Tonight At Midnight

AMG Review of Tonight At Midnight

Ken Dryden
All Music Guide

Steve Allen had a variety of interests during his long career: television host, comedian, author, actor, but his work as a musician tends to get overshadowed, even though he composed over 6000 songs and recorded a few dozen LPs, most of which are long out-of-print. This Coral record features Allen playing a dozen allads in an easy listening setting, including standards and four of his own works, with a string orchestra, a rhythm section, and a few guest soloists. Allen never was one to take long solos to show off his abilities as an improviser (though he had the ability when he desired to do so) and most of these performances don't stray too far from the melody. The standards include enjoyable arrangements of "While We're Young," "Let's Fall in Love," and "You Are Too Beautiful." "Last Night When We Were Young" features the lush tenor sax of Sam "The Man" Taylor. Among his originals, the waltz "Junior Prom" features some fine muted trumpet by Taft Jordan, while "Tomboy" showcases trombonist Billy Byers. This LP will be of less interest to those who are familiar with Steve Allen's jazz records, though the pretty arrangements will definitely appeal to easy listening fans.