Following two previous Concord releases, Keely Smith's recording career seems well set to continue its upward trend with this latest collection of big band classics. Opening with APRIL IN PARIS, Keely shows how to interpret each nuance of the song in a way very few others could. YOU GO TO MY HEAD needs a smooth rendition and this is precisely what this standard gets with the mood enhanced by the shimmer of strings which carry Keely through to completion. So many highlights prevail with HOW SWEET IT IS nicely swung, a leisurely HOW HIGH THE MOON and a forceful I CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU offering real competition to Ray Charles and his hit version. Even a nod to modern compositions succeeds with an appropriately swinging CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU reinventing this latter-day classic. THE HOUSE I LIVE IN linked to THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER, serves as both a tribute to Sinatra's original version and a timely reminder of freedom, tolerance and strength in post 9/11 America. In other words, Keely does Basie-style in her own way, sometimes slowing the tempo down and then suddenly jacking it up to full vocal throttle with the large backing orchestra certainly receiving full marks for its superb work and benefiting from equally expansive arrangements. This definitive contribution to the return of the big-band should thrill those who are lucky enough to listen. Age has certainly not withered Keely's vocal ability with its unique phasing of lyrics and the ability to put her heart and soul into everything she does. A big band winner in every way!