Reminiscing in Tempo

In their third decade together, the group's Reminiscing In Tempo fortifies their reputation as a vocal ensemble whose musicality matches their ability to reach deeply into the rhythmic heritage that gives jazz its unique place in world culture. I would be surprised if the lead track doesn't grab the most attention, in part because when "Round, Round, Round" debuted as part of the Dave Brubeck Quartet's Time Out album in 1959, it became ubiquitous on radios and juke boxes. Then, it was known as "Blue Rondo á la Turk" and was nearly as famous as "Take Five." New York Voices adapts the Al Jarreau version that itself came near Top-40 status in the fifties. Other pieces in this intriguing collection: the Ellington title track "Reminiscing In Tempo," "Avalon," Lennon and McCartney's "In My Life" Cole Porter's "It's Alright With Me," and an "Avalon" so speedy that Al Jolson, who wrote the song, might have had trouble keeping up with it. This is an album of variety and depth, beautifully sung.