Bobbie Gentry would soon become a regular guest on
Glen Campbell's genial television variety show, where her pantsuited, beehived country-pop bombshell image belied her delicate, sweet voice and smart, blues-tinged songwriting. Sadly, the latter is under-represented here, as only her minor "Mornin' Glory" makes the cut (compared to two of
Campbell's own songs and a sweet but slight duet remake of his signature song,
John Hartford's "Gentle on My Mind"), but
Gentry's special vocal blend with
Campbell -- the pair's voices harmonize utterly delightfully -- is the real highlight of this set. The song selection is pop-oriented, featuring surprising cover choices like
Simon & Garfunkel's "Scarborough Fair/Canticle" and, even better, a winning version of
Margo Guryan's "Sunday Morning" that's surprisingly well-suited to
Kelly Gordon and
Al DeLory's countrypolitan production. However, Bob Russell's "Little Green Apples" is smarmy mush no matter who records it. This album is well worth seeking out for fans of both singers. ~ Stewart Mason