Sarah Vaughan: Live At Laren Jazz Festival 1975

This 1975 concert finds Sarah Vaughan at the peak of her interpretive powers, and Fondamenta via their The Lost Recording series delivers a pressing that does the performance justice. Remastered from the original analog tapes at Phœnix Mastering and cut by André Perriat, this 2xLP set lets you hear every nuance of Sassy's voice as she works through standards and jazz staples with a quartet featuring the legendary Jimmy Cobb on drums.

The pressing quality from Optimal Media is first rate. Dead quiet surfaces let the intimacy of the Singer Concert Hall come through without distraction. There's genuine air around the instruments, and Vaughan's voice has body and presence without sounding artificially close. The decision to spread this across four sides at 45rpm pays off in dynamics and detail, particularly on extended tracks like "Sarah's Blues" and the closing "Tenderly."

What stands out is how well the mastering captures the live energy without the harshness that can plague concert recordings. The piano tone is natural, the bass has weight, and Cobb's brushwork is beautifully textured. Vaughan's phrasing on "I Got It Bad" and the medley that closes side D showcases why she remains unmatched as an interpretive vocalist.

The gatefold packaging is clean and functional, with poly lined inners that won't scratch your investment. At the current price point, this competes with the best jazz reissues available. Whether you're an audiophile chasing sonic perfection or a collector who wants to hear one of the greatest voices in jazz captured at full power, this one belongs on your shelf.

The Vinyl Verdict
The sis essential for Vaughan fans, highly recommended for anyone who appreciates well executed vinyl reissues of live jazz. 💵

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