Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Twisted | Throwback Vibez

In the 27^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Twisted” by the legendary jazz vocal group, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. Ah, there is nothing like a good oldie to get you fired up! The records featured in this column feature gems from the 20^th century, with a few exceptions. All genres of music are welcome. In the 27^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Twisted” performed by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross.  

“My analyst told me (What?) / That I was right out of my head / The way he described it (How?) / He said I’d be better dead than live.” Characterizing vocalese trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross as the hottest new group in jazz wasn’t far-fetched in the least back in the day. Dave Lambert (1917 – 1966), Jon Hendricks (1921 – 2017), and Annie Ross (1930 – 2020) were a force to be reckoned with.  Ross leads the charge on “Twisted”, the third track from the trio’s epic 1959 album, The Hottest New Group in Jazz. Ross wrote the lyrics to the record originally composed by short-lived, influential tenor saxophonist Wardell Gray (1921 – 1955). Teo Macero (1925 – 2008) and Irving Townsend (1920 – 1981) produced it. 

“Twisted” begins with an inviting riff from the combo, comprising Gildo Mahones (1929 – 2018, piano), Ike Isaacs (1923 – 1981, bass), and Walter Bolden (1925 – 2002, drums). A hard-swinging groove from the combo accompanies Anita Ross on lead vocals, sweetening this marvelous record.  Mahones provides a mean punch with his tasty, brilliant comping.  Ross shines thanks to her incredibly sophisticated tone and playful performance. In the second verse, Ross’ analyst informs her, “He said / I was the type that was most inclined / When out of his sight, to be out of my mind / And he thought I was nuts (Nuts?) / No more ifs or ands or buts.” As “Twisted” progresses, specifically during the bridge, Ross loosens up, extending into her upper register and adding more complex melodic and rhythmic moments. 

“…The reasoning and the logic that went on in my head? (Bop, bop, bop, bop)

I had a brain, it was insane, so I just let them laugh at me (Bop, bop, bop, bop)

When I refused to ride on all the double-decker buses (Bop, bop, bop, bop)

All because there was no driver on the top.”

Meanwhile, Lambert and Ross provide background vocals and equally playful, tongue-in-cheek ad-libs (“No driver on the top? This chick is twisted, what’s the matter with her? (She must be out of her head)”). All in all, “Twisted” marks another tour de force by the legendary Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. Simply put, the music speaks for itself.