Arlen Plays Arlen: Timeless Tribute Harold Arlen
Saxist and bandleader Sam Arlen pays tribute to his uncle and adoptive father, composer Harold Arlen, with this instrumental collection of the elder Arlen¹s best and brightest. Most of the tunes are presented in big-band arrangements. At their best, they recall Henry Mancini's 1960s soundtracks--the Latin-flavored take on "Come Rain or Come Shine" could easily have been onBreakfast at Tiffany'sfor instance. But sadly, the overall mood is too Lite FM, a feeling reinforced by Sam's smooth tenor-sax solos. Typically, "Over the Rainbow" is sappy instead of heartwrenching. Even a medley of "Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead" and "If I Only Had a Brain" lacks zip. You'd be better off checking out Harold's own demented version of "Ding Dong!," a swinging duet with Barbra Streisand from 1966'sHarold Sings Arlen (with Friend). The single most touching moment is the final song, on which a 1955 recording of Harold's singing "It's a New World" has been magically layered over a new backing track.--Elisabeth Vincentelli