Abbey Lincoln – Abbey is Blue

Abbey Lincoln recorded three albums for the Riverside label in the late ’50s, the last of which was ABBEY IS BLUE. On four cuts, including the album opener, Lincoln is backed by a three-piece horn section and a propulsive rhythm section.

The opening cut features the first vocal presentation of Herbie Mann’s “Afro-Blue.” Two pieces by Kurt Weill stand nicely alongside numbers by Ellington, Lincoln herself, and other jazz composers of the day. The entire album has the feel of a chamber piece, with its quietly propulsive arrangements and Lincoln’s elegant simplicity and emotional depth. ABBEY IS BLUE is yet another highly recommended title from Abbey Lincoln’s rich catalog.