Delilah – Delilah Sings Sarah +1 EP
- Written by Julia Lamb
Heralded as an icon in jazz, Sarah Vaughan wasn’t dubbed “The Divine One” for nothing. Her silky smooth vocals sailed a career spanning nearly 50 years, one that saw her collaborate with game-changers such as Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and Art Blakey, amongst many others. One person who has taken a note of inspiration from Vaughan’s work is Canadian jazz vocalist Delilah.
Delilah’s latest EP Delilah Sings Sarah +1 is a four-track tribute to the late luminary, who has proven to be a major influence throughout Delilah’s career. With production by Academy Award winner Joe Renzetti and mixing by Bobby Brooks (Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Liza Minnelli), this record has been put in safe hands to say the least. ‘September In The Rain’ is a soothing start, showcasing Delilah’s subdued, effortless tones amongst lush instrumentation. The orchestration is sublime in every corner of the EP, creating in each track a rich and intricate backdrop for Delilah’s vocals to take shape. Spicing things up with a Latin, bossa nova feel in ‘Whatever Lola Wants’, Delilah gives a fresh lift to the American standard before sinking into ‘Just Friends’, a horn and brass laced ballad that flows with languid grace. Closing track ‘Smile’ (the “+1” of the EP) is the highlight of this record. The famous Charlie Chaplin number - which has been performed by Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett and Barbara Streisand to name a few - is done tremendous justice here. From the gorgeously swelling orchestra to Delilah’s velvety smooth timbre, the recording is brimming with emotion.
Delilah Sings Sarah +1 is a fine homage to one of the all-time greats, and an elegant revisiting of some classic standards.