(Vocal Jazz) Peggy Connelly - That Old Black Magic (1956) - 2014, MP3, 320 kbps

This 1956 session for Peggy Connelly was one of only two releases from the singer and her only album for Bethlehem. With arrangements by Russ Garcia, Connelly is backed by some of the finest West Coast musicians of the day on this collection of standards, including Charlie Mariano on alto sax, Bill Holman on tenor sax and Stan Levey on drums.
An excellent album of vocals that's one of the best vocal jazz sessions ever cut on Bethlehem! Although the dramatic signature Billy Daniels rendition had been around since 1950, Peggy's take on the tune is a more straight-forward Latin interpretation that shows some good vocal range. Russ Garcia conducts the band with his deft touch and musical finesse, something quickly evident to the aware listener. Enjoy them, because these recordings are fully representative of Russ Garcia’s versatile talent as a composer and arranger, in both the instrumental and vocal fields.