Vocalist Lyn Stanley gives a tribute to one of the queens of the seductive siren albums, Julie London, who not only was a seductive chanteuse for the bachelor pad set, but an impressive actress on shows like Emergency.
While London was best known for her come hither and subdued bedroom eyes of a voice, Stanley is more girl-next-door homespun, still dressing the part on the liner notes but with more of a smile then a pout. It’s reflected on the song selection and portrayal of London-associated themes, as the cast of John Chiodini/g, Mike Garson-Christian Jacob/p, Chuck Berghofer-Michael Valerio/b, Paul Kreibich-Aaron Serfaty/dr and Luis Conte-Brad Dutz/perc let Stanley get coy on the upbeat “Goody Goody,” and peppy for “Call Me Irresponsible.” She delivers two contrasting takes of “Summertime,” one a stark aria with piano and the other a bluesy band take featuring Chiodini’s sighing strings. She’s clear and clever on a swinging “Go Slow/Nice Girls Don’t Stay For Breakfast” and gorgeously subdued with bass on a bluesy “Blue Moon.”
Stanley also does some songs not associated with Bobby Troup’s wife, with a Latin “Light My Fire” and misty and seductive “Heard It Through the Grapevine.” More Betty than Veronica in the Archie Comic world view of music, and one you can take home to meet your parents.