Soft and Swinging the Music of Jimmy Mchugh

AMG Review of Soft and Swinging the Music of Jimmy Mchugh

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

1964 would be the last year that Andre Previn would record jazz for some time. On this obscure but enjoyable LP, pianist Previn, bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Frank Capp, plus a string section arranged by Previn, perform 14 Jimmy McHugh songs. The strings do weigh down the music a bit, and only one song exceeds three minutes in length, so the end results are as much easy-listening as jazz. But if found at a budget price, this album is worthwhile; highlights include "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," "I Must Have That Man," "When My Sugar Walks Down the Street" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street."