Bobby Short

This two-fer on Collectables bring together a pair of cabaret ace Bobby Short's Atlantic albums. On the East Side recorded live in 1959 is a dramatic, lively, hard-swingin' set of Short in his prime, recorded with a trio. This is American saloon singing at its finest, full of exaggerated drama, finger-popping and amiable, good natured cheer. Short is so great he can sing Cole Porter's ""You Fascinate Me,"" ""I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,"" and a Caribbean murder ballad like ""Delia's Gone,"" and make them all the stuff of fantasy. On Moments Like This, recorded in 1982, the mood is romantic and nocturnal, full of strings and breezy rhythms. The standouts here include a medley of the Overstreet and Higgins nugget ""Georgia Blues"" with Hoagy Carmichael's ""Georgia on My Mind,"" as well as Noël Coward's ""Sigh No More,"" and Cy Coleman's awesome ""Sometimes When You're Lonely."" ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide