Little Boat
A Mann & A Woman
Herbie Mann & Tamiko Jones
Recording Engineer: Tow Dowd
Cover Photo: Jerry Czember
Cover Design: Haig Adishian
Supervision: Ahmet Ertegun
Atlantic SD 8141
1967
From the back cover: The first Herbie Man-Tamiko Jones collaboration was a brilliant rendition of the attractive title tune from the French move "A Man And A Woman." That recording, released in the fall of 1966, helped make A Man And A Woman one of the most popular movie themes of the year. It also spurred enthusiastic requests for personal appearances by the duo and more recordings by Herbie and Tamiko together. This album, which includes their hit single as well as a strong collection of other recent top favorites, displays more of the instrumental vocal pyrotechnics that marked their first recording. As for personal appearances, since A Man And A Women Herbie and Tamiko have performed most successfully together at night clubs in various cities, including New York and Washington.
The union of Herbie Mann and Tamiko Jones started almost fortuitously at the Atlantic Recording Studios in New York. Herbie heard Tamiko singing in the studio one afternoon and was so taken by her warm, sensuous jazz-pop styling that he stayed throughout her entire rehearsal. When it was over he asked if she would like to record with him. Tamiko, thrilled by the idea, said she'd love to. The first tune they recorded together at their initial session was A Man And A Woman, with a brand new English lyric written especially for the occasion.
For Herbie Mann, the energetic and imaginative innovator and creator of new musical trends, the opportunity to record the attractive Tamiko Jones with his band was both a pleasure and a challenge. For Tamiko, whose young career had burgeoned since she was "discovered" by Skitch Henderson on the "Tonight" TV show last year, the chance to sing with Herbie was the kind of opportunity that comes along once in a lifetime.
What makes Mann-Jones partnership so successful is the way they complement each other musically. The soulful sound of Tamiko blends perfectly with the light, airy sound of Herbie's flute on A Man And A Woman. Herbie's crackling flute on Day Tripper furnishes the inspiration for Tamiko's driving vocal on this up-to-date version of the John Lennon - Paul McCartney song. On every tune in this album Herbie and Tamiko work together as a splendidly balanced team, striking sparks from each other's musicianship. Those sparks illuminate the entire album. – Bob Rolontz
From Billboard - May 13, 1967: The warm pop-jazz vocals of Tamiko Jones and the cool jazz of Herbie Mann are a winning combination. Miss Jones is particularly effective with "Come Back To Me." While the album should sell well to jazz buyers, it should have a moderate appeal in the pop market.
A Man And A Woman - Arranged by Jimmy Wisner
Day Tripper - Arranged by Joe Zawinul
Come Back To Me - Arranged by Joe Zawinul
Little Boat - Arranged by Jimmy Wisner
It's Time That You Settled Down - Arranged by Jimmy Wisner
A Good Thing (Is Hard To Come By) - Arranged by Joe Zawinul
1-2-3 - Arranged by Jimmy Wisner
Only Yesterday - Arranged by Jimmy Wisner
Sunny - Arranged by Melba Liston
How Insensitive - Arranged by Melba Liston
Sidewinder - Arranged by Jimmy Wisner
