Still on the Road

AMG Review of Still on the Road

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

On this CD, Rosemary Clooney broke away from using a jazz combo with Scott Hamilton and instead is accompanied by a ig band mostly arranged and conducted by her musical director, pianist John Oddo. The 15 songs frequently have something to do with being on the road or the significance of particular locations, including such songs as "On the Road Again," "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?," Cole Porter's "Take Me Back to Manhattan," and Dave Frishberg's "Let's Eat Home." Among the highlights are a surprisingly touching version of "(Back Home Again In) Indiana," the witty "Let's Get Away from It All," Willard Robison's obscure "Moonlight Mississippi," and a delightful version of "Road to Morocco," on which Clooney sings with Jack Sheldon. Most selections feature one or two solos from the horn section, including the beautiful-toned trombonist Chauncey Welsh; trumpeter Warren Luening; and either Tommy Newsom, Nino Tempo, or Bob Tricarico on tenor. Rosemary Clooney's voice still had 95 percent of its power on this easily recommended set.