One of the high points of
Helen Humes' career, this Contemporary set (reissued on CD) features superior songs, superb backup, and very suitable and swinging arrangements by
Marty Paich. Humes' versions of "If I Could Be With You," "You're Driving Me Crazy," and "Million Dollar Secret," in particular, are definitive. On four songs, she is backed by tenor great
Ben Webster, a rhythm section, and a string quartet; the other numbers find her joined by a 14-piece band that includes
Webster and
Teddy Edwards on tenors along with altoist
Art Pepper. This classic release is essential and shows just how appealing a singer
Helen Humes could be. ~ Scott Yanow