What makes Miss Smith to You! by Lavay Smith notable?

This album garnered critical acclaim for its authentic homage to jazz standards, showcasing Lavay Smith's vocal prowess and charismatic style. Its release contributed to a renewed interest in traditional jazz and swing, influencing both established and emerging artists in the genre. Released in 2009, 'Miss Smith to You!' marked Lavay Smith's return to the studio after several years, following her last album 'Everybody's Talkin'' from 2002. At this point, she was solidifying her presence in the contemporary jazz scene while continuing to celebrate the traditions of classic jazz and swing music.

How many songs are on Miss Smith to You!?

Miss Smith to You! has 12 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Miss Smith to You!

Lavay Smith · 2009

55 min · 12 tracks

A vibrant tapestry of swing and blues, where Lavay Smith's rich vocals breathe new life into classic jazz standards.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) — This track epitomizes the essence of swing music with its infectious rhythm and showcases Smith's ability to bring energy to a timeless classic.
→
With My Man — Smith's rendition of this poignant love ballad highlights her emotional depth, allowing her vocals to convey longing and connection beautifully.
→
Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl — The sultry interpretation of this song demonstrates Smith's versatility, blending playful lyrics with a rich, soulful delivery that captivates listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album effectively revives classic jazz standards with strong vocals and skilled instrumentation, appealing to both jazz enthusiasts and new listeners.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent swing rhythm across most tracks, with brass and piano arrangements that evoke a classic jazz club atmosphere.
Lavay Smith's vocal delivery varies from playful to sultry, often employing call-and-response techniques with the instrumental sections.
Several tracks incorporate traditional jazz elements like syncopation and improvisation, particularly in the instrumental solos that follow her vocal lines.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Miss Brown to You 2:58
2 It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) 3:38
3 Daddy 4:39
4 With My Man 6:36
5 I'm Not Evil 3:23
6 'Deed I Do 2:54
7 I Ain't Got Nothin' but the Blues 5:52
8 Boogie Woogie (I May Be Wrong) 5:06
9 On the Sunny Side of the Street 4:21
10 Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl 6:17
11 Jumpin' in the Morning 4:13
12 When the Saints Go Marching In 5:45

What to play next

Go back to

Everybody's Talkin' 'bout Miss Thing!

2000

Full Lavay Smith discography Artists like Lavay Smith

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata