Susannah McCorkle’s second Pausa album is highlighted by a remarkable version of “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” Usually performed in razzle-dazzle style, the song is drastically slowed down and treated as a dramatic ballad by McCorkle, and she shows that the words are actually quite touching. Also on the diverse set are the singer’s fresh interpretations of such tunes as “A Fine Romance,” “Where or When,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Slap That Bass,” and even a tolerable rendition of “By the Time I Get to Phoenix.” Backed by the Ben Aronov trio and on a few numbers joined by either tenor saxophonist Al Cohn or guitarist Gene Bertoncini, Susannah McCorkle is in such fine form that one truly regrets that her first seven American albums (four on Inner City and three on Pausa) have yet to appear on CD. – Scott Yanow
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