I recently came across a song, entitled “Forgetful”, by Jack Segal and George Handy, originally written for David Allyn. It was recorded by Chet Baker on his 1959 Milano Sessions, with a string quartet. The following link, on You Tube, is Irene Kral’s sensitive rendition:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EKks-bWcZo
All three singers are supremely gifted and musically intelligent; and, all three render a superbly understated reading of the lyrics.
If you have never heard of Irene Kral, you are in for a real treat. Her voice is warm and quite heart-felt. Her musical taste is extraordinary and her phrasing is masterful. She was nominated for a Grammy for “Where is Love” (1974), an album of entire ballads, accompanied only by the impeccable pianism of Alan Broadbent. She was the sister of Roy Kral, of Jackie and Roy fame. The world lost a shining star in the musical firmament when she died in 1978.
Influenced by Carmen McRae, and earning her chops in the bands of Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton and Shelly Manne, she possessed a distinct voice and was musically sure of herself. And having found that voice, she had a style all her own.
To read more about Irene Kral, please go to the following link dedicated to her memory:
http://www.danacountryman.com/irene/photos/photos.html
One more site, click to hear her incredible version of “This Life We’ve Led”, written by Tommie Wolf, Fran Landesman and Nelson Algren:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZjp7DJxgGg