Product details
- Label ERA Records
- Artist Ketty Lester
- Format 1LP
- Country United States
- Released Date 1962
- Genre Jazz
- Sealed No
Do you have questions about this product?
Love Letters by Ketty Lester.
When Ketty Lester stepped up to the microphone in Hollywood in March of 1962, she carried with her one of the most distinctive voices in early sixties popular song, a voice equally at home in the smoky corners of a jazz club and the aching intimacy of a torch ballad. "Love Letters" captures that voice in full bloom, opening with the title track that would become forever associated with her, a performance so poised and haunting that it defined an era of romantic phrasing.
The album is a masterclass in the art of the ballad, sequenced with a lover's logic. Side A moves from the tender resignation of "Love Letters" and "Once Upon A Time" through the aching devotion of "P. S. I Love You" and "I'll Never Stop Loving You," then darkens beautifully with the famous melancholy of "Gloomy Sunday" and "Fallen Angel." Side B answers with standards of longing and reflection, from "Where Or When" and "I'm A Fool To Want You" to the folk-tinged "Moscow Nights" and the quietly resolute "When I Fall In Love," closing on the spiritual weight of "Goin' Home."
Behind Lester stands a remarkable cast of Los Angeles studio talent, the kind of players whose fingerprints are all over the great recordings of the period. Lincoln Mayorga handled the arrangements while anchoring the sessions on piano and organ, and the rhythm section carried real pedigree, with Earl Palmer on drums for the title track, Milt Holland taking the kit across the remaining eleven, Dick Brandt on bass, and Ray Pohlman on guitar. It is a lineup that gives the record both delicacy and swing.
Surrounding that core is a lush chamber ensemble that lends the album its cinematic warmth. John Neufeld's clarinet weaves through strings drawn from cellists David Filerman, Howard Colf, and Naoum Benditzky, alongside a violin section featuring Ambrose Russo, Benny Gill, Bob Levine, John Santulis, and Lou Klass. Engineer Armin Steiner captured it all with clarity, working under producer Ed Cobb on this A.C.M. Production, with Bill Pereira contributing the liner notes.
This is the mono edition, presenting the material as it was originally meant to be heard, focused and immediate. The front cover reads DL 108 MONOPHONIC at the lower left corner, the spine carries the DL-108 catalog number, and the label bears EL-108. Sid Avery's photography and Ken Kim's art direction complete a package that is as elegant as the music inside.
For collectors of early sixties vocal jazz and torch song, this is a foundational document, a record where a singular voice met a first-rate studio team and produced something enduring.
Pressing Details:
Track Listing:
A1. Love Letters
A2. Once Upon A Time
A3. P. S. I Love You
A4. I'll Never Stop Loving You
A5. Gloomy Sunday
A6. Fallen Angel
B1. Where Or When
B2. I'm A Fool To Want You
B3. Moscow Nights
B4. Porgy, I's Your Woman Now
B5. When I Fall In Love
B6. Goin' Home
Credits:
Lincoln Mayorga - Arranged By
Ken Kim - Art Direction
Dick Brandt - Bass
David Filerman - Cello
Howard Colf - Cello
Naoum Benditzky - Cello
John Neufeld - Clarinet
Earl Palmer - Drums (A1)
Milt Holland - Drums (A2 to B6)
Armin Steiner - Engineer [Recording Engineer]
Ray Pohlman - Guitar
Bill Pereira - Liner Notes
Sid Avery - Photography By
Lincoln Mayorga - Piano, Organ
Ed Cobb - Producer
Ambrose Russo - Violin
Benny Gill - Violin
Bob Levine (4) - Violin
Howard Colf - Violin
John Santulis - Violin
Lou Klass - Violin
Notes:
An A.C.M. Production
Recorded March, 1962 in Hollywood, California.
Mono Edition:
DL 108 MONOPHONIC printed at lower left corner of front cover
DL-108 catalog number on spine
EL-108 catalog number on label
Artist: Ketty Lester
Format: 1LP
Genre: Jazz
Label: ERA Records
Catalog Number: DL 108
Release Year: 1962
Country: United States
Condition: Used
Media Condition: Very Good Plus (VG, scuffs on both sides, possible background noise)
Sleeve Condition: Very Good (VG, cover split))
Frequently Asked Guestions
The condition of our vintage records varies, and we do our best to clearly state the condition of each record in its description. We rate them as 'Mint', 'Near Mint', 'Very Good', 'Good', or 'Fair', following the Goldmine Standard.
We understand the importance of ensuring our products reach you in the same condition they left us. Each record is packed using professional record mailers with additional padding. We also remove the record from its sleeve to prevent seam splits during transit.
Due to the unique nature of our inventory, we're unable to reserve items. All our records are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes, we do buy vinyl records. If you're looking to sell, please send us a detailed list of what you have, including the artist, title, condition, and any other relevant information to hello@mileswaxey.com. We'll get back to you with a quote if we're interested.
Yes, we offer a return or exchange within 14 days of purchase if you're not completely satisfied with your record. The item must be in the same condition that you received it. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
Currently, our entire inventory is online. We do this to keep our prices competitive and to be able to reach vinyl lovers around the world. However, we're always looking for opportunities to connect with our customers in person, so follow us on social media for updates on pop-up events or potential future physical locations.