Laura Fygi, the Dutch jazz singer with an Egyptian mother and a Dutch businessman father, possesses a voice that's been affectionately described as "velvet" or "like silk" for its smoky, rich and deep contralto quality. Born in Amsterdam in 1955, she spent her early years in Uruguay before moving back to the Netherlands. Her career spans decades, beginning with the all-female disco group Centerfold in the 80s before she embarked on her acclaimed solo career in the early 90s, quickly establishing herself as one of Europe’s foremost vocal jazz talents.
Big band recordings involve dozens of acoustic instruments playing simultaneously. High-resolution FLAC prevents these instruments from bleeding together into a muddy wall of sound, allowing you to clearly pinpoint the physical location of the trumpets on the right, the trombones on the left, and the double bass dead center.
Under the direction of co-arrangers and producers Jan Menu and Johan Plomp , Fygi is backed by a full big band that provides a rich, brassy texture distinct from her previous, more intimate jazz and bossa nova recordings.
In 2011, streaming was still in its infancy (Spotify launched in the US only in July 2011). The predominant digital format was still the 256kbps or 320kbps MP3, often purchased from iTunes or Amazon. CD sales were declining, but audiophile communities on forums like What Hi-Fi? and Head-Fi were evangelizing FLAC. High-resolution downloads were becoming available from sites like HDTracks and Qobuz, though they were niche. Laura Fygi - The Best Is Yet To Come -FLAC- -2011-
The album opens with the title track, "The Best Is Yet to Come," playfully introduced by a double bass before blossoming into a vibrant and faithful rendition of the classic. The critics were unanimous in their praise. JazzTimes observed her ability to sing with an easy swing and cunning persuasion, drawing comparisons to iconic singers like Julie London. WartaJazz highlighted that Laura Fygi's brilliance isn't merely technical; it's her masterful storytelling and her ability to convey the meaning behind each lyric that captivates the listener. Laura Fygi herself selected these standards, drawing inspiration from legends Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and her all-time idol, Julie London.
Why Listen in FLAC? (Laura Fygi - The Best Is Yet To Come -FLAC-)
(04:17) – A mesmerizing, fast-paced take on the Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer standard, emphasizing the big band's tight rhythm section. Laura Fygi, the Dutch jazz singer with an
Laura Fygi - The Best Is Yet To Come (2011) - A Masterclass in Big Band Vocal Jazz
Overall, "The Best Is Yet To Come" is a truly exceptional album that showcases Laura Fygi's remarkable talent and artistry. With its eclectic mix of styles, memorable melodies, and impressive vocal performances, it's an album that will appeal to fans of jazz, pop, and world music alike. As the title track suggests, the best is indeed yet to come from this gifted artist, but for now, this album is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates great music.
Critics have noted that Fygi’s voice, which "smolders with London-worthy intensity," is perfectly complemented by these sophisticated arrangements. You can find more details about her extensive career and other releases on her Official Discography. Laura Fygi: The Best Is Yet to Come - JazzTimes Big band recordings involve dozens of acoustic instruments
Here’s a suggested text suitable for a catalog, review, or personal music library note regarding :
Digital editions of this album are frequently sought in format by audiophiles to preserve the intricate details of the big band orchestration. HiRes FLAC audio - TIDAL Support
Laura Fygi is a singer of micro-expressions. The subtle catch in her throat, the gentle exhale at the end of a phrasing, and the crisp sibilance of her consonants are often flattened or lost entirely in lossy formats like MP3 or AAC. A 16-bit or 24-bit FLAC file preserves every ounce of this vocal texture, making it sound as though Fygi is performing live in your listening room. 2. Soundstage and Instrument Separation
