Various Artists: Feeling Sentimental

These twelve easy pieces from previous Concord albums (1978-1997) provide a cross section of spiritual charm and tasteful accompaniment. Karrin Allyson caresses a lyric accompanied by Randy Weinstein’s soulful harmonica and Rod Fleeman’s sensitive acoustic guitar melody. Guitarist Jeff Linsky offers a gentle ballad from his 1996 album California accompanied by the soft-spoken wordless vocals of Claudia Villea and a small expressive ensemble. Rosemary Clooney’s lamenting ballad is supported by pianist John Oddo, bassist Michael Moore and drummer Joe Cocuzzo (with brushes). Scott Hamilton’s ever-expressive tenor saxophone is backed by pianist John Bunch leading a supportive trio. Mel Torme reminds us that "it’s easy to remember, so hard to forget" while accompanied by a studio orchestra. He’s followed by George Shearing alone at the piano for a tasteful "My Favorite Things" performed gently, as if it were created to drift out of a dresser-top music box with spinning ballerina. From her 1993 album Sweet And Slow Carol Sloane’s unique, whispering "I’m Getting Sentimental Over You" is backed by pianist Stefan Scaggiari, drummer Colin Bailey and bassist John Lockwood. Guitarists Herb Ellis and Remo Palmier paint a beautiful picture along with bass and drums. They’re followed by singer Mary Stallings in a straightforward but effective arrangement of Eric Clapton’s "Tears In Heaven" with guitarist Ron Eschete. Marian McPartland offers a solo piano gem from her 1985 recording Willow Creek And Other Ballads. Dennis Rowland’s vocal ballad is backed by a soulful muted trumpet and piano trio. Stefan Scaggiari’s piano ballad, from his album Stefan Out, closes the program backed by bassist Jim Hughart and drummer Colin Bailey. It’s an expressive compilation of fine music for those days when one prefers to just sit and soak up the sounds. The personnel listed below are the leaders for each of the twelve pieces, in order of appearance, matched one-to-one with the song list.