Michael Feinstein - Livingstone and Evans Songbook (2002) Lossless

The title of this album, "The Livingston and Evans Songbook featuring Michael Feinstein," underscores that this collection is more about loving musicology and artistic proselytizing than about career self-aggrandizement. The 23 tracks here span decades (the '50s and '60s) in which the film musical often seemed on the ropes, yet those years were always brightened by the songwriting efforts of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Feinstein's loving renditions here span stage, screen, and pop radio. They include evergreens ("Mona Lisa," "Buttons and Bows," "Silver Bells," "Whatever Will Be, Will Be"), less familiar gems ("All the Time," "How Much Will I Love You"), and rarities ("Henriette" from an unproduced musical, the unused title track for The Mating Season).

The effervescent Livingston himself plays piano on many of the recordings. He chimes in on a loopy medley of the Bonanza and Mr. Ed" TV themes and sprightly takes of "You're So Right for Me," "Ya' Got Class," "Buttons and Bows," and "Wish Me a Rainbow." Melissa Manchester turns in a smoky rendition of "Never Let Me Go," and a previously unreleased demo of "Anywhere but Here" features Rosemary Clooney and Jose Ferrer. A warm, upbeat delight from first track to last. --Jerry McCulley