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One of the most significant singers to emerge during the past half century, Abbey Lincoln is heard at the peak of her powers on Golden Lady.from 1980.
Abbey Lincoln always meant the lyrics that she sang, and around the time of Golden Lady she had developed into a fine songwriter. Born as Anna Marie Woolridge in 1930, she started her career as a supper club singer, being billed along the way as Anna Marie, Gaby Lee and Gaby Woolridge before she became Abbey Lincoln. Meeting drummer Max Roach was the turning point of her life for he persuaded her to sing more significant songs, become a dramatic singer, and to be herself in her music. They were married during 1962-70.
Lincoln, who recorded some of her finest work in the late 1950s/early '60s, was a vital part of Roach's Freedom Now Suite. Her involvement in the civil rights movement and the political nature of her music made it more difficult for her to find work as the 1960s progressed and she did not record at all as a leader during 1962-72, so she became a notable actress. In 1973 she broke her silence by recording People In Me for Inner City. Golden Lady was her follow-up album.
For this special project, Ms. Lincoln is joined by Archie Shepp on tenor and soprano, trumpeter Roy Burroughs, pianist Hilton Ruiz, bassist Jack Gregg and drummer Freddie Waits. Shepp's playing behind the singer is some of the finest of his career, showing that the former avant-gardist could play melodically too.
The repertoire consists of fresh versions of three standards (“Sophisicated Lady,” Stevie Wonder's “Golden Lady” and “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life”) and the debut of three of Abbey Lincoln's finest songs: “Painted Lady” (about being a stage actress), an often-intense “Caged Bird,” and her philosophical “Throw It Away” which is about how people often throw away relationships rather than work on fixing them.
Review
"Throughout this memorable outing, Abbey Lincoln's voice is quite strong, her interpretations range from defiant to joyful, and the results are classic. Golden Lady is highly recommended for all jazz collections.
"A consistently intriguing and rewarding jazz singer during the second half of the 20th century, Abbey Lincoln never recorded any lyrics that she did not believe in. Golden Lady, from 1980, features her at the peak of her powers. With a supporting cast that includes Archie Shepp on tenor and soprano, trumpeter Roy Burroughs, pianist Hilton Ruiz, bassist Jack Gregg and drummer Freddie Waits, Lincoln was clearly inspired by her sidemen. She performs some of her finest material, her voice is powerful, and the interpretations range from defiant to joyful. A classic."-Scott Yanow
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