Steve Tyrell: Standard Time

Even though this is just his second album, Steve Tyrell is no beginner to the music business. He has been a successful producer and songwriter composing hits such as "How Do You Talk to an Angel" and "Hold On". Singing with a slightly raspy tone, sort of a combination of Ray Charles and Hoagy Carmichael, Tyrell's versions of this set of classic standards are pleasant enough, but certainly not compelling. It isn't because the album producers haven't tried. They rounded up some outstanding musicians to work with the singer, including great studio player Plas Johnson, with his blues-inflected tenor. Johnson, in addition to providing the musical backdrop for the Pink Panther movie, has backed singers running from Linda Ronstadt to Lou Rawls. His few solo bars on "Everytime We Say Goodbye" is worth the price of the album. Then there's seminal trumpeter/ mumbler Clark Terry adding his special way of mouthing lyrics on "What a Little Moonlight Can Do". Terry also contributes smooth, lyrical muted trumpet on "Why Was I Born". One of the more engaging tracks is the duet with Jane Monheit on "Baby, It's Cold Outside" where Monheit's pure, clean voice contrasts with Tyrell's rough and ready vocal chords. As interesting as this makes this track, don't discard your Johnny Mercer/Maggie Whiting recording. One of the more poignant moments comes with "Remembering Sweets" where Tyrell does a chorus of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" as Edison plays muted trumpet behind as only he could do. The liner notes are silent on whether this was recorded before Edison's passing, or whether Edison was dubbed in from another recording. Others of note who make guest appearances include Joe Sample and Toots Thielemans.