Tommy Mara: The Lost Crooner

Tommy Mara's comeback album is divided into two parts. The first three tracks are from the present where Mara is backed by some outstanding New York musicians. Back in the 1950's, Tommy Mara had a burgeoning career complete with top-40 presence and a growing fan club. He then disappeared from the scene until now, reemerging with this album. The initial three cuts show that Mara still possesses a smooth baritone voice, albeit more mature. The remainder of the tracks feature a considerably younger Mara singing in a big band setting with some good arrangements such as "I Cried for You", as well as in some fairly Lawrence Welk like corny settings including "Marie". But even these are fun The play list is similarly divided. There's the classic standards such as "Fools Rush In" and "I Get a Kick out of You". An earlier Mara version with big band for "I Get a Kick out of You" is also on the play list. Then there are some of the pop tunes from the 1950's - - arguably one of the worst decades for quality pop tunes in the history - - which are completely forgettable, and have been, such as "Pledging My Love. " But then there is a big band backed "I Cried for You" which makes one understand the reasons Mara's former popularity. It's too bad the group is not identified as they really swung. For a blast from the past with a nod to the present, this album is recommended and is available from Amazon.com.