On Lilac Wine, released in 2003, the eminent jazz singer applies her magnificent voice to a collection of songs that she had never previously recorded, with the exception of “Lilac Wine” — a song she first recorded in the ’50s and revisits here. As throughout her career, Merrill is surrounded here by first-rank musicians such as George Mraz (bass), Torrie Zito (piano, keyboard,) and Lew Soloff (trumpet). Merrill’s singularly swinging style remains as potent and vibrantly spellbinding as ever.
1. Lilac Wine
2. Wild Is The Wind
3. Pierre
4. Something I Dreamed Last Night
5. Love Me Tender/How Sweet You Are
6. The Island
7. One More Walk Around The Garden
8. Portrait of Helen Merrill
9. You
