Susannah McCorkle, who consistently brings out new meanings in the lyrics she interprets, performs 16
Irving Berlin songs (complete with verses and sometimes lesser-known stanzas) on this delightful set. There is solo space for trumpeter
Gregory Gisbert, trombonist
Conrad Herwig, young tenor great
Chris Potter and altoist Jerry Dodgion; the arrangements by
Rich DeRosa are surprisingly modern, and
McCorkle is heard in prime form. Among the many highlights are a wistful rendition of "Let's Face the Music and Dance," and a sensuous "Cheek to Cheek," "Let Yourself Go," and a wonderful closer, a version of "Waiting at the End of the Road" on which the singer is accompanied only by the rhythm guitar of Al Gafa. Although this interpretation of "There's No Business Like Show Business" (greatly slowed down and surprisingly touching) is not quite as classic as
McCorkle's version of a decade earlier, this is overall a highly recommended set by a superb singer.
–
Scott Yanow, Rovi