Swingin' Easy is one of Sarah Vaughan's lesser known albums for Emarcy, combining two separate trio sessions from 1954 and 1957. The earlier date includes pianist John Malachi (who also worked with singers like Dinah Washington, Billy Eckstine, and Al Hibbler, plus bassist Joe Benjamin and drummer Roy Haynes. Vaughan's lush ballad technique is in full force in "Lover Man," "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," and "Body and Soul," while she scats in a midtempo setting of "If I Knew Then (What I Knew Now)" and her own "Shulie a Bop." The second trio include pianist Jimmy Jones, bassist Richard Davis, and Haynes. Aside from a brisk, miniature treatment of "Linger Awhile" and a playful setting of "I Cried for You," the session is highlighted by a breezy "All of Me." Vaughan is in terrific form throughout both dates, with the songs mostly running around the three-minute mark. This CD is well worth acquiring, though it is out of print. ~ Ken Dryden
01 - Shulie a Bop - 2:43
02 - Lover Man - 3:19
03 - I Cried for You - 1:43
04 - Polka Dots and Moonbeams - 2:37
05 - All of Me - 3:18
06 - Words Can't Describe - 4:36
07 - Prelude to a Kiss - 2:48
08 - You Hit the Spot - 3:03
09 - Pennies from Heaven - 3:08
10 - If I Knew Then (What I know now) - 2:34
11 - Body and Soul - 3:15
12 - They Can't Take That Away From Me - 2:44
13 - Linger Awhile - 1:02
Sarah Vaughan (vocals)
Jimmy Jones, John Malachi (piano)
Joe Benjamin, Richard Davis (bass)
Roy Haynes (drums)
Recorded in New York on April 2, 1954 and February 14, 1957.
