Sings the Music of Jimmy Van Heusen

AMG Review of Sings the Music of Jimmy Van Heusen

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

A special treat of this tribute to composer Jimmy Van Heusen is that Rosemary Clooney sings two songs ("The Second Time Around" and "Call Me Irresponsible") while accompanied only by guitarist Ed Bickert; she excels in the intimate setting. Other selections feature tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton (a fixture on Clooney's Concord recordings), cornetist Warren Vache, guitarist Emily Remler (on six of the ten songs), pianist John Oddo, bassist Michael Moore and drummer Joe Cocuzzo. In addition to some famous numbers ("I Thought About You," "It Could Happen to You" and "Like Someone in Love"), a few lesser-known Jimmy Van Heusen compositions are included, such as "My Heart Is a Hobo" and "Walking Happy." An easily recommended, well-rounded set that finds Rosemary Clooney in prime voice.