Helen Merrill - Clear Out of This World

Although Helen Merrill is often thought of as a singer from the 1950s (when she made her initial reputation), she has stayed aware of more recent developments in jazz. On this superior CD, Merrill is accompanied by pianist Roger Kellaway, bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Terry Clarke; three songs add trumpeter Tom Harrell, while two others have Wayne Shorter on tenor or soprano. Whether performing veteran standards (such as "When I Grow Too Old to Dream" and "Some of These Days") or more modern pieces, Merrill's haunting voice and her all-star sidemen uplift and revitalize the material. A consistently memorable set full of subtle surprises. - by Scott Yanow, AMG
Another magnificent record by Helen Merrill. She is unable not to give herself entirely when making music. Moreover, she seems able to inspire her colleague-musicians to their best performance by means of her artistic talent and her personality. I hesitated between four and five stars in my rating, but there must be left room for the best of all. Tom Harrell, for instance, makes an even better performance on Helens CD You and the Night and the Music, but that's relativity. Wayne Shorter plays some of his most tenuous notes ever in accompanying Helen. Enjoy this wonderful record! - by Bertrand Vermeer, Amazon.com

Artist: Helen Merrill
Album: Clear Out of This World
Year: 1991
Label: Gitanes Jazz (1992)
Runtime: 50:02

Tracks:
1.  Out Of This World (Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer) 6:22
2.  Not Like This (Jeremy Lubbock) 3:07
3.  I'm All Smiles (Herbert Martin/Michael Leonard) 7:15
4.  When I Grow Too Old To Dream (Oscar Hammerstein II/Sigmund Romberg) 6:41
5.  Some Of These Days (Shelton Brooks) 4:04
6.  Maybe (Shelton Brooks) 5:42
7.  A Tender Thing Is Love (Jerry Ginsberg/Torrie Zito) 4:22
8.  Soon It's Gonna Rain (Tom Jones/Harvey Schmidt) 4:45
9.  Willow Weep For Me (Ann Ronell) 7:44

Personnel:
Helen Merrill (Vocals)
Roger Kellaway (Piano)
Red Mitchell (Double Bass)
Terry Clarke (Drums)
Tom Harrell (Trumpet and Flugelhorn) - 3,4,8
Wayne Shorter (Soprano and Tenor Saxophone) - 1,9