Russ Lorenson: A Little Travelin' Music

If a singer is going to run with the Frank Sinatras and Tony Bennetts of the world, it takes determination, not to say savoir-faire. Sinatra in particular had it all: swagger, technique and, in his prime, a legato style that was the envy of musicians everywhere. Russ Lorenson may not quite equal the ranks of his models, but he is a capable, talented and experienced crooner. Dedicated to his art and intent on perfecting it, here he brings a return to the Great American Songbook and to some material he first covered 20 years ago.

Why go back? His frank declaration is that he thought he could do some things better. Lorenson's own journey has hardly been a smooth or uninterrupted one, but like any true artist, he keeps coming back for more.  In his affable, relaxed and personable style, Lorenson demonstrates that there are second acts in American life. The result is an enjoyable blend of tunes both familiar and less so by "San Francisco's Favorite Crooner." If crooning is on the menu, there is plenty here to satisfy all but the most finicky customers.

First, the unfamiliar (to one listener). "Rhode Island is Famous For You." First recorded in 1948 by Paul Weston, there are a few other covers by Mark Winkler and John Pizzarelli. It is not exactly classic material, but aficionados of a shuffle rhythm will approve. "The Air Minded Executive," well, it has been a long time since 1942 when Johnny Mercer wrote and performed it. If a tune is that obscure, there must be a reason for it, although Lorenson is lively. "A Foggy Day" is reassuringly familiar ground, but not just a rehash of Sinatra. Lorenson takes it at a different tempo, using "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" as a clever segue. "Home to Stay" is not well known either and little recorded, but affectingly done. "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" must be an anthem for a Bay Area singer and Lorenson confidently belts the final chorus out. Interestingly, Lorenson does recall Bennett rather strongly on "Moonlight in Vermont," a tune that Bennett recorded rather late in his career but is not particularly identified with. Similarly, it would be difficult to not think of Sinatra "With Come Fly With Me." Perhaps less so with "Let's Get Away From It All." Foreign capitals also get their due with "Gay Paree" and "When in Rome," both of which get a relaxed treatment, and will no doubt appeal to fans of the genre.

All in all, this is a satisfying recording, cleanly executed and delivered with snap and vigor.