Whoever thought of the unlikely pairing of trumpeter Al Hirt with singer/actress Ann-Margret on a record album somehow struck gold. These two talents play off of and complement each other to create a musical experience which is greater than at least most of the work either of the two produced separately. The songs are “standards” of the “American Songbook,” but here they are not mere chestnuts of the past. They are interpreted and infused with a kind of light-hearted good humor not often conveyed through recorded music. In other words, this is a helluva fun album and a good listen.
Ann-Margret was unquestionably a multitalented woman, with many stage and screen credits as well as a dozen-some record albums. She may not have been a singer to rank with Julie London or Peggy Lee – her albums varied greatly in quality. However at her best she was actually an excellent singer, and her vocals on this album are unquestionably among the best that she recorded. She conveys a sexy coquettishness that will be appreciated all. Well... at least by males with a pulse.
It is good that Hirt did not quit trumpet playing for a singing career – he would not have gotten far. His singing voice is a gravelly baritone but one that plays well with others, and it certainly does so on this album. Oh, he works in some quite tasty trumpet playing on most songs as well, but his voice is what you’ll be paying the most attention to here. It is not great by any standard, but it is a natural and effective contrast with Ann-Margret’s.
Marty Paich was a well-known arranger/conductor/producer in the late 50’s into the 80’s, who worked with some of the biggest names in popular music. He arranged and conducted the orchestra here, and he is also in good form.
One enthusiastic fan on Amazon labeled this, “One of the finest jazz CDs ever produced!!!” I don’t think most jazz aficionados would call this jazz, but it certainly is a most enjoyable listen. The stereo separation is exemplary, with Ann on the left, Al on the right, and the orchestra seemingly in the middle. The sound quality itself is really quite good, despite the fact that the LP was pressed by RCA with their infamous Dynagroove processing.
The original LP was released by RCA in 1964, and will occasionally turn up at used record stores. Don’t hesitate to grab it if you happen to come across a copy in decent condition! It’s also available through Discogs. Bear Family released a CD version in 2011 under the marque of their Velvet Lounge series. Just to make it interesting they renamed it Personalities, presumably after the lead cut on the album. This is a fine version, with good quality sound though perhaps a bit “cooler” than the LP. (Possibly they were able to access the master tapes, before RCA applied their Dynagroove “processing” to it.) I believe The Japanese also produced a version or two. (LP, RCA, 1964. CD, Bear Family, 2011)