The Main Ingredient (Shirley Horn album)

The Main Ingredient is a studio album by American jazz vocalist and pianist Shirley Horn, released in 1995 on Verve Records. The album features a collection of primarily love songs and ballads, showcasing Horn's signature understated vocal style and her distinctive piano playing.

Known for her deliberate pacing and emotionally resonant interpretations, Horn's approach to the chosen material emphasizes nuance and feeling over flashy virtuosity. The Main Ingredient highlights her ability to create intimate and captivating musical atmospheres. The album typically features a small ensemble of musicians, providing a supportive backdrop for Horn's vocals and piano.

The tracklist often includes interpretations of standards from the Great American Songbook, as well as compositions by contemporary songwriters. Horn's arrangements frequently incorporate space and silence, allowing the emotional core of the songs to breathe. Critical reception of The Main Ingredient was generally positive, with reviewers praising Horn's artistry and the album's overall mood. It is considered a significant work in her discography and a notable example of her unique approach to jazz performance.