This particular recording by singer
Marlene Ver Planck
is noteworthy in that most of the songs, with the exception of
"I Keep Goin' Back to Joe's,"
"Moments Like This,"
"The End of a Love Affair,"
and
"Drinking Again,"
are quite obscure. As usual,
Ver Planck
sings perfectly in tune, gives beauty and sensitivity to the lyrics, swings lightly, and is joined by top-notch musicians, with the performances being arranged by her husband,
Billy Ver Planck
. Most selections feature a trio with pianist
Tedd Firth
. Pianists
Billy Taylor
Norman Simmons
are on a song apiece (tunes that they wrote), and guitarists
Bucky Pizzarelli
Jerry Bruno
sit in on
"Is It Raining in New York"
"Quietly There."
's voice remains beautiful and her interpretations serve each of the songs. Overall,
Now!
is a delight, and particularly recommended to listeners and singers who are interested in hearing fresh material sung by one of the best. ~ Scott Yanow