Let Yourself Go: Celebrating Fred Astaire

Released in 1999, 'Let Yourself Go: Celebrating Fred Astaire' serves as a pivotal early entry in Stacey Kent's discography, solidifying her reputation as a premier interpreter of the Great American Songbook. While many tribute albums lean into nostalgia, Kent and her ensemble (including saxophonist Jim Tomlinson) strip these iconic Gershwin, Berlin, and Porter tunes down to their emotional and melodic core. The recording is characterized by a 'dry' production style that places Kent’s breathy, conversational vocals at the absolute forefront, creating a 'near-ear' listening experience. Critics praised the album for its lack of affectation; Kent avoids the diva tropes of jazz singing, opting instead for a literary, storytelling approach. This record helped define the 'Stacey Kent sound': a blend of cool jazz restraint and romantic warmth that would eventually lead to her collaborations with Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro.