Although never attaining the pinnacle reached by other contributors to the Great American Popular Songbook, was a prolific donor to many genres. He wrote for films, the stage, the ballet, and music. With regard to the latter, premiered his with in 1943. His won the 1954 Drama Critics Award. ' favorite lyricist/ collaborator was , with whom he wrote probably his most popular song, at least in terms of the number of times it's been recorded and the variety of performers who have recorded it, from to . Working with ' daughter, producer gathered together some of New York's better stage and revue performers first for a tribute to , which was performed in 2000 in New York, and then for this CD of songs from some of his more important works. While perhaps not many of these tunes come quickly to the minds and lips of the American public, he certainly had a versatile way with his composing pen. There's a lilting saloon song, the dramatic, lovely and a jazzy the latter sassily performed by . The entire agenda of 19 songs is sung with enthusiasm and dedication by , , and , all under the musical leadership of . This is an entertaining set and is recommended. ~ Dave Nathan