Andy Bey

• 2-LP EDITION

• 4 STARS ALL MUSIC GUIDE

Andy Bey was 56 when he recorded Ballads, Blues & Bey in 1995, and despite the fact that his voice had more rough edges than it did in the '60s and '70s, he still had an impressive range and was among jazz's most expressive male singers. For this project, the Newark, NJ native didn't employ a band -- his only accompaniment is his own acoustic piano, and this spare, intimate approach really makes Bey's heartfelt vocals stand out on such chestnuts as "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Embraceable You," and "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To." This time, the Duke Ellington songbook is a high priority for Bey, who demonstrates how marvelous an interpreter of lyrics he is on "In a Sentimental Mood," "Day Dream," and other Ellington gems.

PERSONNEL:

• Andy Bey - solo piano

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• 01. Someone To Watch Over Me
• 02. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To

• SIDE B
• 01.I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart
• 02. In A Sentimental Mood

• SIDE C
• 01. Willow Weep For Me
• 02. Yesterdays
• 03. If You Could See Me Now

• SIDE D
• 01. I'm Just A Lucky So And So
• 02. Day Dream
• 03. Embraceable You