Toni Harper's final RCA session pairs the singer with arranger
Marty Paich to create the richly atmospheric after-hours album that she was born to make. By alternating between pop standards and jazz originals,
Night Mood underscores the complete breadth of
Harper's talents. Even better than her sophisticated and poignant interpretations of chestnuts like "Round Midnight" and "My Ship" is a swinging rendition of "Saturday Night Is the Loneliest Night of the Week" that deserves serious consideration as the song's definitive treatment.
Paich's soulful arrangements further enhance the dusky beauty of
Harper's vocals, even making room for some lovely alto saxophone solos courtesy of the great
Art Pepper.