Tom Wopat Sings Harold Arlen: Dissertation on the State of Bliss
Many were surprised when Tom Wopat, best known forThe Dukes of Hazzard, proved so good in the 1999 revival ofAnnie Get Your Gun. But while TV gave him fame, the musical theater had provided his acting chops. In the years sinceAnnie, Wopat has only confirmed his status as one of the musical theater's most compelling leading men: He's toured withChicagoand performed as a solo cabaret act. Wopat's husky, sexy brand of masculinity works rather well with this repertoire, as examplified by this disc, his second collection of standards after 2000'sIn the Still of the NightBacked by a small jazz combo, Wopat opts for a nonchalant approach to Harold Arlen's songs--a nicely swinging version of "If I Only Had a Brain" is a notable exception. Even over-covered chestnuts like "Over the Rainbow" and "That Old Black Magic" come out sounding refreshed.  Wopat tackles them respectfully but somehow puts his stamp on them.--Elisabeth Vincentelli