A fascinating interpretation of the little-known 1960 Broadway musical by
Jule Styne,
Betty Comden, and
Adolph Green,
Do-Me-Ri represents another creative detour for
June Christy. Half of the record comprises an instrumental set led by her husband, tenorist
Bob Cooper, and features West Coast giants
Buddy Collette,
Bud Shank, and
Conte Candoli. The songs are lightweight but appealing, affording
Christy the opportunity to cut loose and have some fun. Her trademark intelligence and sophistication nevertheless remain intact, stripping tunes like "I Know About Love" and "Make Someone Happy" of their over-the-top theatrics to focus squarely on their emotional underpinnings.
Cooper's half is no less impressive, adding depth and panache to
Styne's featherweight melodies. ~ Jason Ankeny