Irene Kral belongs to a group of singers under recorded by the music industry and unknown by too many
jazz followers. But like other members of this group, she is valued by musicians and by a small, dedicated clutch of fans. Others falling into this category include
Sue Raney,
Blossom Dearie, and
Dave Frishberg. Sometimes dubbed cult singers, their enormous skills are not given the recognition they deserve.
Kral recorded this album in South Carolina, a little more than a year before she succumbed to cancer in 1978. Never flashy,
Kral takes what each song gives her with little embellishment. There are no swoops, sweeps, grunts, or other assorted, irrelevant noises. But one has to listen closely to her subtle ways, a bit more behind the beat here, a little more hesitation there, a slight inflection somewhere else, all designed to make each delivery special. Here there are a few of the 22 selections that don't offer much and make it difficult even for a consummate storyteller like
Kral to make a lot of them. But, for the most part, there are precious gems to be savored and enjoyed.
"A Child Is Born," a poignant and perhaps prescient
"Summer Me, Winter Me" and
"You Were There" are a few. She reprises some songs she had recorded earlier in her career,
"A Time for Love" and
"Small Day Tomorrow," dressing them slightly different from the earlier versions. The sympathetic pianism of
Loonis McGlohon graces this session. This pianist has accompanied several members of the "cult"
Kral belongs, to such as
Mabel Mercer,
Johnny Hartman, and
Teddi King, to cite a few. Despite its recording location, the sound is excellent.
You Are There is a legacy of a singer who deserves far more than cult status. ~ Dave Nathan
