Mary Stallings – Songs Were Made to Sing CD

8-panel Digipak Album

“She’s backed here by an exemplary quintet, including the impeccable pianist David Hazeltine, who also arranged; her old friend, veteran trumpeter Eddie Henderson (they went to high school together in her native San Francisco); altoist Vincent Herring; bassist David “Happy” Williams; and drummer Joe Farnsworth. Throughout, her voice remains supple and inviting, her interpretations deeply informed, and her occasional scatting both natural and inventive.”
— Allen Morrison, Downbeat

“Mary Stallings tends to inspire superlatives, and SONGS WERE MADE TO SING is sure to coax another chorus of well-deserved, overdue praise. Released on the verge of her 80th birthday, the album captures an ageless artist at full power.”
— Andrew Gilbert, JazzTimes

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With SONGS WERE MADE TO SING is Mary Stalling’s exquisite collection of classic songs that reflect on a life well and passionately lived.

Although she didn’t write the lyrics to any of the selections, each one has special meaning for her representing a part of her life and a piece of her soul. Inspired by this material, shet puts her distinctive stamp on a diverse set of 13 songs, using her gift for interpreting a lyric to transform sometimes familiar melodies into profoundly personal and captivating stories.

“It’s amazing how you can feel things in your heart and in your mind but not find the words to say them,” Stallings says. “So I pick tunes that seem to apply to me personally, and a story grows out of that.”

The soulful Bay Area chanteuse worked closely with pianist David Hazeltine, who tailored the album’s vibrant arrangements to Stallings’ voice and to the dream band that was assembled for the date, which brings together such greats as trumpeter Eddie Henderson, alto saxophonist Vincent Herring, bassist David “Happy” Williams, and drummer Joe Farnsworth. Percussionist Daniel Sadownick is added to the mix for Latin-tinged takes on “Lover Man” and “Lady Bird.”

“I’m going to be 80 years old and I’m very proud of it,” she announces. “I’m the product of everything that I’ve been through in my life, and that comes through in my music. My joy is getting on that stage and having people listen to my stories.”

released May 17, 2019

Mary Stallings, vocals
Eddie Henderson, trumpet
Vincent Herring, alto and tenor saxophones
David Hazeltine, piano
David “Happy” Williams, bass
Joe Farnsworth, drums
Daniel Sadownick, guest percussion (tracks 2 & 6)

All arrangements by David Hazeltine

Recorded on December 6, 2018
at Sear Sound Studio C, NYC

Produced by Paul Stache and Damon Smith
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Christopher Allen
Studio Assistant: Owen Mulholland
Creative Consultant: Molly Johnson
Photography by Jimmy and Dena Katz
Liner Notes by Shaun Brady
Design by Damon Smith and Paul Stache

Executive Producer: Paul Stache