Description
Abbey Lincoln – It’s Magic – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
(AAA) Lacquers cut from the original analog tapes by Ryan Smith, Sterling Sound.
180g black audiophile vinyl pressed at QRP, Salina, KS
Includes exclusive listening notes by Shannon Effinger (Shannon Ali).
Recorded in New York; August 1958.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Released in 1958, Abbey Lincoln’s It’s Magic is a stunning example of her early work as a jazz vocalist, showcasing her extraordinary ability to interpret standards with emotional depth and technical precision. At just 28 years old, Lincoln was already carving out a unique space for herself in the jazz world, blending her powerful voice with a sense of vulnerability and storytelling that set her apart from her contemporaries. The album captures Lincoln’s emerging voice as both a skilled vocalist and a passionate interpreter of songs, combining elements of traditional jazz, blues, and romantic balladry.
While Lincoln is often celebrated for her later work in the 1960s and 1970s, where she became more politically and socially conscious, It’s Magic offers a glimpse of her earlier, more straightforward jazz stylings. The album is filled with lush arrangements, elegant swing, and romantic ballads, but even in this relatively traditional format, Lincoln’s distinct personality and depth shine through.
By the late 1950s, Abbey Lincoln was already becoming known as a major voice in jazz. Influenced by the great Billie Holiday—whom she would later be compared to—Lincoln brought a distinct blend of elegance and raw emotionality to her performances. It’s Magic, her second studio album, followed her debut Affair… A Story of a Girl in Love (1956), and began to solidify her reputation as one of the most captivating vocalists of her era.
It’s Magic was released at a time when Lincoln was working closely with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Max Roach, who would become a frequent collaborator and later her husband. This album, produced by Riverside Records, benefits from rich, thoughtful arrangements and top-notch musicianship, allowing Lincoln’s voice to be the centerpiece, while also showing her ability to engage with the music on a deeper emotional level.
It’s Magic strikes a balance between upbeat swing tunes and lush, romantic ballads, showcasing Lincoln’s versatility as a vocalist. The arrangements are elegant and sophisticated, with a small jazz ensemble supporting her, creating a sound that is both intimate and expansive. The album’s production captures the warmth and clarity of Lincoln’s voice, making every word and phrase she sings feel deeply personal.
Tracks like “I Am in Love” and “An Occasional Man” are lively, swinging tunes that allow Lincoln to show off her playful side. Her sense of timing and phrasing is impeccable, delivering these upbeat songs with a lightness that contrasts with the more serious ballads on the album. The tight rhythm section keeps the energy moving, providing a buoyant backdrop for Lincoln’s vocals.
The heart of It’s Magic lies in its ballads, where Lincoln’s emotional depth and sensitivity truly shine. Songs like “It’s Magic” and “Lost in the Stars” are beautifully arranged, allowing Lincoln’s voice to soar with elegance and control. Her ability to convey longing, heartache, and vulnerability with subtlety and grace elevates these songs into something deeply moving.
The instrumental arrangements on It’s Magic are lush and sophisticated, featuring piano, bass, drums, and occasional strings, creating a rich sound that complements Lincoln’s voice without overshadowing it. The arrangements provide just enough space for Lincoln to shine while enhancing the emotional depth of the songs. The subtle use of strings and brass adds texture and dimension to the album, particularly on the more dramatic ballads.
As the title suggests, It’s Magic is filled with songs about love, desire, and the emotional highs and lows that come with relationships. Lincoln’s approach to these themes is both personal and universal—her delivery feels deeply connected to the lyrics, yet her interpretations make the songs feel timeless and relatable to a wide audience.
Many of the songs on the album explore themes of love and romantic longing. On tracks like “It’s Magic” and “I Am in Love,” Lincoln sings about the overwhelming power of love and the deep emotions that come with it. Her voice, warm and full of emotion, perfectly captures the feeling of being swept away by love’s intensity.
There’s also a sense of vulnerability and heartache that runs through the album, particularly on songs like “Lost in the Stars” and “Don’t Explain.” Lincoln’s ability to convey pain and longing with just a slight change in tone or phrasing adds a layer of complexity to these performances, making them feel deeply personal.
Throughout the album, Lincoln demonstrates her gift for storytelling. She doesn’t just sing the songs—she inhabits them, making each lyric feel like part of a larger narrative. Her ability to draw the listener into the emotional world of each song is what sets her apart as a vocalist and makes It’s Magic such a compelling listen.
Notable Tracks
“It’s Magic”: The title track is a lush, romantic ballad that showcases Lincoln’s ability to convey both passion and restraint. Her voice glides effortlessly over the melody, bringing a sense of wonder and enchantment to the song. The arrangement, featuring soft strings and a gentle rhythm section, perfectly complements Lincoln’s emotive delivery.
“I Am in Love”: This uptempo, swinging number highlights Lincoln’s playful side, with her lively phrasing and sense of rhythm driving the song forward. The upbeat arrangement, with its jazzy piano and walking bassline, provides the perfect backdrop for Lincoln’s light, effortless vocals.
“Don’t Explain”: A haunting, emotionally charged ballad, “Don’t Explain” is one of the standout tracks on the album. Originally made famous by Billie Holiday, Lincoln’s version brings a fresh intensity to the song, with her raw, soulful delivery capturing the pain and heartbreak of the lyrics.
“Lost in the Stars”: This dramatic ballad, written by Kurt Weill and Maxwell Anderson, is one of the most moving performances on the album. Lincoln’s voice, filled with emotion and depth, brings the song’s existential themes to life, creating a sense of longing and introspection.
“An Occasional Man”: A lighter, more whimsical track, “An Occasional Man” showcases Lincoln’s ability to bring humor and charm to her performances. Her playful vocal delivery, combined with the breezy arrangement, makes this track a fun, standout moment on the album.
It’s Magic was well-received upon its release and remains a significant album in Abbey Lincoln’s discography. Critics praised Lincoln’s ability to interpret songs with emotional depth and her distinctive voice, which set her apart from other jazz vocalists of the era. While Lincoln’s later work would take on more socially and politically conscious themes, It’s Magic captures her as a young artist honing her craft and exploring the emotional and romantic themes that are central to jazz.
The album has since become a classic of vocal jazz, admired for its elegance, emotional resonance, and Lincoln’s vocal mastery. It is often cited as one of the key recordings of her early career, laying the groundwork for the more complex and politically charged work that would follow.
It’s Magic is a timeless album that showcases Abbey Lincoln’s extraordinary talent as a jazz vocalist. With its elegant arrangements, emotional depth, and Lincoln’s unique voice, the album is a perfect blend of romance, heartache, and storytelling. Each track is a testament to Lincoln’s ability to interpret songs with both technical skill and emotional honesty, making the album a must-listen for fans of jazz and vocal music.
For those who appreciate the art of jazz singing, It’s Magic offers a glimpse into the early career of one of the genre’s most distinctive voices. Abbey Lincoln’s ability to convey emotion and meaning through her voice makes this album an essential part of any jazz collection.
Track Listing
I Am In Love
It’s Magic
Just For Me
An Occasional Man
Ain’t Nobody’s Business
Out Of The Past
Music, Maestro, Please
Exactly Like You
Love
Little Niles