The smooth and elegant style of jazz vocalist
Phillip Manuel lights up this 2001 release. The New Orleans singer teams up with a stellar cast of musicians from the Crescent City to put on the ritz with jazz standards from the likes of
Duke Ellington and
George Gershwin. Several tunes, including the title cut, are written by
Manuel himself, along with pianist
Michael Pellera. The musical artists backing
Manuel up on the CD are some of the best New Orleans has to offer. They include
Ellis Marsalis on piano,
Roland Guerin and
Bill Huntington on bass, and Fred Sanders on organ. Together, they swing on pieces such as "Summertime," "Just Squeeze Me," and "'Round Midnight." The silky and sophisticated voice of
Phillip Manuel lends itself to work like this, creating a romantic ambience. The title track, as well as "These Foolish Things" and "Only All of Me Will Do," help set that tone. The CD's most shining jewel is the artist's rendition of
Frank Loesser's "If I Were a Bell." With the bell-like clarity of his voice,
Manuel makes the song his own. Add this CD to the wine and roses. ~ Rose of Sharon Witmer