June Christy - The Song Is June! (1997)

This single-CD reissue from 1997 has the complete contents of two formerly hard-to-find June Christy records (The Song Is June and Off Beat), both of which feature the singer backed by Pete Rugolo's generally creative and unpredictable arrangements for an unidentified orchestra. Christy had a cool sound and a subtle style that made her performances quite accessible no matter how complex the music. She sang with confidence, sincere feeling for the lyrics and swing at any tempo. Although the majority of these selections are ballads, there is enough variety and suspense throughout the often-haunting renditions to continually hold one's interest. The many highlights of this two-fer include "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most," "Night Time Was My Mother," "Out of This World" and "A Sleepin' Bee."