Helen Humes radiated girlish innocence and womanly sensuality. Combined with her intonation, phrasing, and perfect sense of time and tempo, this simultaneous expression of opposites put her work among the delights of jazz singing. In some of her famous blues records, she was capable of delivering the most explicitly suggestive lyrics with a wide-eyed sense of joy. But in this classic session, Helen turned her talents to interpretation of a dozen great standard songs in a studio jam session organized and led by Benny Carter. In addition to some of Carter’s best trumpet on record, the album has superior playing of Frank Rosolino and Teddy Edwards, and the inspirational rhythm section support of André Previn, Leroy Vinnegar, Shelly Manne, and Mel Lewis.

with Benny Carter, Frank Rosolino, Teddy Edwards, Andre Previn, Leroy Vinnegar, Shelly Manne, Mel Lewis