Mad About The Boy

In contrast to most actor/actresses-turned-vocalists, there's nothing to joke about on this album -- no Golden Throats candidates, except maybe the title track. For starters, Shepherd has a solid jazz ensemble backing her up, led by Stan Getz and arranged by Oscar Neves, and gives us a very enjoyable jazz-flavored record. She takes the Fred Astaire approach to singing, not denying that she has a limited range but working carefully within that range and even using those limitations to her advantage. Getz's solos perfectly complement Shepherd's voice, and she stretches out ravishingly on "This Masquerade," "I'm Old Fashioned" is a sexy torch number in her hands, without a trace of campiness, "Speak Low" soars subtly and elegantly, and the opening number, Ginastera's "Triste," is a sophisticated piece of concert music and a triumph for her as well. Peculiarly enough, the title track doesn't hold up as well as the rest, the weakness in her voice coming through at various points in its length, and is the only second-rate number here, although it is fun. Frank Rosolino (trombone), Terry Trotter (piano), and Monty Budwig (upright bass) make up the rest of the core of the band. ~ Bruce Eder|