Shirley was a masterful interpreter of the great ballads. A singer and pianist whose talents were appreciated far and wide, she was based out of Washington DC. On this tune, she works with the great harmonica player, Toots Thielmans.

From the classic album that, whenever it’s played in any jazz club anywhere in the world, all the musicians sitting around talking shut up and listen. Note perfect — and this song is a stand-out love song from this historic collect.

Yes, this is my version. I include it because the ensemble behind me brings a sensitive reading to this wonderful bandstand classic. Featuring jazz legend Tom Grant on piano, Phil Baker of Pink Martini on bass, and Portland’s own Jazz Master, Ron Steen on drums. Enjoy!

A vintage version that blows me away. Lovely, vibey, perfect. Dakota hit it big with an album called The Late, Late Show in 1957, and then worked with the fantastic pianist, George Shearing.

This tune, usually titled “Round Midnight”, is by Thelonius Monk, an edgy, innovative pianist and a composer of few tunes, almost all of which are beloved by jazz musicians. This particular tune has had huge appeal as well to non-musicians, not the least because of this haunting, sexy version by the great Miles Davis.

A widely recorded song (with a famous version by Billie Holiday), I love Helen’s version. It makes me feel the way a jazz club feels. And the lyrics are clear, so they penetrate right to my heart. For the true jazz aficionado, another reason to love this version: Trumpet solo by the amazing, beloved, lyrical trumpet player Clifford Brown, who died way, way, way too soon.

Diana Krall is a musician’s musician, and she sings with an obvious devotion to the words, using vowels and phrasing almost like she’s speaking to you. And her intimate vocal delivery is matched on this recording by the amazing guitarist with a diverse legacy of playing with vocalists, Anthony Wilson. His fragile, tender accompaniment is so beautifully recorded.

I love this song (I’m releasing a version soon that I’ve done with producer and consummate pianist, Greg Goebel). Here, Lady Day herself delivers one of the most definitive versions ever. Such clarity of delivery in note choices and diction, perfect vibrato, and what tone. Sax solo by the great Ben Webster, who’s someone you should also listen to.