Sammy Davis, Jr. - Mood To Be Wooed (1958/2022)

Sammy Davis, Jr. is so low-keyed in his performance on this album, it will come as a total shock to those who only know the singer for his searingly energetic '60s and early-'70s performances on record and stage. His intonation is more than good enough to carry the subdued, exquisitely lyrical approach to the repertory, which is built around Rodgers & Hart, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Jimmy Van Heusen, and so on. This is Sammy Davis, Jr. trying to compete with Nat King Cole and pretty well succeeding, with Mundell Lowe's solo electric guitar providing tastefully understated accompaniment. Later on, he would add excitement to the equation, but here the singing in a reflective, almost introspective manner is good enough to carry the entertainment load.