Disney Standards
Following on histribute to Frank Sinatra, Steve Tyrell continues to explore America's treasure trove of beloved standards with a collection culled from the Disney songbook. The oldest selection is "Baby Mine," a lullaby sung to the titular character by his mother in 1941'sDumbo(Tyrell ably transposes a mom's soft tenderness to a dad's gruff affection). Two excerpts from 1955'sLady and the Tramp("Bella Notte" and "He's a Tramp") are highlights as well, reflecting the songs' easy swinging vibe. Tyrell also ventures in more recent Disney territory, covering songs fromThe Little Mermaid("Kiss the Girl"),Beauty and the Beast(the title track) andTarzan(a slightly croaky take on "You'll Be in My Arms"). The singer mostly focuses on classic tunes--you won't find any obscure gem here--and his emphasis on the hits is examplified by two of the more high-profile tracks. The CD opens with "When You Wish Upon a Star" with a guest turn by EZ trumpetist Chris Botti; Dr. John, as gravelly voiced as Tyrell, comes in for a duet on "You've Got a Friend in Me" fromToy Story.--Elisabeth Vincentelli