 00:52:03 minutes | 685 MB
Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover | Genre: Vocal Jazz | © 2xHD

Softly is a masterpice. Anyone who appreciates a grown up sense of romanticism and sensuality will find endless joy from this album. For me, Softly is the perfect soundtrack to a rainy Sunday afternoon in bed with your lover.

The Shirley Horn Trio played so slowly, but with perfect musicality and rhythm, as to be hypnotic. The drummer, Steve williams, is one of the finest percussionists you will ever hear. It should be noted that Shirley Horn is the singer AND pianist. Ms. Horn’s voice is sultry and deep while her piano playing displays a highly sensitive understanding of chord structure and voicing. I often think her piano playing sounds like French impressionists like Debussy, Ravel, or Satie.

You’re my thrill is a hauntingly beautiful melody/lyric, How Long Has This Been Going On? includes the rarely used opening recitative as heard in “Funny Face” starring Audrey Hepburn, My, How The Time Goes By is the definition of “in-th-pocket” groove, and my favorites: I watch you sleep, and the title track, Softly, truly capture the tender satisfaction of watching your lover sleep and the complexities of adult relationships.

I am an audiophile. I used to think the album was poorly recorded because I had a cheap Pioneer stereo with boomy Bose speakers. On a mediocre stereo the bass is heavy and the treble sounds bright. On a high-end system the album is a bit cool, but very clearly recorded. Audiophile is the name of the record label that produced Softly!

I have every Shirley Horn album and this is perhaps my favorite. I also recommend the albums You Wont Forget Me, I Love You Paris, and Close Enough For Love.

We’ll miss you Shirley!”

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Emilie-Claire Barlow, Holly Cole, Polly Gibbons, Shirley Horn – Jazz Ballads, Vol. 2 (2018) [Official Digital Download 24bit/192kHz]

Emilie-Claire Barlow, Holly Cole, Polly Gibbons, Shirley Horn – Jazz Ballads, Vol. 2 (2018)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 01:08:47 minutes | 2,41 GB | Genre: Jazz, Vocal Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © 2xHD

Another selection of great ballads performed by 2xHD’s best female jazz singers and instrumentalists, a follow up to the much appreciated Jazz Ballads album released on 2xHD two years ago. It includes performances by Shirley Horn, Holly Cole, Ben Webster, and more.

This compilation, comprised of various legends of jazz and voice, is sure to be please fans and collectors alike with its sensitive and careful selection of stunning and emotional performances.

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