The CD opens by announcing, "it's Saturday night in New York City, at the world famous Rainbow Room." It's actually recorded in Texas, but the mood is set for this program of songs, featuring the award-winning women's chorus from Dallas, the Rich-Tones, as well as the saxophone quartet Opus Four, and a 3 piece combo fronted by Brian Beck on bass guitar. That said, this CD is a smorgasbord of styles, from Dixieland ("That's A Plenty," and "Back Home Again In Indiana," Opus IV) to Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Good Reason," featuring a solo vocal, guitar, plus the trio. The common element is entertainment with elegance. Soloist Pam Lauffer expresses it best on "Corner of Heaven," a languid pour of retro come yonder. Practically all accompanied and a lot of fun. |