Jazz Singers

The heyday of film musicals are thought of as the 1930s and '40s. Jay Livingston and Ray Evans helped keep the idiom alive in the 1950s and '60s in addition to writing for television. Twenty-six of their songs sold more than a million copies, while many of their other pieces are well worth reviving.

This intriguing set may be pianist-singer Michael Feinstein's but it also has Jay Livingston (who passed away in 2001) playing piano on many of the selections and also singing a few of his tunes including a medley of the theme songs from Bonanza and Mr. Ed. A previously unreleased "Anywhere But Here" features Rosemary Clooney and Jose Ferrer, while Melissa Manchester guests on "Never Let Me Go."

Other gems from the Livingston-Evans songbook include "Mona Lisa," "Buttons and Bows," "All the Time," "Silver Bells" and "Que Sera Sera." Throughout this joyful tribute, Michael Feinstein is generous in allocating space to others while directing traffic and sounding at his best during his spots.

This is one of the best Livingston & Evans tributes recorded, putting the spotlight on a songwriting team that deserves to be remembered.

—Scott Yanow