Perfection: Jackie Paris - Skylark (1953)

For me, the finest and most perfect vocal rendition of Hoagy Carmichael's Skylark is by Jackie Paris. Recorded for Coral Records in August 1953, the session was arranged by Neal Hefti. The band featured Billy Taylor (p), George Barnes (g), Sandy Block (b), Eddie Grady (d), Harry Breuer (vib) and 10 strings, with Hefti conducting.

It's one of the only versions of the song where you can really hear the wonderment and emotion Carmichael intended when he wrote it. Most other singers just sail through it without seeming to give much thought to the expression.

For more on Paris, a must-see is Raymond De Felitta's documentary 'Tis Autumn: The Search for Jackie Paris (2007). It's one of jazz's finest documentaries and a model for anyone who plans on filming one. You can watch it here. If you want to watch more of Raymond's films, go here.

Here's Jackie Paris with Neal Hefti and His Orchestra singing Skylark...