Marlene VerPlanck - Now! (2005)

This particular recording by singer Marlene Ver Planck is noteworthy in that most of the songs, with the exception of "I Keep Goin' Back to Joe's," "Moments Like This," "The End of a Love Affair," and "Drinking Again," are quite obscure. As usual, Ver Planck sings perfectly in tune, gives beauty and sensitivity to the lyrics, swings lightly, and is joined by top-notch musicians, with the performances being arranged by her husband, Billy Ver Planck. Most selections feature a trio with pianist Tedd Firth. Pianists Billy Taylor and Norman Simmons are on a song apiece (tunes that they wrote), and guitarists Bucky Pizzarelli and Jerry Bruno sit in on "Is It Raining in New York" and "Quietly There." Marlene Ver Planck's voice remains beautiful and her interpretations serve each of the songs. Overall, Now! is a delight, and particularly recommended to listeners and singers who are interested in hearing fresh material sung by one of the best.~Now! Review by Scott Yanow