Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Lena Horne: Being Myself

Lena Horne: Being Myself

By AAJ Staff
January 20, 2003
Sign in to view read count

"Come in and join the party," Lena calls, slapping her long fingers on an empty seat.

You best take her invitation, ‘cuz Ms. Horne knows of what she sings. Long-established as a jazz legend, Lena Horne continues her reign as queen of the blue note with her latest Blue Note release. In addition to touching up personal favorites such as "As Long As I Live" (which sparkles as brightly as when Horne performed it live for her classic concert collection "The Lady and Her Music," yet with even more snap and sheen), Horne creeps through "It’s Alright With Me" and clips through "Willow Weep For Me." Always a lady, she opens wide to proclaim "After You" and allows a "Sleepin’ Bee" to laze undistrubed while she surveys the musical lansdscape. Though she may not have the note-holding force of her past, Lena Horne is still as brassy and clarion bold as her name would dictate. Asking the musical questions "What Am I Here For" and "How Long Has This Been Going On," Lena simultaneously answers these questions for her listeners: To hear her sing, and for as long as she continues to do so.

Track Listing

1. Some of My Best Friends Are the Blues 2. As Long as I Live 3. Autumn in New York 4. It's All Right With Me 5. Sleepin' Bee 6. Imagination 7. How Long Has This Been Going On? 8. After You 9. Willow Weep for Me 10. What Am I Here For?

Personnel

Lena Horne

vocals

Album information

Title: Being Myself | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Blue Note Records

< Previous
Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse

Next >
Tony Bennett Sings Ellington Hot and ...

Comments

About Lena Horne

Instrument: Vocals

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.