Les McCann

THE LEWIS SISTERS WITH LES MCCANN - WAY OUT FAR (1964)

1. What Is This Thing Called Love?
2. Day by Day
3. Just Friends
4. It Matters Not at All
5. Thrill Is Gone
6. 'S Wonderful
7. 'Round Midnight
8. This Can't Be Love
9. Love Letters
10. But Not for Me
11. Moonlight in Vermont
12. That's All

The gals may look square on the cover, but they've got some very groovy sounds here -- thanks to a young Les McCann -- who handled both vocal and instrumental arrangements for the set! The album's an unusual mix of straight jazz and female harmony vocals -- done with a sound that's far hipper than you'd think for both the cover and the Liberty label at the time. McCann's piano isn't as hard and heavy as on his own records from later years, but he's definitely got a flair for this sort of set -- and sets the vocals dreamily amidst vibes from Victor Feldman, alto and flute from Paul Horn, and guitar from Al Viola -- a very cool small combo sound that gives the record a totally unique feel!