Nature Boy

Limited edition of 500 copies - 180g virgin vinyl, the complete album + 2 bonus tracks. Described by Brian Priestley, Ian Carr, and Digby Fairweather in their 2004 book The Rough Guideto Jazz as "one of the most gifted and underrated jazz singers of the twentieth century", Lorez Alexandria began as a singer in churches in her teens, and spent 11 years as part of an a cappella choir before turning to jazz. This album features her backed only by a rhythm section (including renowned Ahmad Jamal Trio bassist Israel Crosby) plus bebop trumpeter Howard McGhee(who recorded with the great Charlie Parker, among many others). Although Lorez continued performing and recording in the following decades, she never made the anticipated breakthrough to a wider audience. Nevertheless, her albums are now cult items for jazz fans. LOREZ ALEXANDRIA, vocals HOWARD McGHEE, trumpet JOHN YOUNG, piano & arranger GEORGE ESKRIDGE, guitar ISRAEL CROSBY, bass VERNEL FOURNIER, drums Chicago, February 13-14, 1962. Original sessions produced by Ralph Bass. *Bonus tracks: Lorez Alexandria (vc), Ramsey Lewis (p, out on B7), John Gray (g on A6-A7), Freddie Green (g on B6-B7), Eldee Young (b), Issac "Redd" Holt (d). On B6 add Joe Newman (tp), Al Grey (tb), Frank Wess & Frank Foster (ts). Arrangements by Kirk Stuart. Chicago, January-February, 1960.