Windows Media 11. Shirley Horn's latest release for Verve is a collection of 11 standards, done in her timeless, inimitable style. My Thrill are orchestrated by Mandel, which lends an almost quaint sonic atmosphere to the album. Nowadays, this sort of lush, languid, musical quality is usually found on reissues from 30 years ago. When Horn sings in front of such orchestral arrangements, the effect is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Horn can work a tune slower than anyone in the world.
The title track unfolds syllable by syllable. Her piano accompaniment is likewise very measured, commenting subtly, the gentle foil to her vocal. Even in an uptempo groove, however, she has the ability to take her time with a song, to be right in the pocket and contemplative at the same time. That's pretty tricky stuff, but, for years, Horn has been making it seem like falling off a log. The album as a whole is an appealing listening experience.