Something Nice (Remastered Edition) Etta Jones

• 1 Through a Long and Sleepless Night 02:55
• 2 My Heart Tells Me 02:49
• 3 That's All There Is to That 03:59
• 4 Till There Was You 02:07
• 5 I Only Have Eyes for You 03:13
• 6 Maybe You'll Be There 03:40
• 7 Love Is the Thing 03:41
• 8 Almost Like Being in Love 02:41
• 9 Easy Living 04:54
• 10 Canadian Sunset 02:35
• 11 Fools Rush In 04:03
• Total Runtime 36:37

Info for Something Nice (Remastered Edition)

It's always something nice when Etta Jones makes a record – but this one is especially so, thanks to some intimate small group backing from players who include Oliver Nelson, Lem Winchester, Wally Richardson, and Richard Wyands! The style is relatively intimate throughout – more late nite than some of Jones' other records, in a way that really works well for her vocals, and takes her away from some of the crossover pop modes of her albums that sound a bit more like Gloria Lynne. Titles include "Easy Living", "Through A Long And Sleepless Night", "My Heart Tells Me", "I Only Have Eyes For You", "That's All There Is To That", "Love Is The Thing", and "Canadian Sunset".

"This album features singer Etta Jones during two recording sessions in 1960-1961. Jones is joined by two separate rhythm sections, and there is a guest appearance for tenor saxophonist Oliver Nelson (on "Easy Living"), two by vibraphonist Lem Winchester, and three from guitarist Wally Richardson. Influenced by Billie Holiday during this era, Jones is at her best during straightforward and sincere renditions of such songs as "My Heart Tells Me," "Till There Was You," "Almost Like Being in Love," and "Canadian Sunset." (Scott Yanow, AMG)

Etta Jones, vocals
Oliver Nelson, tenor saxophone (track 9)
Lem Winchester, vibraphone (tracks 9 & 10)
Wally Richardson, guitar (track 2, 4 & 6)
Jimmy Neeley, piano (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 & 11)
Richard Wyands, piano (tracks 3, 5 & 8–10)
George Duvivier, bass (tracks 3, 5 & 8–10)
Michel Mulia, bass (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 & 11)
Roy Haynes, drums (tracks 3, 5 & 8–10)
Rudy Lawless, drums (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 & 11)

Recorded September 16, 1960, and March 30, 1961 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Produced by Rudy Van Gelder

Digitally remastered

Etta Jones
One of the most beloved vocalists in jazz, Etta Jones (1928-2001) was a soulful singer with a subtle and bluesy style.

Etta Jones started her career early, touring with Buddy Johnson’s band when she was 16 and debuting on records in 1944 with Barney Bigard. She also worked with Stuff Smith, J.C. Heard, and Earl Hines (1952-1953). Jones had her breakthrough in 1960 when she recorded “Don’t Go to Strangers” on the first in a string of rewarding albums for Prestige.

The recording Don’t Go to Strangers set the pattern for many of Etta Jones’s recordings. Joined by a rhythm section and a strong soloist (Frank Wess on tenor and flute), Jones digs into standards, blues, and ballads, showing the influence of Billie Holiday while also displaying her own personality on such numbers as “Fine and Mellow,” “On the Street Where You Live,” and “All The Way.” Both Holler! and Something Nice have her joined by tenor saxophonist Oliver Nelson and vibraphonist Lem Winchester on some numbers while So Warm features Jones’s voice surrounded by a string section arranged by Oliver Nelson. From the Heart is another partial collaboration with Nelson that includes four more selections with strings but also six with a four-piece rhythm section. Jones’s renditions of “You Came a Long Way from St. Louis” and “The Masquerade Is Over” are standouts. Lonely and Blue has Jones interacting with either Gene Ammons or Budd Johnson on tenors while Love Shout features Jones backed by organist Larry Young and guitarist Kenny Burrell on the majority of the selections. Summing up this era quite well is The Prestige Singles, which features Jones’s most popular numbers from the 1960-1963 period.

In 1968 Etta Jones started appearing regularly with her close friend tenor saxophonist Houston Person, a musical partnership that lasted during her remaining 33 years of performances, tours, and recordings.

This album contains no booklet.