The NY hipster in Cologne for the day in 1967, with eight members of the Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland big band, including Sahib Shihab and Ronnie Scott. Kicking off with Murphy unaccompanied in Duke’s Jump For Joy, the performances are masterful throughout, in wonderful repertoire, with a perfectly measured, enthralling introspectiveness.
Sconsolato in particular is ravishing, sublime Latin jazz, with casually brilliant drumming by Kenny Clarke and a gorgeous muted trumpet solo by Jimmy Deuchar, from Warrington. A desert island disc.
Very warmly recommended.

A no-frills, loving tribute — with Shirley’s longtime drummer Steve Williams and double bassist Curtis Lundy (brother of Carmen), formerly of Betty Carter’s group; also the fine pianist Alex Minasian and trumpeter Till Brönner.

Killer. Sublimely moody Latin jazz — our favourite recording by this great jazz singer — with expert accompaniment by Francy Boland, Kenny Clarke, Sahib Shihab, Ake Persson and co. On the flip, Just Give Me Time is a dynamic, full-flavoured bossa.