This is the sixth release by Augie Haas on the Playtime Music label, and although he is best known as a well-respected trumpeter, educator and composer, here he has taken 11 jazz and doo wop classics with eight being vocal and just three instrumentals. Unusually he has also brought in a 15-piece string section as well as a trio comprising Carmen Staaf (piano/organ), Jared Schonig (drums/percussion) and Dick Sarpola (upright bass & double bass). The impact of Staaf in particular is immense, and it is impossible to imagine this album being nearly as effective without her input.

Among the set’s highlights are “Dream A Little Dream,” the swing era standard “Goody Goody,” a rich version of “Georgia On My Mind,” “I Only Have Eyes For You,” and a sweetly sung “Earth Angel.” Also included is a mellow instrumental version of “Blackbird” (which has some prominent piano from Staaf), a soulful “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” “Stand By Me,” “Ooh Child,” “Stay,” and a surprising version of “Love Me Tender” that becomes a medium-tempo romp. Mind you, one has to say that it is impossible to listen to the delicate take on “Ooh Child”, which is simply glorious, without thinking of Chris Pratt as Star-Lord on ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. In a world where life seems to be rushing by at a faster and faster pace, sometimes it is great to be able to sit back and smell the roses as it were. This album sounds as if it should be have been released in the Fifties, and one can imagine Bing in particular recognising the approach as something he would have been involved with. It is warm, loving, and for a while nothing else exists. Simply gorgeous.

Rating: 8/10

Links:
https://www.augiehaas.com/
https://www.facebook.com/playtimemusicLLC/