About this episode
This program presents the vocal magic of Lambert Hendricks and Ross. Lambert Hendricks and Ross brought the art of ensemble group vocals to a higher level. Bebop singers Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks and Annie Ross each individually were pioneers of vocalese, the style of writing lyrics to recorded instrumental solos to create new songs. The synergy of the group was even more remarkably creative. Dave Lambert already had What’s This?, Annie Ross had Twisted, and Jon Hendricks had his start with King Pleasure, among other early impacts on the scene. Then Dave and Jon were working on a project of a vocal chorus Basie album when they chose to combine forces with Annie Ross to replace the choir idea with just a trio. Their 1957 LP “Sing A Song Of Basie” was an immediate hit. It was followed by so much further popular success that when signed by Columbia Records it was no exaggeration to be billed “The Hottest New Group in Jazz”, and Hendricks was dubbed “The Poet Laureate Of Jazz”. They swung emphatically, wrote literate and witty lyrics, fluidly blended their ensemble singing, and had distinct, great, individual voices. Their vocalese lyrics to so many other songs of Ellington, Horace Silver, and more, have become classics of the genre. The group stayed together until Annie Ross departed in 1962. LHR left a magnificent legacy that is explored in this five hour presentation. originally broadcast June 22, 2025