At Mister Kelly's

Charming and enjoyable. A real treat to hear and Sarah Vaughan is a truly great performer. A couple of flubs as it is a live album, but her charm makes up for any mistakes. Fav track: Alone

She’s in good voice, excellent set of tunes, the combo plays well, and yet… this set doesn’t feel to me like it ever really catches fire. The crowd is way too polite, negating the fact that this is a live album. She might as well be sitting in a room at the library, rather than one of the great jazz clubs in Chicago. Will give it 3.5 stars in recognition of her overall value and talent.

A nice surprise!

Felt like I just came in from the rain in a jazz club in Chicago

THIS SHIT IS WHERE ITS AT! I was having a good time with it, expecting a repeat of the past two days when the second track came on and she started improvising about how bad she was cocking the song up and how they were definitely going to use this take for the album and I was SOOOO overwhelmed with how charming it is that I fell head over heels with this album. The closer where she sings the Ella song that she doesn't know the words to sent me to the moon. Now that I have heard this record, I am DESPERATE to find something else that sounds like it. 4.4

შემოდგომის წყნარი საღამოებისთვის იდეალური! 🎷💖

This was a beautiful recording and deserves another listen but I didn’t find any standout tracks.

Very good, reminded me of Ella.

I’d invite Sarah Vaughan to karaoke

What a voice. Smooth as silk. Loved how when faced with an issue during a live recording that would be a nightmare for some artists, Vaughan plays it off calmly with good humor and comes out of it looking like a million bucks.

el tipo de album que pondria apra una cena romantica, le da un aire a que es inspiracion de amy winehouse

Wow her voice is incredible. There's a fun dynamic between her and the band that makes the improvisational aspect of Jazz a focal point. The fact that it's live and includes the audience noise and Sarah's banter with them between tracks added to the sense that I was listening to this in a low light smoky club as I sip on a cocktail. I'm not really familiar enough with Jazz to comment on how good of Jazz it is but to my ears it was very enjoyable. They are all clearly very talented with their respective instruments.

So so good. Her voice is incredible. I can definitely see myself coming back to this.

Rating: 3.75/5 Favorite song(s): September in the Rain Review: I actually quite enjoyed this. I don’t feel like I know enough about jazz to rate it competently, but I do know a bit about the history of tape recording—and this is a seriously superb audio recording for the era. I was definitely impressed by how crisp the sound was. I did feel like the vocal/instrumental mixing was slightly off. I liked that they kept the introductions to songs in the recording. Preserving Vaughan’s introductions makes the album feel intimate, like I was in the audience myself. I also enjoyed her improvisation on “How High the Moon.” Sarah Vaughan has a gorgeous voice, and I would be curious to hear some of her studio music. I could perhaps see myself revisiting this album for an ambient listen. Listen again?: Maybe

Really enjoyed listening to this album. I had it on as background music but found myself tuning in more than I thought I would. Fabulous musicianship and the singer has a great timbre of voice. Good vibes!

Not a genre I usually listen to, but I enjoyed it! A nice change of pace

7.5/10 Sarah Vaughan's vocals sound amazing, but the songs aren't anything too special. It does feel like it would've been a really fun show to attend though.

first listen timeless

pretty good, opened up with live recordings of things, historical significance, jazzy vibes

Outstanding album. What a voice!

Lovely

This album surprised me. I don't normally like this kind of medium/slow jazz. It can be a bit of a drag. But this was very very beautiful, and is just upbeat enough to keep me hooked. Her voice is wonderful and it's entertaining. All the musicians really play their part here, with the trio shining through just enough (e.g. on Honeysuckle Rose). This also works brilliantly as a live album. But it loses one point for the slow numbers ("Be anything but darling be mine", "Just a Gigolo" etc)

Love this. Jazz is my jam.

Good album but her stuff with Clifford is better

Beautiful. Avant garde? Jazz. Smooth, beautiful voice. Would have been an intimate evening to be at. 4/5

Intressant! Första gången jag lyssnat på dem.

this was such a comforting record. i loved the immersive nature of it being a recorded concert, it truly felt like i had opened a path directly into mister kelly‘s. for some reason i also imagine it being a rainy evening in late october. but that just might me my general association with jazz

Good jazz album; the recording and singing was so nice that I would ocassionally forget that it is a live recording.

two jazz albums in a row? is it my birthday? not as much to say about this one-- I like Vaughn enough, but she's not Fitzgerald or Holiday or James. what is most interesting to me about this album is its location: by all accounts it was a cool place (had closed years and years before i lived in Chicago, so not even a trace of its legacy was left aside from museum exhibits), but it had a pretty mixed recording history. i remember learning about this specifically when i lived in chicago: on the one hand, you had artists like Vaughn and even Muddy Waters record here, buuuut also Bill Cosby and Woody Allen did stuff here, so... you know. maybe its legacy is somewhat cursed. the list of artists i love who *played* here, though, is nearly endless. all the greats did at least one performance here if not several. if NY was where jazz thrived in the 50s, Chicago was its little brother. to see nina simone or duke ellington at Mister Kelly's would've been really special.

I know Sarah Vaughan best because of Jeff Buckley's impression of her on his cover of "The Man That Got Away." Her voice is dreamy and smooth, and I thoroughly enjoyed this performance.

A beautiful snapshot of musical history. Beautifully recorded so as to retain the feel of the room, the audience, and the show. Sarah's vocals are incredible and her band are excellent. Listening makes you feel all warm and fuzzy.

50s style jazz. She's a fantastic singer, but the song selection and the mixing weren't as great. It's pretty good for a live album though.

Not my usual thing but I really enjoyed it

Found myself tapping along, pretty great for a live album. Some might argue it would be better as a studio album but this feels very raw and real and makes me wish I was there. Amazing jazz singer.

Didn't listen to the whole thing but will return when I need a jazzy new york walk vibe (gas)

- upee tunnelma levynkansitaiteesta alkaen - toimii hienona aikakoneena myös koska äänitys on niin raa'an rehellinen että kaikki yleisön reaktiot ja muut kuuluu - upia levy

8/10! Real good jazz

I heard about her from a Father John Misty song. Now I've heard an album from her. I'm officially cool.

Really really cozy feel; great balance between live album and studio recording quality as well! Very high 4

Good classic 50’s jazz, or at least my limited understanding of it. Not really my jam but solid example.

Precioso, me ha encantado

#59/1001 🇺🇸 I wasn't aware of Sarah Vaughan prior to this, but its a really enjoyable record. I think its beautifuly recorded (imperfections and all) and her voice is so amazing. I kind of like how they left in the bits where she forgot the words. I'll look out for more of her work. Best Tracks: Stairway to the Stars, Willow Weep For Me.

A prodigious talent, an all time great. So glad I got to see her a few times BITD. This is a great setting for her in her prime, and the HHTMoon is hilarious.

Oh my god what a beautiful voice. I don’t even particularly love vocal jazz. But damn. If it’s her, I do. Lovely lovely. Must-listen #306!

Я конечно не в контексте и не понимаю почему это в топе Но очень люблю джазовые завывания, так что мое почтение

Приятный олдскульный джаз, который очень напоминает саундтреки к старым фильмам середины прошлого века (или к играм, действите которых происходит в ту эпоху, типа bioshock или l.a. noire - это вообще особый вайб). Сразу захотелось пересмотреть / переиграть. Я в такой музыке не секу, но теперь буду знать, к какой исполнительнице обращаться за подобной атмосферой.

This was a fun listen. Like being in a jazz club.

She just sounds like she's having so much fun. Really nice piano, backing band, it's all so good

Exquisite vocals. Great artist.

Such a good jazz album. I really enjoyed this the opening track ‘September in the Rain’ sets the scene of a live recording. The following tracks, ‘Willow Weep for Me’, ‘Stairway to the Stars’, ‘Honeysuckle Rose’ were lovely to listen to now that Spring has started. Rating: 4.5/5- (GEMV-26.02.2026)

the vibe is immaculate. the laughs, comments, the distance of the piano. you really do feel like you're right there

Beautiful! This is what I came here for! What a great recording.. and what a lovely night that must have been. I’m only giving a 4 because while her voice and the genre are top top, I have heard some of the other versions of some of the songs that I enjoyed much more. To sum up, I have big appreciation for Sarah Vaughn’s talent, but don’t absolutely adore her style

Wonderful Album even if she was using Lyric Sheets :)

There have been a couple of other live albums on the list and I thing this is the best one I have heard so far, you can almost feel the atmosphere at the club

Nice live album!

Wow what a pristine voice and I love the scatting and light-heartedness of the live performance.

Wow talk about a prolific artist, she has over 78 studio albums not including another 18 live recordings. This is a nice collection of sweet songs and imagining being at Mister Kelly's listening live with a good drink adds to the effect, even if it's hard to otherwise hear the live aspects of this recording. But short sweet songs have a ceiling, so this is like a 3.51 rounded up. 4/5

The thing with live performances is that they can come across as extremely polished, sometimes too polished, with the only difference between a live album and a studio album being the applause at the end of songs (and maybe a bit of crowd work). This one though feels live. There's a playfulness to it all and it captures some of the flubs that Sarah Vaughan makes, making it feel more authentically live.

A very soothing, easy to listen to

Buttery smooth vocals mixed with an enthusiastic instrumental sound and an excited crows. 'At Mister Kelly's' has all the strengths of a live album with almost none of the weaknesses - with the exception of How High At The Moon, where Vaughan just... runs out of lyrics, I suppose? But that does little to tarnish the rest of this wonderfully melancholic experience. Best songs are Willow Weep For Me and Stairway To The Stars. 9/10, invites you to a deep contemplation.

Ik hou oprecht heel veel van Vocal Jazz albums en dit is gewoon een heel goede. Ik heb wel het live album geluisterd en denk dat dat toevoegde aan de algehele ervaring. Geweldige stem en mooie muziek.

wowowow gorgeous!!! aan het einde werd het soms iets te mal voor mij maar zo gorgeous

Stunning voice. Have to be in the mood but it's a beautiful album

So stinking professional it almost doesn’t sound live. Perfect Sunday morning, coffee sipping, newspaper reading soundtrack.

Beautiful album, guess I’m uncultured since I’d never heard of Sarah Vaughan. Stunning voice, great songs, lots of charisma, would happily listen more.

Stundvis lite mycket vibrato för min smak, men annars är hon ju toppen!

Det svänger, katten. Älskar hennes röst som satan och vill bara ha hatt, röka inne och bälja i mig drajja. Jag är en enkel man, men charmas nå djävulskt när jazzmusiker subtilt ”fuckar upp” och det ändå låter perfekt och alla i lokalen skrattar gott. Må va rätt generisk jazz, men så ljuvligt framförd att det landar på 4an.

Beautiful

i really enjoyed the live music recording aspect

Really enjoyed this one, esp as the first jazz record on our list. I always so admire the raw ambiance of old jazz records, being able to hear mistakes and audience reactions. Super awesome stuff -Ruby

An enjoyable, intimate set. The Divine One always brings the goods. I do kind of wish Clifford Brown had been on hand to add a little more texture and additional solos, but I'm being greedy.

Amazing. Such a beautiful voice.

Lovely album and amazing sound for live recording. Would listen to again.

Very pleasant on the first listen

A beautiful voice. So clear and bright, so smooth. Ah it was a delight to listen to.

Really nice, one of my favorite jazz singers I've heard. Her voice is incredible, and this being live is ridiculous.

Amazing vocals

I enjoyed listening to this old school jazz. Miss Vaughn has a remarkable voice and is very much overlooked.

Classic jazz vocal and live to boot. Really good stuff.

Live albums are always a funny one. Is it the recording itself, the string songs or significance of that performance.. and on a personal level, how much do you resonate with the songs and how does it differ to the studio cut. I’m not sure this has any of those things specifically, yet there’s definitely some magic here and beautiful vocals. A very relaxing morning listen.

A very relaxing album, I will make an exception to my distaste of live performances on this list for this one. Fave track: Just a gigolo

Comforting. 3.5/5

really jazzy, really lovey dovey, really great voice

Album 31 Top 3 favorites off the album: Willow Weep For Me, How High The Moon, Be Anything But Darling Be Mine I'm sorry I haven't heard of Sarah Vaughan before. What a warm voice! I don't often listen to live albums, so the background noise and stage commentary were fun. I particularly love the end of Willow Weep For Me. They're musicians and people who knock things over and make mistakes and laugh about it with each other and the audience. I love jazz!

You know that feeling you get when you listen to a really great artist, where you just feel safe and secure and like everything is going to go EXACTLY the way they decide it will because they are in absolute, calm, relaxed command of the stage? That's the feeling I get listening to this album. Absolute joy, what a great sound!!

Like a warm embrace

Pretty great with wonderful, lush vocals. Probably not for a regular rotation but I love it.

I really enjoyed this. I had never heard of Sarah Vaughan but this was a delightful listen.

Great live album that I will revisit again

Classic vocal jazz in the vein of Ella. Very good. Live recorrding. Pitchfork: n/a Rolling Stone: n/a Best Songs Willow Weep For Me Just a Gigalo

Love.

One of the best voices. She sounds so contemporary to me. Excellent album, perfect concision.

I wasn't really in the mood for this sort of music today, but Vaughan's voice is so smooth and dynamic that I still enjoyed this album. Sometimes jazz vocals can feel screechy to me but this never did and none of the songs meandered so long as to become tiresome.

Excelente álbum! Técnico e emocionalmente belo. QoA Cloudscape.

Really good music and for once a live album where the fact it's live actually adds to the experience. But the way the Spotify version faded the songs to silence between tracks made it a little disjointed.

I believe that jazz is best listened to live. Sure, there are great jazz albums out there but hearing that same album live is unmatched due to the human emotion and feel that comes through. I haven't listened to the music from this live album in its recorded format but based on my listen of this live album, I would bet that's the case here, too. All of that to say, high quality live jazz albums like this (especially when they include crowd noise and the artists' banter between songs) are truly remarkable.

Bas mi je sladak album i zabavan jer je live snimka kao što smo prokomentirali. Super su mi ti opušteni trenutci i reakcije publike a njeno pjevanje je vrhunsko ofc. Pjesma koju sam upamtila jeeee Stairway To The Stars.

Dobar album, jucer padala kisa pa je bila vibe, live album pa je zanimljivo. 7/10 Najbolja pisma: Willow weep for me Najgora pisma: /

I really liked this!! Not something I’d usually listen to but she was so silly w the live show interjections

Not my favorite in this genre. But a great voice none the less.

Outstanding

Loved it. Definitely see myself throwing it on in the right setting but not regular rotation. Live jazz albums are some of my favorite

Beautiful, beautiful vocal performance — and live too! I could give 5 stars for that alone. But I’m gonna dock a point because the silly-goofy “I forgot the lyrics” ad libs felt forced and cringe.

Delightful - I really enjoyed a live album where you hear the band talking between songs

Nice relaxing Jazz with such a sweet voice!

кароче,я думав це якась хуйня,але ,але не,хароший лайвік,такій спокойний джазік,тьотя прікольно пайот,інстемент клас,кароче заїбісь, було би 10/10 але я не оч люблю лайви так шо 9.5/10

Alsof je zelf achter in een jazz club zit. Goede zangeres die ingetogen liedjes zingt. 7/10

Really fun and playful, especially that last song which is all those things and also cool

this was so nice! i really liked it!!

she got a christmas voice

Gotta be in a certain mood to listen to this but she is undeniable.

Sen ajan mahtavaa äänenkäyttöä, afroamerikkalaisia olisko soul ja sen sellaista, lempeää jazz vaikutteista hidasta rytmiä kuin suoraan Fallout maailmasta. Löytyy pehmeä kohta minulta tällaiselle

4*/5 01.16.2026

I liked this album a lot but wouldn’t listen again

Wow, what a voice! Unfortunately the live recording elements take it down for me. The applause took me out of it and whatever happened in "Willow Weep for Me" was weird. Man, still what a great performance.

Eu gosto de jazz de negona

This bastard is back to not saving my noted properly, reverting to old notes. I had put something about this being back to back to back an album of someone who is a level above and beyond. She has an instrument, not a voice. That said, a little more straight lougne jazzy and not quite as fun as the last album and for that reason, 4 stars.

Not something I'll likely revisit, but I will give Ms. Vaughan her due as a landmark in American music.

Guardé September in the rain pero en realidad me gustó mucho todo el album, lo escucharía completo cuando quiera algo lindo.

very nice listen. total whiplash from listening to aerosmith. like this is just infintely better, but thats a low bar. the last song vamping was great too

Very nice and clean album. The fact that is live makes it more lively and and fun to listen to. If you are in a bad mood this can definitely help you calm down abit. Would‘ve liked if there was an studio version tho.

Not my typical jazz-influenced listen but the instrumentals on this are detailed and subtle, but the improvisation is noticeable and impressive. Also recorded at Mr Kellys in Chicago - shoutout and RIP to a Chicago legendary club.

Jazz lovely singer she was great

It hadn't occurred to me that live albums would be on the list, but it's a delight to discover one that captures a moment in time and place like this one does, and feels so cosy and inviting. Sarah Vaughan's voice is very warm and smooth, and I'm definitely interested in hearing more of her.

What an exceptionally smooth and soothing voice. Her tremelo and pitch are mesmerizing. The songs are standard jazz but carried by her talent. Wild that this was recorded at a place that no longer exists, in fact it’s a steakhouse (a tasty one) now in the old rich white people part of town. Shame as the documentary sounds intriguing and I’m looking forward to watching it.

Conectar con Sarah Vaughan desde la costumbre de las estructuras compositivas e interpretativas del pop/rock, siempre esperando de una canción que tenga su intro, sus estrofas y su estribillo no es nada fácil. Pero el jazz hay que sentirlo, no comprenderlo, y si te dejas llevar, tienes que reconocer que la voz de Sarah no es de este mundo. Escucharla te obliga a salir de tu zona de confort y admitir que todos hemos sido muy poco educados para apreciar lo que no sigue más presupuestos que la emoción a flor de piel.

The thing about jazz is that I like it in the moment and then barely ever revisit the music. It's a good album, someone said Sarah's voice is extremely warm and this tracks. Classically, as it is with jazz, it's extremely hard to judge for me if it's pushing forward the medium, as the album is also extremely old. But good.

Sarah Vaughn is a singer I wish I had heard sooner because her voice is so very pristine and smooth. She has such a suave voice and completes the jazz band perfectly. The songs themselves stood out less, and seemed more to be average jazz standards that weren’t anything special to me.

jazz (schön aber einseitig)

entspannt. gut, aber kein wiederholungsbedarf

Enjoyed this one!

Such a unique recording very raw and authentic

Very chill Sunday morning jazz vibe. All the songs essentially sound the same, so it is difficult to pick my favorites. I enjoyed listening to this though!

Groovy jazz singing. Would listen to again.

It was good, but not really something i would come back to often.

Transported to a jazz club instantly. Very charming, funny, and oh so beautiful.

I like it, I like the little funny conversations as well. 4/5

Never really listened to jazz this much before. Love this album. I especially love live albums.

Really pleasant and enjoyable listen, Sarah Vaughan has an incredible voice, very clear and soulful that goes excellent with the lovely piano. I like the live recording atmosphere, the laughter from the patrons and ad libs on the songs make for a very immersive album and it's not difficult to imagine being in the jazz club in Chicago when this was recorded. September in the rain and Willow weep for me were particularly good with the latter perhaps being my favourite although they were all very good with How high the moon being perhaps the only slight dip in quality. A part of me feels this could be five stars but for now it's a high four. 79/100

Damn, some serious pipes here. Never heard of Sarah Vaughan in my impoverished musical education, but this is like, flawless? Even the part that has flaws? Really smooth lounge music here, but too long, the live element isn't super present (though it sounds like it was recorded in a studio, incredibel) and I don't really vibe with it so I give it a coward's 4.

Listened on a gloomy, rainy autumn day and this was the perfect antidote. Nocturnal, warm album. Manages to place you right there, in the room, at a 50s Chicago jazz club (great👌). The mistakes and forgotten lyrics adding the human element of live music (really great👌). Amazing voice and, ashamedly, I had not heard of Sarah Vaughan before this - I will definitely be checking out more though. Niiiiice. 3.5/5 Standout tracks: September in the Rain Willow Weep for Me Honeysuckle Rose

Very relaxing. The live setup really works for this

Brilliant beautiful rich soulful fun, she has an incredible voice and in a way it's a smoother sister to Billie Holidays "Songs for Distingue Lovers" (not sure if that is on here yet). I have only heard Sarah Vaughan on a compilation of hers before, this is a far more enjoyable experience. One of those albums where you truly feel you are present at the gig

That voice…..

Simpelweg heel Nice, losse sfeer en heel puur!

just smiling!

Sultry and lovely!

LOVE!!! This album genuinely feels like a 50s time capsule, basically like you’re in the audience at the time. How I LOVEEE live albums! Vaughan really was so talented and knew how to keep an audience rolling throughout a show and it’s evident in this album! So much can be learned about 50s jazz just from 9 songs. This is how it’s done. Favorites: Willow Weep For Me, Just One Of Those Things, Stairway To The Stars, Just A Gigolo, How High The Moon

Wonderful artist. Sublime. Sadly the recording is a bit wobbly.

Now I feel the jolly.

"Sassy is so good now that when I listen to her I want to cut my wrists with a dull razor." – Frank Sinatra Pour a scotch, light a cigarette or two as insence, put on this album and then close your eyes and imagine yourself in a 1950s Chicago nightclub. Okay, I didn't have the cigs, but it would have been perfect. In most of Vaughn’s studio recordings she is accompanied by a full orchestra, but this recording consists of a relatively simple trio. with just bass (Rihard Davis), piano (Jimmy Jones) and drums (Roy Hayes). This puts sharp focus on her voice and oh what a voice it is! Fun fact, in live performances Vaughn used the placement of the microphone to adjust the volume of her voice while singing. You can hear the results throughout this recording. This is among the oldest albums on this list and for someone who is here, in part, due to an interest in music history this is appreciated. I think this is also the first of many iconic albums (Ella Fitzgerald, Muddy Waters, Billie Holiday) recorded at Mister Kelly's. For those with an interest in music history or Jazz, I recommend the documentary "Live at Mister Kelly's". Vaughn (AKA Sassy) is rightfully considered one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. It is hard for me to believe that anyone would not relish this performance, but I’ve been doing this project long enough to know that such people exist.

Was not expecting that it was recorded live, which was so cool. A real slice of 1950's. Listening to her be so raw was refreshing. I haven't often listened to the recordings of people addressing the crowd for event recordings. It must have been different then. I had also not heard of Sarah Vaughan, I am glad that it no longer true.

Very mellow vibes, definitely made sitting in traffic a little more peaceful. I enjoyed this quite a bit, and normally I don’t care for jazz. Didn’t love whatever scatting number was at the end of the album, though.

A funny and spirited live performance!

I typically dislike live albums in comparison to cleaner (and audience-free) studio albums, but Vaughan has so much character in this, and her obvious errors add to the experience. My favorite track is How High The Moon, of which she doesn't remember a single word, but her scat and riffing has so much life to it. Plus, at only 9 songs of reasonable length, this album is tight in a way that many other similar ones (looking at you, Ella "3.25 Hours" Fitzgerald) are not.

Love this kinda music. Will be adding Sarah to the rotation. I don't necessarily think the live album was the best. Would have been cool to have been there I guess.

I love the mood that the announcer in the beginning sets. Sarah shows her range in each and every song. Quite a neat and timeless little album.

Wish I was there

That pure voice and vibrato. What a live set. Do yourself a favor and get the extended reissue. Muddy waters at mr kellys is pretty great too. I hope that gets served up.....

10

Hög mysfaktor. 3.5/5 rundat upp

Beautiful. I like instrumental jazz more than jazz with vocals, however Sarahs voice more than makes up for that. Her voice has warm tone akin to a mug of warm cocoa on a cold night. The instrumentals are simple, but tight to accompany Sarahs vocals. Live recordings can be hit or miss, but in this case it's pretty well done. I can imagine myself sitting in a corner booth with a pack of cigarettes and a glass of whisky, both of which a greatly dislike, but it's more about the vibe. They make a few mistakes along the way, but I find them to be charming. They make a joke of it and professionally keep the show running. In my opinion this makes it more real, because mistakes happen. Life is about how you deal with them. It'd give it a strong 8.

It represents this genre well and it's good. I probably won't be adding this to my heavy rotation but it's nice to know about. Good time capsule of a long, long gone Chicago. Back when Rush Street was swinging and thriving and not just the Viagra Triangle, upscale luxury stores, and yuppies with no clue how to take the L.

Loveee jazz staple

It was nice. Thoroughly enjoyed till the end 4/5

I just love the human feel live albums tend to have, even though I've never heard of Sarah Vaughn before but she's managed to make me adore these tunes - that I've been heard before - she (and maybe her backing band) picked. I liked the mistake near the end in "Willow Weep for Me," especially her playing off the mistake, as well as the Ella Fitzgerald shout out in "How High The Moon," where she does some (improvised??) scat singing. All in all I really enjoyed this one. Highlight Song/s: September In The Rain

Killer voice. Fun and Jazzy. Also amusing that they left in the flubs.... "I don't know the words to this song - doobie doobie doo."

What a stellar album, very cool!

I'm not familiar with Sarah Vaughan, but this was a nice little vocal jazz album. This type of simple arrangement and quiet club setting works really well for a live album. 3.5/5

Listening to a 70 year-old live record so well-performed in 2025 is weirdly refreshing. This is pretty flawless. It also exhibits a level of showmanship we're lacking nowadays. Amazing voice, great delivery, super musicians. Lyrically poor, obviously, that's why it's not a 5.

*Beautiful voice and a great live recording *Not my favorite style of jazz or I would given this a 5

Didn't fully listen through

old ass live recordings just have that certain charm yknow

Perfect accompaniment to my rainy train ride home

Vilket underbart hantverk det här är. Precis så här ska the American somgbook låta. Det är inte revolutionerande men fan så snyggt. Det finns en oerhörd nerv i Vaughans röst och samspelet med bandet. Hon når kanske inte upp till Holiday och Fitzgerald men är inte långt ifrån. Ibland är det enkla det geniala. Stark fyra.

Very timeless & nostalgic; nice deep[er] cut for me.

Sarah Vaughan has a great voice but I liked the playful moments too, including when she admits she's gone wrong while still singing. It all adds to the feeling that you're listening to this at a table in a dark jazz club.

So what I knew about Sarah Vaughan was: - She's dead - She's black - Was a less well known peer of the likes of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald - The song 'Misty' mainly from the terrifying Clint Eastwood film 'Play Misty With Me' which isn't on here Oldest album so far and second live album running. Though apart from the compere guy at the start introducing it and mild clapping between songs, you'd barely know it. Its jazz, but don't expend big band or experimental stuff. It's gentle piano (not sure if she plays or her band) and drums gently accompanying an incredible voice in what I hope to be a smoky, intimate Chicago lounge. The audience are so quiet you can hear a cough on 'Poor Butterfly'. The absolute heart in her voice really is something else. She just sounds so "happy". And carefree enough to cover a song and babble 'Ella Fitzgerald sings this, I don't know the words, shooba dooba dooba, how high the moon!" Zero fucks given, they'd call it now. Listen to' Stairway to the Stars' or 'Embraceable You' for a sample, but better still take in the whole thing. It's only a shame that 'Dancing In The Dark' is not the Springsteen song of the same name, she would do an amazing jazz version of that. This would have been an amazing event to behold live. It was also pretty good to drive in the rain to on a miserable English evening in November.

Sarah Vaughan is great, but live albums from the 50s can be a bit ropey on our modern systems, and I feel like this is a "quiet weekend in" album that you need to get on the right day.

Loved to voice and the humor

I loved practically everything about this. The old-timey recording quality of this live performance gives it such an intimate feel. Little moments like the man introducing Sarah Vaughan and joking that all the attendees are “Mercury recording artists,” or Sarah laughing about messing up a song and the crowd laughing with her, plus the small talk and the clinking glasses in the background make you feel like you’re actually there in the room. Jazz is one of those styles that just sounds so much better in a live format, and this was truly magical. An amazing live performance. Sarah Vaughan’s voice is on another level, silky, controlled, expressive, and effortless. The clarity and precision she has, even in a live setting, is unbelievable. I can appreciate how exceptional she is — she makes singing sound effortless, but what she’s doing is incredibly advanced. I usually prefer instrumental jazz, but her voice is so captivating that it held my attention for the entire album. The trio behind her is fantastic too. The piano, bass, and drums give her so much space, but they also push and respond to her in a really dynamic way. The whole performance feels intimate and warm like you’re sitting right there at Mister Kelly’s. My Favourite Songs: September In The Rain, Willow Weep For Me, Just One Of Those Things, Honeysuckle Rose, How High The Moon.

solid 4/5

3 out of 5. I liked how this recording sounded. Other than that it's ok.

So pleasant and soothing. Love the live feel, the improv, the sound and enjoyment from the crowd and such a deep and rush recording and performance. One of those albums that can happily be fitting background music, but can also be enjoyed with full attention and appreciation. Also still sounds so modern and clean. Great performance and recording.

Oj vilken låt Just a Gigolo va innan popmusiken förstörde den! Det svänger hon är charmig, men hon är ingen Holiday eller Fitzgerald. En fyra

Great vibes. I liked when the trio just continued the song after Sarah wanted to end it.

Very pleasant, good singer obviously.maybe I don't dislike this type of music as much as I thought.

Feeling actually sad I missed that concert. Warm jazz, and stirred up feelings. The songs were soothing the feelings they stirred up in the first place.

A joyful Jazz album, love how the vocalist play with the moods and notes 4/5

I'm not a big fan of jazz instrumentals but I am a huge fan of jazz vocals. Sarah Vaughn rates right up there with Satchmo, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Her vocal chops shine on this album.

The album captures the full club atmosphere of Mister Kelly’s: - audience presence - room reflections - subtle mic bleed This gives a sense of soundstage depth and realism, perfect for checking how well your speakers reproduce a live environment. It's not a wide sound stage more a deep soundstage. Each musician is behind Sarah. Great room ambient feeling.

Oh my, what a voice. Its insane that this is recorded live. This is fantastic.

*Sarah Vaughn At Mr. Kelly's* I think one thing I really enjoy about this album is that it really gives you the feeling like you are there front row Center listening to her beautiful voice. Despite the fact that the material isn't to me all that interesting i know she really has a fantastic voice it doesn't have the singular uniqueness of a Billie Holiday or Ella Fitzgerald. But still this Sarah can sing the alphabet and it would sound pretty and soulful. But to me the selling point in this album is not on the intimacy but just the realness of it the sounds of the stand falling, or her forgetting the words and then ad libbing adds to the charm of the album. I did only listen to the original 35 minute version, but I think at one point I do want to hear the full 75 minute version that came out on CD. (8.55) ★★★★

Not an absolute top drawer live show at Mister Kelly’s but still very nice… grrrreat… wonderful. The main highlight for me was the one that goes ‘she ba doo ba de ba do ba shoo ba doobity bop:’

I cannot say anything mean to a voice like this

ABİ ÇOK GÜZELDİ ÇOK TATLIYDI LAA

Smooth

Obviously beautiful music. I think the songs themselves don't move me quite like Ella or Nina - maybe because of the upbeatness. But still beautiful.

So wonderful. Like someone said: the warmest cup of coffee with the coziest blanket on the coldest day.

What made this album was Sarah Vaughan’s personality. In terms of song selection, it was ok. But her voice is incredible and more than that, she was clearly having so much fun, her joy filtered through so much of her music and that’s what stood out for me. This is record for a dimly lit room, a nice glass of red and a few very close friends.

Gorgeous

Listened to the expanded edition since I couldn't get enough of vaughan's voice. The entire show plays at a low simmer but it's not that it's dull or flat - the performance is incredibly warm and inviting. I'd say "perfectly pleasant" though that is sort of a backhanded compliment (i.e. "your boyfriend was perfectly pleasant") so in search of better praise, I've landed on graceful. Given the hesitation expressed at the beginning of the album as to how a live recording will turn out, At Mister Kelly's is a relaxing and immersive listening experience. Could see myself throwing this on regularly because it's so confidently settled in and Vaughan & company have such an easy mastery of these songs that when she starts goofing around on her version of How High the Moon, the improvs are funny and refreshing. They affirm how great the rest of the album is, a full-course meal with all the desired flavors and textures. Favorite Tracks: How High the Moon, Thou Swell, Willow Weep for Me, Embraceable You

Smooth jazz, great background

Sarah heeft echt een geweldige stem. Het is een live album, maar ik heb er verder niet echt negatieve ervaringen mee op dit album. Een nieuwe toevoeging voor de dinner playlist.

the VOICE

I really don’t like jazz. But I enjoyed this.

Usually not into live albums but this one doesn't bother me. Very cozy, kinda Fallout music. Best song is "Willow Weep For Me" 4/5

Miss Vaughan has a beautiful voice and this recording is phenomenal for the time. Loves the audience interactions and little mistakes. Endearing and genuine.

Хорошая фоновая, спокойная музыка. 6 из 10.

Great vocal jazz from the great and newly appreciated, Sarah Vaughan. You know what? Hell yeah. You go girl.

Really good

Lovely jazz and a great voice

Beautiful voice.

Smooth as butter. Great voice, and sounds very good for a live album recorded in the 50s.

Very smooth and fun jazz record that has classic live elements such as banter with the crowd and applause. A very enjoyable listen from front to back.

A fantastic live set. The last track in particular is a delight.

What a great voice Sarah Vaughn had. The backing band is excellent as well in this love recording. Willow Weep For Me has a great candid moment where it sounds like something drops or falls making a sound thud that the audience finds amusing and Vaughn comments on at the end of the track. It comes across as very unpretentious. Solid vocal jazz!

Jazz is way too sexy for a workplace! Too sexy for the workplace but perfect music to focus too at the same time. The production and clarity of her vocals is really impressive for this being 1957. Great playing and singing all around. Amazing improvising/skat-style singing. My grandpa probably loves this.

Of course amazing music and vocal, but these are again "just" the jazz standards for me ...

Excellent album

Never listened to Sarah Vaughan before, she's great! Loving the candid energy, the "mistakes", very fun! Great album to have on while working, so pleasant. This would be a great album to put on while cooking.

I love this era and genre. Her vibrato is slightly overdone at times or this would be a 5.

Pure smoothness. Like a nice cold pint next to a fireplace in the winter. A live album sounding a lot like a studio recording is incredibly impressive

"we'd appreciate if you'd act normally as you would." How frickin cool is it to drop that on your audience when live recording was such a new thing. Here's the thing, unlike a lot of live albums, this is great! Great vocals and some jazzy piano and other backing instruments makes me feel like Winter holidays in a big city.

Lovely voice and fun performance! I enjoyed how novel the idea of recording a live performance was to the audience. This music is timeless

For starters, this is just beautiful music. There's a certain sparseness that I loved, and such understated control over the music by everyone involved. I had mixed feelings about the mess ups - the improv on willow weep for me was fun, but it didn't work for me in the last number. And it strangely lacked more of a live music energy. A harsher view might be that there was just a determination to make an album at Mister Kelly's, so they went and did it - and it is great because of the extraordinary abilities of everyone involved, but they weren't excited to be performing in front of a live audience...they had a job to take care of. Maybe too harsh, and that only dampened the experience slightly for me.

Nice chill afternoon music, great voice, couple of fun live moments.

Heard of Sarah Vaughan, never listened to her. What a talent. The old live albums are great because you get to heard the interplay with the audience and get a taste of the artist’s personality.

Ma chanteuse jazz "classique" préférée avec Billie Holiday. C'est comique les petites blagues qu'elle fait sur Willow the weep et sur How high the moon. Par contre, je trippe moins sur le chant jazz que l'instrumental, ça limite quant à moi beaucoup la palette de saveurs en général. /// Oups je parlais de vino pour le millésime! Mais suggestions musicales notées ++!

Chérie, tamise les lumière, verse toi un verre de vin, je t'ai fait un beau repas romantique pendant qu'on écoute du smooth jazz.

Good stuff

Great voice paired with a great band. It’s hard to go wrong with that. 4/5

Fun older album that feels perfect for a chilly fall day. Sarah Vaughan has a great voice, and I enjoyed some of the live aspect of the recording.

Why not put a studio album on here?

Incredible voice! Appreciated all of the banter as well. :)

Enjoyed

Yeah really good - not my bag, but enjoyable and an excellent performance. Worked really well as an album as well, despite being live.

Beyond gorgeous chill jazz vibes, it's a 4 streak

I wanna be the bar drinking dirty martinis

#130/1001. Didn’t really get in to this album, don’t know why since Sarahbis on the top of Jazz singers and jazz is always a welcome change for all the guitar based macho scheisse on this list. Someone else said this is the only Vaughan album on the list? Wtf. For that alone the rationg goes up.

Wow what an amazing voice Live recording goes hard 4/5

Музыка для пенсии.

Relaxing and smooth jazz. That is all.

An excellent voice and a great band bringing a very human performance.

She sing nice

Amazing voice. A gig I'd have liked to have been at, sat at a table with a signed photo of Senator John Kennedy, an Old Fashioned and pack of cigarettes.

Jotenki smooth en tiiä miten mutta on kuiten. Voin kuvitella olevani tuolla paikan päällä. Tuli ihan joulufiilis hihii.

A great document of what sounds like a fantastic night in Chicago circa 1958. Love the roughness of this with the crowd and band chatter, the mistaken vocals, and the general vibe--you really feel like you are there. And that voice. Wow. What an incredible band too. The songs wrap around you like a comfortable robe

Fall baby

*Chef's kiss*, mais je donne un 4 étoiles pour le live.

I know some of her contemporaries pretty well (Billie Holiday is my favorite female singer), but I am not as familiar with Ms. Sarah Vaughan. That is unfortunate. I intend to fix this mistake by delving into her discography STAT. As far as the album goes, I loved the banter and club sounds in the background. If I closed my eyes, I felt like I might’ve been there witnessing greatness. The instrumentation is so smooth and the perfect accompaniment for her voice. I’m a sucker for a jazz trio. In my opinion, with standards, it’s all about the particular singer’s lyrical interpretation and voice. The highs, lows, vibrato, subtle artistic liberties, vocal inflections, timing, etc. are what make the song enjoyable and unique. I found Vaughan’s vocal stylings impeccable and her tone delectable. I can’t wait to hear more!

Not my thing and I find live recording sounds distracting, but she has a flawless voice.

i’d never heard of Sarah Vaughan before this but this was great!! super solid band with obviously great jazz vocals

Favorite Track: Willow Weep For Me

Solid jazz album. Bonus points for being live in Chicago!

Ooh just got the chills listening to Willow Weep for Me. Fantastic album top to bottom with one of the greatest voices in jazz history.

Vaughn’s voice is like silk. The restrained accompaniment of her backing band is on point throughout. And the sound of the recording itself is phenomenal at capturing both the boldness and intimacy of the performance, which isn’t perfect by any means thanks to a few instances of flubbed lyrics and technical mishaps; but Vaughn even manages to turn the imperfections into something charming.

A live album of jazz and soul vocalist Sarah Vaughan. What really made this enjoyable was how the singers personality shone through. A tight and brilliant snapshot of the time.

A very good album but she sounds just enough like Ella Fitzgerald for me to draw the comparison which isn't fair because Ella's probably one of the top 10 greatest performers of all time

Idk that some of these lyrics are the most innovative I’ve ever had but an enjoyable listen. The last song is really fun.

genuine fun on a live recording

Nice

This falls under the heading of, "music that is old enough that to me it just kind of sounds 'old-timey.'" I'm trying to imagine if someone said that about music that I grew up with and how old that would make me feel. Point being that I have almost no frame of reference for how this stands out from other music from the time. I enjoyed listening to it. Beautiful voice. The scatting sounds almost...quaint? Would be interesting to spend a week as Sarah Vaughan in Chicago in the 50s.

I know Sarah Vaughan less than Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, so I was glad to dig into this album. I appreciate that it's not stuffed full of standards I've heard a million times—although she obviously sounds great on "Stairway to the Stars," and "Just a Gigolo," and her Ella-esque take on "How High the Moon" was fun. Her flub in "Willow Weep for Me" is quite charming too. Not sure I'll return to this, but it's lovely.

Dette hadde jeg heller aldri hørt om før, men veldig stilig!

She had a really beautiful voice. I didn't miss anything because this was a live album. If anything I think it improved my impression of the album because it showed how beautiful her voice was. Only criticism is that it is somewhat one speed, nothing too fast or too slow, just showcasing her voice.

So loungy and jazzy, this is the kind of jazz I really enjoy. Perfect for Sunday morning listening. It was fun that they kept the introduction to the audience and her mistake in there too, feels all the more genuine.

Very lounge singer jazzy

I thoroughly enjoyed this. I absolutely adore her voice - listening to her brought Judy Garland to mind, and it turns out she was indeed an influence: "Judy Garland was the singer I most wanted to sound like then, not to copy, but to get some of her soul and purity. A wonderful young voice." The quality of Sarah's silky voice and dynamic performance drew me in and held me there. And she's funny and charming and delightful. Happy to discover this for the first time.

Good

at one point she sings “I don’t know the words doo doo doo doo” and it doesn’t matter because her voice is so magical.

Est-ce qu'on peut vraiment se tanner d'écouter d'la bioune vocale pendant une heure et quart? Oui! C'était très bon même si j'étais outré de savoir qu'elle utilise des lyrics sheet. 3.75 étoiles.

Yeah, her forgetting the words in the middle of a song was such an awesome moment to capture - it’s real, it’s human, and it makes the performance even more endearing. I get that this kind of jazz isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s good. The live recording is impeccable, with every performer having perfect tone and feel. It’s such a brilliant snapshot of late 1950s jazz, being warm, alive, and effortlessly cool.

Was fun i enjoyed the live recorded elements

She's got a great voice. It was pretty funny that she forgot some lyrics and they just kept that in the album. I could see this being nice to listen to just to chill.

Lovely <3

intimate, beautiful set of live songs. I loved the candidness of the album, with songs that Vaughan could not remember the lyrics to kept in. and what a beautiful voice!!!!

lovely, absolutely lovely. i adored how this, as a live album, became something of a time capsule unto itself. everything about this: the music, sarah vaughan's voice, the atmosphere... just magical. i love music!! highlights - willow weep for me, be anything but darling be mine, honeysuckle rose, just a gigolo, how high the moon

Delightful. Sincere

Very enjoyable jazz

thoughts: that was a *very* easy listen. i don’t know that i’d ever heard vaughan before but her voice was fantastic. i loved the little ad-libs here and there across the recording. this again affirms my taste in live albums (jazz ones are almost always great; other genres are a lot more miss than hit) songs: “willow weep for me”, “just one of those things”, “stairway to the stars” rating: 8.7/10

Wow amazing voice. I hesitated for a 5 stars, 4.5. It is like being there, also some funny accident in a song. Will listen again, with significan other better. Thank you Sarah ! (an musicians!)

Great voice and fun music.

Beautiful and cozy

Never heard of miss Sara Vaughan. Which is maybe not so surprising as I have never gone deep (or even shallow) into the well of jazz singers. Her voice sounds amazing in this live recording -- even more impressive considering this was recorded in 1957! The atmosphere of the recording does a great job of capturing a live and uncut single-take. Starting with the obvious: her voice is amazing. She has an incredible clarity of tone and sweeping range that she navigates throughout over her set. The backing instrumentals are, if not as impressive, equally tasty. Willow Weep For Me is beautiful and I love the stage banter and self-aware humor as she accidentally bumped a mic or something mid song. Just One of Those Nights is a swinging number with a hopping bass line. Be Anything But Darling Be Mine and Stairway to the Stars are both absolutely delightful. Interesting to hear another take on Just A Gigolo. I prefer David Lee Roth's upbeat take over this more somber version, but his has the benefit of being the first version I ever heard... Amazing album, live or not. Have to imagine this was a special experience in the room. High 4 / 5.

She's got a great voice and seems like she has the audience in the palm of her hand. That improv on Willow was pretty funny. Not something I'm gonna go out of my way to listen to, but I will say that he voice had me mesmerized. So beautiful and used it in so many different ways. Some solid lounge music.

To a layman’s ear it’s Ella Fitzgerald. Nice recording, has a lot of authenticity and a great vibe

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it ad nauseam, LIVE ALBUMS SHOULDN'T BE ON THIS LIST THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR OWN LIST. Just the concept alone is so starkly different than a studio album that I don’t understand how you hold them to the same standards. Like sometimes live albums can basically be “greatest hits” albums, which feels unfair. And also sometimes the live nature of the event won’t have the best audio quality or there might even be actual mistakes that don’t get corrected. I don’t understand how you can compare that to a studio album where they can hone and perfect a sound. Regardless of my rant, this album was so charming and adorable. It felt nostalgic despite never hearing this album before. The performance was so clean and charismatic I immediately started listening to Sarah Vaughan’s other work. Wildly talented singer, with an exceptional band to back her up flawlessly. I know I commented earlier about live albums having mistakes but this album is flawless. It’s so clean and smooth it’s amazing even on a technical stand point. Now as always, even in the face of immense talent, I did struggle with the slower songs. I always struggle to pay attention to slower songs. The last bit that I wanted to note, is that last song is so adorable and charming, I almost don’t want to find out if it was scripted or if she just kinda improvised that song but it’s literally my favorite song and I’d argue the most impactful song on the album.

very fun, love how playful she is throughout the whole performance. made me wish I lived in Chicago.

Great bluesy music.

I’m not usually a fan of a live album but this really works. I think the ambient noise and the small venue atmosphere comes across really well. Last track grates a bit though. She has a great voice and it’s always nice to hear jazz standards sung well

She has a beautiful voice Favourite song: Stairway to the Stars

Thoughts before listening: I think this is bluesy vocal jazz of some sort. Sarah Vaughn is one of those artists I have heard of through most of my adult life, but I don't know anything about her. Assuming I'm right about this being blues/jazz then that makes sense because I just don't follow those scenes. Review: Okay...so I was thinking this was more of a modern artist, but I am wrong as this is from the 1950s. I was correct about the sound though as this is smoky, bluesy jazz vocals reminiscent of Sarah's actual contemporaries such as Billie Holiday and Ela Fitzgerald. In general, I prefer the upbeat songs to the ballads, but thats just a personal preference as Sarah's vocal performance is certainly strong on the slower songs as well. This is a 4-star album.

Classic

What an amazing voice and performer. Don’t know much about her music but this album will make me look more into her. Great live album.

Cool jazz album. Very much of the big band singer era. Sarah Vaughan's voice is warm and just slightly smokey. Her sound is exceptional. This isn't an every day album, but if you're in the mood for some singing in the lines of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan certainly delivers.

Not a jazz guy but this was really fun. She's relaxed and obviously having a great time. Good stuff

Definitely nice background music. I liked this

I gotta appreciate the fact that it was recorded live, I'd listen to this live myself if I could but whilst dressed as a flapper girl and letting me smoke inside the damn bar. Probably not the right era for when this album came out but hey, it's jazz

Was a fantastic example of what a live album should be, also just a form of music I really like, I enjoyed it a lot -4.6 /5