This CD reissue brings back one of
Annie Ross' most obscure albums of the 1950's. Recorded at a time when the singer was just starting to get known for her work with
Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, the set is a swinging but largely straight rendition of the score from the play "Gypsy." The all-star backup band mostly functions as an ensemble during the
Buddy Bregman arrangements (although altoist
Herb Geller and trombonist
Frank Rosolino have short spots on "All I Need Is A Boy"), taking "Overture" as an instrumental that introduces some of the main melodies.
Ross is in excellent form, performing a memorable version of the score's one real hit "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and somehow sounding serious on "Let Me Entertain You." Still, this release is mostly recommended to fans of show tunes and
Annie Ross completists. ~ Scott Yanow