Record Reviews

HELEN MERRILL ~ JUST FRIENDS EMARCY 042284200721 (Barcode: 042284200721) ~ USA ~ Vocal Jazz Recorded: 1989 Released: 1989 This is a sublime album by my favorite American Jazz vocalist Helen MerrillFind albums by this artist, recorded with saxophonist Stan GetzFind albums by this artist and European rhythm section: German pianist Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist, French bassist Jean-Francois Jenny-ClarkFind albums by this artist and Swiss drummer Daniel HumairFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, six of which were recorded in Paris and three in NY, which are just duos with Merrill’s spouse Torrie ZitoFind albums by this artist on piano. Eight of the tracks are standards and one is co-written by Merrill and Zito. Rather than a solo album by Merrill, this beauty is in fact a duo voice / saxophone album, with Merrill and Getz exchanging licks for the entire duration, which of course is breathtaking. Getz uses his “sweet” tone to harmonize with the singer in a most intimate manner, which offers a unique experience. Of course the rhythm section is also brilliant and Kuhn offers some incredible piano playing technique on all the tracks and the bass / drums players, who can be heard playing together on many European Jazz albums, is also perfect. Overall, this is a wonderful vocal Jazz album, which I often come back to, and it gets better with time for me. Sadly, it is almost completely forgotten, which is a shame. Merrill, aged ninety-seven as these words are written, is still alive and kicking ;)

Updated: 19/10/2026Posted: 19/10/2026

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