The Intimate Jackie Paris

AMG Review of The Intimate Jackie Paris

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

One of the first male jazz singers to explore ebop, Jackie Paris has been an underground legend for decades, only recording on a very infrequent basis. This particular CD is a bit unusual, for the singer is heard accompanying himself on guitar, with the only other musician being bassist Mike Richmond. Since Paris had never recorded on guitar before, the project is somewhat surprising but quite successful. Sticking mostly to allads, Paris shows that he is still a fine (if vastly underrated) singer, with the better selections including "But Beautiful," "'Tis Autumn," "This Is Always," and "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye." Paris had been accompanying his vocal students on guitar for years, and he sounds quite comfortable doing the same for himself. He is in prime voice throughout, making this a very welcome release for fans of warm jazz-influenced vocalists.