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Barbara Lea – Lea In Love – 180 Gram Vinyl Record

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Barbara Lea – Lea In Love – 180 Gram Vinyl Record

Vinyl Me, Please

VMP Essential Record

(AAA) Lacquers cut from the original analog tapes by Ryan Smith, Sterling Sound

Pressed on 180g black audiophile vinyl at QRP

Exclusive listening notes booklet by Natalie Weiner

Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic

Barbara Lea’s Lea in Love (1956) is a classic vocal jazz album that showcases the remarkable talent of Barbara Lea, a singer often compared to the likes of Billie Holiday and Lee Wiley for her understated, yet deeply emotional vocal style. Lea in Love features Lea’s interpretations of standards from the Great American Songbook, focusing on themes of love and romance. The album is marked by its elegant arrangements, swinging rhythm, and Lea’s cool, intimate vocal delivery.

Lea in Love fits comfortably within the tradition of vocal jazz albums that interpret classic standards from the Great American Songbook. Lea’s approach to these songs is subtle and expressive, with a vocal style that favors restraint over flashiness, letting the emotional depth of the lyrics shine through.

The album’s theme revolves around love, with Lea exploring the various facets of romantic relationships—joy, longing, heartache, and desire. The material includes both upbeat, swinging numbers and slower ballads, allowing Lea to show off her range and versatility as a jazz singer.

Key Tracks

\”I’m in Love Again\”: The opening track sets the tone for the album, with Lea delivering a joyful, swinging performance. Her voice is clear and warm, and the arrangement is lively and light, reflecting the optimism of new love.
\”Falling in Love with Love\”: A standout track, this song features Lea’s playful interpretation of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart’s standard. The arrangement has a lively, upbeat feel, and Lea\’s phrasing brings out the humor and irony in the lyrics.
\”I Didn’t Know About You\”: This Duke Ellington ballad allows Lea to showcase her more introspective side. Her voice carries a sense of wistfulness and quiet vulnerability, perfectly suited to the song’s theme of regret and missed opportunities in love.
\”You’re My Thrill\”: One of the more sultry tracks on the album, this song features a slower tempo and a more intimate vocal delivery. Lea’s phrasing is understated yet deeply expressive, creating a mood of longing and desire.
\”It’s Alright with Me\”: Cole Porter’s classic gets a lively, swinging treatment here, with Lea’s voice effortlessly gliding over the upbeat tempo. The track showcases her ability to handle more complex rhythms while maintaining the emotional core of the song.

Barbara Lea’s vocal style is often described as cool and understated, much like that of Julie London or Peggy Lee. She doesn’t over-sing or rely on vocal pyrotechnics; instead, she delivers the lyrics in a way that feels conversational and natural.

On Lea in Love, Lea’s phrasing and ability to interpret lyrics are key strengths. She’s able to convey the emotions of a song—whether it’s the giddiness of falling in love or the melancholy of unrequited affection—without ever sounding forced or overly dramatic. Lea’s approach to the material shows a deep respect for the lyrics and melodies, allowing the songs to breathe and giving the listener space to connect with the emotions she’s conveying.

The arrangements on Lea in Love are elegant and swinging, with a focus on light, tasteful orchestration that complements Lea’s vocal style. The arrangements are neither too sparse nor too lush, striking a balance that highlights Lea’s voice without overwhelming it. Piano, bass, and drums form the core rhythm section, with occasional brass and woodwinds adding texture and color to the arrangements. The instrumentalists play with a sensitive, supportive style, never overshadowing Lea, but providing the right foundation for her voice to shine.

Upon its release, Lea in Love was praised for Lea’s sophisticated and emotionally nuanced singing style. Critics noted her ability to bring new life to well-worn standards, offering interpretations that felt fresh and genuine.

Although Lea never achieved the same level of mainstream fame as some of her contemporaries, she has maintained a loyal following among jazz enthusiasts who appreciate her unique approach to vocal jazz. Lea in Love remains one of her most celebrated albums, highlighting her ability to blend warmth, sophistication, and emotional depth. In retrospect, Lea is often regarded as one of the more underrated jazz vocalists of her era, known for her ability to interpret songs with a subtle but powerful emotional resonance. Her work, especially on Lea in Love, continues to influence vocalists who favor an intimate, lyrical style.

Lea in Love is a standout album in Barbara Lea’s discography, showcasing her unique ability to interpret jazz standards with elegance, warmth, and emotional depth. Her subtle, understated vocal style allows the listener to connect with the songs in a deeply personal way. The album is a testament to her skill as a jazz interpreter and remains a beloved example of mid-20th century vocal jazz. For fans of classic jazz vocals and the Great American Songbook, Lea in Love is a must-listen, offering timeless interpretations of some of the greatest love songs ever written.

Track Listing
Will I Find My Love Today?
We Could Make Such Beautiful Music Together
You\’d Be So Nice To Come Home To
Am I In Love?
The Very Thought Of You
I\’ve Got My Eyes On You
True Love
Mountain Greenery
More Than You Know
Ain\’t Misbehavin\’
Autumn Leaves
Sleep Peaceful, Mr. Used-To-Be

roundflatStoreBarbara Lea - Lea In Love - 180 Gram Vinyl Record Vinyl Me, Please VMP Essential Record (AAA) Lacquers cut from the original analog tapes by Ryan Smith, Sterling Sound Pressed on 180g black audiophile vinyl at QRP Exclusive listening notes booklet by Natalie Weiner Brand new, never played and still in the factory...Discover the ultimate destination for punk records, indie vinyl, alternative CDs, and metal cassettes since 1992.

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