For this 2015 Signum Classics release, soprano
Sarah Fox and pianist James Burton present 20 of
Cole Porter's songs, in a mix of beloved standards and a few numbers that are less familiar.
Fox is best known for her operatic roles and classical recitals, but her versatility in popular music is evident here in her relaxed vocal tone and natural diction, and her familiarity with these songs is apparent in her appropriate interpretations, from the quietly passionate mood of "In the still of the night" to the sophisticated word-play of "It's de-lovely." Burton accompanies with his own keyboard arrangements, but also joins in duets with
Fox ("Mrs. Lowsborough-Goodby" and "Brush Up Your Shakespeare"), and has solo turns in "Where would you get your coat?" and "Night and day." But most of the album is a star vehicle for
Fox, and her charming performances make this CD a treat for
Porter fans. ~ Blair Sanderson