Johnny Hartman: The Voice That Is! (Acoustic Sounds) (180g) (LP)

Although singer Johnny Hartman had already performed in the 1940s with the orchestras of Earl Hines and Dizzy Gillespie, as well as with pianist Erroll Garner, he did not achieve widespread fame until 1963, thanks to his brilliant collaborative album with the John Coltrane Quartet. Bob Thiele subsequently produced two more solo albums with the crooner for Impulse! Records, which highlighted his velvety baritone voice and subtle phrasing. “The Voice That Is!” was recorded during two studio sessions directed by arranger Bob Hammer. On September 22, 1964, Hartman recorded jazzier versions of standards with a quartet led by pianist Hank Jones. Two days later, he returned to the studio with a larger ensemble featuring an interesting lineup to record numbers from popular musicals and films, which were given a Latin American flair with percussion, marimba, two guitars, and flute. Verve Acoustic Sounds Series: mastered entirely analog by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound from the original tapes, QPR pressing (180 g), sturdy tip-on gatefold sleeve (Stoughton Printing), padded inner sleeve