Jeanie Bryson sings songs of Peggy Lee Some Cats Know 1996

Jeanie Bryson has a very Peggy Lee-styled voice to begin with, sultry and smooth, deceptively easy-going. So the idea makes sense.

Telarc is certainly renowned for clean, pristine recordings, and this one is no exception.

The song selection is just right, focusing on Lee's hits and well-chosen non-hits. I Don't Know Enough About You, Some Cats Know, Why Don't You Do Right?, You're My Thrill, Fever, You're Blasé, and I'm Gonna Go Fishin' are all delightful. There are no particularly weak tracks.

And the band is unusually good. John Chiodini on guitar, Terry Trotter on piano, Jim Hughart on bass and Harold Jones' drums lay down the rhythm while several soloists provide sax (Red Holloway), clarinet (Paquito D'Rivera), or trumpet (Ronnie Buttacavoli) on individual songs. They swing with vigor.

It won't bowl you over, it just simmers on the back burner most of the time. And as a Peggy Lee tribute, what could be more perfect? I've put it on so many times over the years, and I always enjoy it. Late night, candlelight jazz done right by an artist perfectly suited to the task, and an all-star supporting cast.