It doesn't get much better than this, either for the recording career of
Julie London or the whole concept of a vocalist doing standards with a good jazz combo providing backup. Listeners who like these sorts of songs but don't enjoy the over-arranged sounds of studio big bands and orchestras will no doubt take an immediate liking to having players such as
Joe Pass and the terrific drummer
Colin Bailey swinging away instead. Most of the room is left to
London, who is in great form here. It is a tribute to
Cole Porter, who wrote enough good songs for at least five albums such as this. The ten songs chosen run the gamut from the most familiar to a bit less, although most of this composer's work has received memorable outings via the vocal pipes of one saloon singer or another.
Bud Shank does his
Stan Getz thing, nicely pumped up. Greatly aided by a superb studio sound and mix,
London really does convincing interpretations of these songs. In fact, she may be too convincing, and one might wind up packing one's bags as she eases into the first chorus of "Get Out of Town." ~ Eugene Chadbourne