At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan · 1957
73 min · 20 tracks · jazz
A lush blend of jazz standards, showcasing Vaughan's rich vocals against a backdrop of sophisticated melodies and intricate arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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September in the Rain Start here — This track exemplifies Vaughan's ability to convey deep emotion through her phrasing and vocal inflections, making it a definitive interpretation of the standard.
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Willow Weep for Me — Vaughan's rendition transforms this melancholic ballad into a powerful showcase of her range, adding layers of sorrow and nuance.
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Just One of Those Things — Her playful delivery combined with intricate vocal runs highlights Vaughan's unique ability to balance joy and complexity in performance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Vaughan's rich vocal interpretations shine in this live setting, supported by intricate arrangements that enhance her artistry.
What we noticed
- Each song is arranged to highlight Vaughan's vocal phrasing, often allowing for extended improvisational sections from the accompanying musicians.
- The live recording captures audience reactions, which adds an element of spontaneity and engagement throughout the performance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like emotional fluctuations
- captivating live performance energy
- reflective moments of solitude
- intimate late-night listening experience
- nostalgic warmth in vocals
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Vaughan's artistry at a pivotal moment, receiving significant acclaim.
- Career context
- Released in 1957, At Mister Kelly's captures Sarah Vaughan at a pivotal moment in her career. Following the commercial success of her earlier albums, this live recording showcases her growth as a performer and her ability to reinterpret jazz classics with emotional depth and technical prowess.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ella Fitzgerald· Billie Holiday· Nancy Wilson
Tracklist
- 1 September in the Rain Start here 3:34
- 2 Willow Weep for Me 5:18
- 3 Just One of Those Things 3:12
- 4 Be Anything but Darling Be Mine 4:49
- 5 Thou Swell 2:43
- 6 Stairway to the Stars 5:03
- 7 Honeysuckle Rose 3:39
- 8 Just a Gigolo 4:16
- 9 How High the Moon 2:59
- 10 Dream 4:43
- 11 I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter 3:13
- 12 It’s Got to Be Love 2:31
- 13 Alone 5:16
- 14 If This Isn’t Love 2:24
- 15 Embraceable You 2:46
- 16 Lucky in Love 2:10
- 17 Dancing in the Dark 3:36
- 18 Poor Butterfly 4:45
- 19 Sometimes I’m Happy 1:59
- 20 I Cover the Waterfront 4:07
What to play next
Sings Broadway: Great Songs from Hit Shows
1957
Continues the lush vocal style with a focus on theatrical songs, enhancing the listening experience.
Swingin' Easy
1957
Sets the stage with an engaging mix of jazz standards leading into the live performance vibe of At Mister Kelly's.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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