The Band and I was the debut album of the great Irene Kral. On it the outstanding young vocalist, who first came to prominence with Maynard Ferguson's band, had the benefit of Herb Pomeroy's celebrated big band which, though it had never featured a vocalist before, gave her a backing that no orchestra composed of studio musicians could match. She responded with innate jazz feeling, sensitive phrasing and a warm, unaffected sound. Singer and big band are well served by the excellent Al Cohn and Ernie Wilkins charts.

On Steveireneo! her second album, she handles a dozen of Steve Allen's songs with complete command. Under the direction of Al Cohn, the band ideally complements her singing; Cohn's well-conceived arrangements are, like everything he did, extremely musical. And the front-rank East Coast personnel consistently deliver fine solos in a savoury showcase for a superior singer.

Personnel on The Band and I (1-12):

Irene Kral (vcl), with Herb Pomeroy & His Orchestra.
Herb Pomeroy (leader, tp), Lenny Johnson, Augie Ferretti,
Nick Capezuto, Bill Berry (tp), Gene DiStasio, Bill Legan,
Joe Ciavardone (tb), Dave Chapman, Charlie Mariano (as),
Varty Haroutunian, Joe Carusso (ts), Jimmy Mosher (bs),
Ray Santisi (p), John Neves (b), Jimmy Zitano (d).
Arrangements by Al Cohn (#2,3,4,5,8,12) and
Ernie Wilkins (#1,6,7,9,10,11).
Recorded in New York City, November, 1958.

Personnel on Steveireneo! (13-24):

Irene Kral (vcl), with Orchestra arranged and conducted by Al Cohn.
Joe Newman (tp), Urbie Green (tb), Zoot Sims (ts), Danny Bank,
Eddie Caine (reeds), Hank Jones (p), Jimmy Raney (g),
Chet Amsterdam (b), Charlie Persip (d), Joe Venuto (vib, perc).
Recorded in New York City, 1959.

Tracks #1-12 from the United Artists LP The band and I (UAS 5016).
Tracks #13-24 from the United Artist LP Steveireneo!(UAS 6052)

Tracks:

01. I'd Know You Anywhere
02. Detour Ahead
03. Comes Love
04. Everybody Knew but Me
05. Lazy Afternoon
06. What's Right for You
07. I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart
08. Memphis in June
09. This Little Love
10. The Night We Called It a Day
11. It Isn't so Good
12. Something to Remember You By
13. Too Late the Spring
14. Run (Don't Walk)
15. The Best Time of the Day
16. Yes
17. There He Goes
18. And Even Then
19. Houseboat
20. Cool Blue
21. What Is a Woman
22. Spring Is Where You Are
23. Impossible
24. Pleasant Dreams

Total time: 63:00 min. aprox.