TONY PERKINS - Tony Perkins (1957-2003) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tony Perkins will undoubtedly be best remembered for his considerable cinematic contributions rather than musical ones. However during the late '50s, Perkins demonstrated remarkable versatility as a sensitive vocalist on a series of pop recordings. By the time the entertainer issued this platter in 1957, he had already become an Academy Award nominee for his role in the Civil War era drama Friendly Persuasion (1956). Under the orchestration and scoring of arranger/conductor Marty Paich, Perkins reveals a real flair for the cool and easygoing approach of the West Coast post-bop jazz movement. In fact the song selection as well as darker vocal inflections recall a striking similarity to that of Chet Baker. Paich's contributions are tasteful and never overpower Perkins' warm and supple tones and are highlighted by an equally engaging choice of material. Among the more notable performances are "Just Friends," "This Time The Dream's On Me" and the hipster's lullaby "Hit The Road To Dreamland"." These sides, although his first to be released, were not Perkins' initial foray as a vocalist. At his suggestion, "A Little Love Can Go A Long, Long Way" was incorporated into the Goodyear Playhouse television adaptation of the screenplay Joey. The success and enthusiasm generated by the telecast led to an offer by Epic Records. Even before this album, Perkins had recorded half-a-dozen sides that eventually filled out the respective A and B sides of three 7" singles. Chief among these was his reading of the afore mentioned "A Little Love Can Go A Long, Long Way" as well as the title song from his concurrent motion picture Friendly Persuasion which was also known by its parenthetical title "Thee I Love." In 2003 Collectors' Choice Music issued Tony Perkins on CD and included not only these 45's, but also a previously unreleased reading of "If You Were The Only Girl" among the supplementary materials. Although Paich was not involved with the singles, Perkins' was in the respective company of Buddy Cole, jazz arranger Obie Masingill and Buddy Bergman. Jazz vocal enthusiasts might find themselves pleasantly surprised at the emotive range and style of Tony Perkins. Followers of the West Coast cool scene are highly encouraged to investigate this title as well.  by Lindsay Planer 
Tracklist
1 April Fool  3:06
2 Just Friends  1:53
John Klenner / Sam M. Lewis
3 Hit the Road to Dreamland  2:49
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
4 This Time the Dream's on Me  2:08
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
5 How Long Has This Been Going On 2:53
George Gershwin
6 But Beautiful  2:50
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
7 Why Shouldn't I  2:11
Cole Porter
8 I Wish I Knew  4:03
Mack Gordon / Harry Warren
9 Accidents Will Happen  2:28
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
10 Gone With the Wind  2:29
Herbert Magidson / Allie Wrubel
11 Better Luck Next Time  3:08
Irving Berlin
12 How About You  2:36
Ralph Freed / Burton Lane
13 A Little Love Can Go a Long, Long Way  3:02
14 If You'll Be Mine  2:46
Hugh Martin
15 If You Were the Only Girl  2:48
Nat D. Ayer / Clifford Grey
16 Fool in Love  2:21
Ike Turner
17 Melody For Lovers  2:57
18 If You Were the Only Girl  2:56
Nat D. Ayer / Clifford Grey
19 Friendly Persuasion (Thee I Love)  2:47
Credits :
Marty Paich  -  Direction
Tony Perkins  -  Primary Artist