Keely Smith—Keely Swings Basie-style With Strings
Concord Records (CCD-2138-2)
Editor
How does she do it?
Now in her early ’70’s, Keely Smith still has that same clear, powerful voice — one that can stand toe-to-toe with a big band. She does just that on her new Concord release, Keely Swings Basie-style With Strings.
Not an album of Basie arrangments, but charts done in the Basie style, Smith glides through a roster of standards and newer tunes, including a lively "April in Paris," a sassy, swinging, "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)," a silky, down-tempo "How High The Moon," a very Basie-like "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," and a very theatrical "Take the 'A' Train"
While not every arrangement hits the mark (and the voiced-over intro and tag are maybe just a little corny), Smith's instrument and its longevity are nothing short of astounding on this fine release. 
