Corky Hale - I'm Glad There Is You (2009)

Harpist/pianist/singer Corky Hale's "friends" on this collection of pop standards include five female singers -- actress Sally Kellerman, Freda Payne (of "Band of Gold" fame), Ariana Savalas (daughter of actor Telly Savalas), Tricia Tahara, and Brenna Whitaker. They alternate singing the 11 songs. Usually, when one of the guests is at the microphone, Hale is at her harp, and sometimes that is the only accompanying instrument; but, for example, Payne's closing interpretation of "Alfie" is backed by Hale's piano. Although there are six singers, the arrangements are so similar and the songs themselves so much of a piece that it's possible to listen to the album casually with little sense that so many vocalists are involved. Every song is a love song, and every arrangement is taken at a slow tempo. All of the singers put some feeling into their performances, but none put too much. The solos taken by Hale on her instruments are brief and to the point. I'm Glad There Is You has the quality of a recital rather than a nightclub act. It could use a bit more life, but it is a quality piece of work.~ By William Ruhlmann