A New Standard
A New Standardbuilds on the popularity of Steve Tyrell's appearances in theFather of the Bridemovies. In addition to "The Way You Look Tonight" (from theFather of the Bridesoundtrack) and "Give Me the Simple Life" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street" (fromFather of the Bride, Part II), the album features Tyrell singing 14 more standards in a casual, gravel-throated style.A New Standardincludes the final recorded performances of trumpet greatHarry "Sweets" Edison, who solos on "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and "I've Got the World on a String." Other notable guests includeClark Terry,Plas Johnson,Joe Sample, andToots Thielemans. But the real keys to the album's success are the impeccably crafted arrangements of rhythm guitarist Bob Mann and Tyrell's unpretentious, warm-hearted vocal delivery. In contrast to so many neoswing wannabes, Tyrell approaches these timeless tunes with the R&B-bred; soul of a gray-haired baby boomer who's just discovered his parents' record collection. In the jazzbo tradition ofLouis ArmstrongandJack Sheldon, he doesn't try to blow anyone away with his chops. He just sings the songs with an infectious enthusiasm and easy swing that's impossible to dislike.--Rick Mitchell