In yet another release of important sounds from the 50s and 60s, Acrobat Music delivers the goods on one of the most underrated vocalists of all time, the sultry toned Julie London. Almost single-handedly, she started the concept of “mood” albums, guaranteed to get you hot under the collar with her seductively understated voice. Staying within a tight vocal range, she did a lot with a little, creating low lighted sonic scenarios such as the breathy “Baby, Baby, All the Time” and ”Makin’ Whoopee.” With husband Bobby Troup’s orchestra, she does a misty “A Foggy Day” while with cool toned guitarist Barney Kessel, she delivers a Bunsen Burner of “Cry Me A River.”
She is the Queen of Nuance as she’s backed by Jimmy Rowles and company on”Evenin’” is stark and haunting during a deeply shadowed “Around Midnight.” London makes less sound like more on this album that you’ll be amazed at, as you’ll keep replaying it more times than you initially think.