As the title says, this 2013 collection finds Marlene VerPlanck singing Ballads...Mostly, which isn't especially a surprise this singer. Then again, surprise isn't the name of the game here, at least in terms of approach. She's relying on eight arrangment sby her late husband J. Billy VerPlanck, she sings nearly as many songs by Cy Coleman, and she's working with a familiar cast of supporting musicians including drummer Ron Vincent, bassist Boots Maleson, bassist Jay Leonhart, pianist Tedd Firth, trumpter Claudio Roditi, pianist Mike Renzi and saxophonist Houston Person. Comfort doesn't necessarily mean complacent, however, as all involved do take their time to deliver precise, yet robust, versions of late-night supperclub vocal jazz. It's a warm bath of a record, one that soothes and relaxes. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine