One Amazing Night
Bacharach, the king of relaxed, suave melodies that have quietly assumed a sentimental position in our lives, is celebrated here by a handful of performers who paid him tribute during the inaugural episode of TNT'sMaster Series. Sheryl Crow throws in the torch for a sultry "One Less Bell to Answer." Chrissie Hynde breaks past her leather-jacket toughness for a tender read of "Baby It's You" and "Message to Michael." Elvis Costello expertly performs his collaboration with Bacharach, the Grammy-awarded "God Give Me Strength" (from theGrace of My Heartsoundtrack). Mike Myers camps up "What's New Pussycat?"  But none can top the real thing. Dionne Warwick brings us back to the late '60s of Bacharach's prime with a riveting medley of "Walk On By/Say a Little Prayer/Do You Know the Way to San Jose." That and Bacharach's lush arranging skills make the title true to its word.--Rob O'Connor