In a departure for the V.S.O.P. label, this CD reissues a record that is outside of jazz, but mostly swinging nevertheless. Carol Lawrence had a strong and musical voice and she sings both standards and obscurities while backed by a jazzy orchestra directed by either Harry Betts or Dick Hazard. There are some short spots along the way for altoist Bud Shank, trumpeter Don Fagerquist, and trombonist Milt Bernhart, but the focus is very much on Lawrence. Among the better numbers are a multi-tempoed “I Get Along Without You Very Well,” “There’s a Lull in My Life,” “I Wonder What’s the Matter With Me,” and “When the Sun Comes Out.” Excellent middle-of-the-road 1950s-style pop music. – Scott Yanow
more »