One of the most obscure but most influential jazz vocalists, Mark Murphy is now considered the most important post bop singer of his day. These important early albums have him in a mix of Rat Pack sounds with a bit of a twist on “Fascinating Rhythm” and “I Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out To Dry” with charts by Ralph Burns, while one under the arrangement style of Bill Holman include “All The Way” and “Witchcraft”. He also does wonders with “Robin’s Nest” and stretches out on “Crazy Rhythm”, but he really comes into his own in 1961 with a true jazz combo including Jimmy Cobb/dr, Art Davis/b, Ray Barreto/cong and Bill Evans/p for a haunting “Angel Eyes” and totally cool “Milestones”. The future of male vocals throws down the gauntlet.
Johnny Cash was the embodiment of country music throughout his career. These early five albums are from the late 50s-early 60s. The obscure Songs Of Our Soil includes traditional pieces like “The Grandfather Clock” and “Clementine”. He then delves into the Hank Williams songbook with”Hey Good Lookin’ “ and “Next In Line”. From 1961, he delivers a hard hitting “Cry! Cry! Cry!” and rhythmic “Hey Porter”.Next year, he mixes blues like Leadbelly’s “In Them Old Cottonfields Back Home” with his own “Sing It Pretty, Sue”. Lastly, Cs shings the classic “The Rebel” and “Remember The Alamo” with conviction. Looking good in black.