Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown – “You’re Not The Kind” (EmArcy Records 1954): A Jazz Masterpiece
In 1954, two jazz legends—vocalist Sarah Vaughan and trumpeter Clifford Brown—came together to create one of the most memorable recordings in jazz history. Their collaboration on the track “You’re Not The Kind,” released on EmArcy Records, stands as a landmark moment in both artists’ careers. The song is a perfect blend of Vaughan’s lush, emotive voice and Brown’s virtuosic trumpet playing, creating a vibrant and unforgettable performance that continues to resonate with jazz enthusiasts today.
The Meeting of Two Jazz Giants
Sarah Vaughan, often hailed as one of the greatest vocalists in jazz history, had already established herself as a formidable force in the music world by the time she recorded with Clifford Brown. Known for her powerful, expressive voice and remarkable technical skills, Vaughan was able to imbue every song with emotional depth and sophistication.
Clifford Brown, on the other hand, was a trumpeter who became one of the most influential figures in jazz, despite his tragically short life. Brown’s virtuosity, lyrical phrasing, and ability to blend into any musical setting made him a perfect collaborator for Vaughan. His trumpet work on “You’re Not The Kind” is expressive and nuanced, matching Vaughan’s vocal agility and creating a dynamic musical interplay that elevates the song.
“You’re Not The Kind”: A Jazz Standard
“You’re Not The Kind,” composed by Leonard Feather and with lyrics by the renowned jazz critic and composer, is a tune filled with both playful energy and deep emotion. The lyrics describe the end of a romantic relationship, with the singer addressing a lover who is not quite the person they seemed to be. The line “You’re not the kind, who’ll be left behind” reflects the vulnerability of realizing a relationship is falling apart, yet there’s a sense of self-assurance in the lyrics.
The song blends the classic qualities of jazz—cool, smooth melodies with sophisticated, complex arrangements—while showcasing Vaughan’s ability to bring out the song’s emotional core. The song’s rhythm, phrasing, and the conversational back-and-forth between Vaughan and Brown’s trumpet make it a standout piece, blending elements of both vocal jazz and instrumental improvisation seamlessly.
Sarah Vaughan’s Emotional Delivery
Vaughan’s voice on “You’re Not The Kind” is nothing short of stunning. Her deep, rich tone and control over phrasing bring out the complexity of the lyrics, turning them into a reflection on heartbreak and the passing of a love that no longer fulfills. She sings with an air of elegance and subtlety, never pushing too hard for effect, but rather letting the emotional nuance of each word unfold naturally.
Vaughan is known for her ability to shape a phrase with incredible timing, and she uses that skill to great effect here. She swings through the melody with grace, and her phrasing is impeccable, with every note feeling natural yet infused with meaning. Her vocal delivery feels almost conversational at times, making the song feel like an intimate dialogue between herself and the listener. At other times, she lets her voice soar with a power and clarity that highlights her technical brilliance.
Clifford Brown’s Trumpet: A Complementary Voice
Clifford Brown’s trumpet playing is a defining feature of this recording. His style was marked by a smooth, lyrical approach, and on “You’re Not The Kind,” he blends perfectly with Vaughan’s voice. Brown’s trumpet acts as a second voice in the song, interacting with Vaughan in a way that enhances the emotional depth of the performance. His improvisational lines and melodious phrases provide a beautiful counterpoint to Vaughan’s vocals, offering both contrast and harmony.
Brown’s playing is melodic and thoughtful, demonstrating his incredible technical prowess without ever overshadowing the vocal performance. His improvisations are a conversation rather than a competition, creating a perfect balance between his horn and Vaughan’s voice.
The Arrangement: A Perfect Match
The arrangement of “You’re Not The Kind” is lush and sophisticated, allowing both Vaughan and Brown to shine. The EmArcy recording features a smooth, swinging backdrop provided by the rhythm section, which includes piano, bass, and drums. The supporting musicians give the track a relaxed yet dynamic feel, allowing the lead instruments—Vaughan’s voice and Brown’s trumpet—to stand out.
The interplay between Vaughan and the band is masterful. The rhythm section provides a steady foundation while the brass and winds add rich harmonic colors. The arrangement is polished yet not overly complicated, leaving plenty of room for improvisation. Both Vaughan and Brown take their turns in the spotlight, but they also interact fluidly, with Brown’s trumpet answering Vaughan’s phrases and vice versa.
Legacy of “You’re Not The Kind”
The recording of “You’re Not The Kind” has become a cornerstone of Sarah Vaughan’s legacy, and it is also an essential example of Clifford Brown’s virtuosity as a trumpet player. The collaboration between these two legends remains one of the most celebrated moments in jazz history. Both Vaughan and Brown bring out the best in each other, creating a track that is emotionally rich, technically sophisticated, and musically seamless.
For jazz fans, “You’re Not The Kind” is a quintessential example of the power of collaboration in music. It shows how two distinct musical voices can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Vaughan’s emotional depth and Brown’s melodic brilliance are a match made in jazz heaven, and the recording remains a benchmark for future vocal-instrumental partnerships in jazz.
Conclusion
Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown’s performance of “You’re Not The Kind” is a standout example of jazz at its finest. With Vaughan’s vocal artistry and Brown’s trumpet mastery, the song has earned its place as a timeless classic in the jazz repertoire. The synergy between the two artists, combined with a masterfully crafted arrangement, makes this recording a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the art of jazz and the magic of two exceptional musicians working together to create something truly unforgettable.
Lyrics
You’re not the kind of a boy for a girl like meI’m just a song and a dance, you’re a symphonyI thought that you never would doubt meBut I’m tellin’ you, you’d be much better off without meYou’re just the kind of a boy who would always play fairI’m just the kind of a girl who would never be fairIt’s so hard to let you go, but it’s only because I knowThat you’re not the kind of a boy for a girl like meYou’re not the kind of a boy for a girl like meI’m just a song and a dance, you’re a symphonyI-I thought that you never would doubt meBut I’m tellin’ you, you’d be much better off without meYou’re just the kind of a boy who would always play fairI’m just the kind of a girl who would never be squareIt’s so hard to let you go, but it’s only because I knowThat you’re not the kind of a boyYou’re not the kind of a boyYou’re not the kind of a boy for a girl like me
