This project had its genesis back in 1983 with a promise to that he would record an album in his style, a promise partially fulfilled the following year with 's Focusing on standards that steer commendably clear from tunes normally associated with , takes on the dual challenge of big-band singer and lead guitarist and succeeds with authority in both roles. The robust playing of the band under poses absolutely no problems for 's muscular guitar, for he punches out the notes and octaves in irresistibly swinging fashion (for prime mature , check out ). As a vocalist, he sounds solid and debonair, blending well with vocalist on There are two deviations from the format, though. starts out as an electronic dance number, augmented by horns, that harks back to his run of routine '80s albums. The sole -arranged track, a lush orchestral treatment of recorded in London, was salvaged from an aborted project that was promised back in 1988. Clearly had wrestled control of his music from the accountants, and though the direction is conservative, it makes better use of his talents. ~ Richard S. Ginell