Polly Bergen's final Philips LP
Act One-Sing, Too is also her most alluring. Arranger
Jerry Fields channels inspiration from contemporary pop and jazz to create a hip, stylish atmosphere that perfectly complements her dusky voice.
Fields introduces melancholy horns, vibes and other accents that underscore the session's after-hours atmosphere, while
Bergen responds with a thoughtful performance that fully capitalizes on the world-weary sophistication of her distinctive approach. The material's a bit tame and predictable, but at least the forward-thinking arrangements compensate. And while it's inaccurate to suggest that
Bergen reinvents chestnuts like "The Way You Look Tonight" and "As Time Goes By," she certainly approaches them from interesting angles.