It's Magic: The Songs of Sammy Cahn

Tributee: Sammy Cahn.
Personnel: Sara Parkins, Charlie Bisharat (violin); Stefanie Fife (cello); The Jon Allen Synthphony (strings); Lawrence Feldman (flute, alto saxophone); David Mann (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Dave Riekenberg (baritone saxophone); Tony Kadlek (trumpet); Mike Davis (trombone).
Audio Mixer: Bill Schnee.
Recording information: Deep Diner Studios, New York, NY; Steve's House, Los Angeles, CA.
Photographer: Jim McHugh .
Arrangers: Don Sebesky; Alan Broadbent; Bob Mann.
Vocalist Steve Tyrell began his salute to the great American songbook with the 1999 release A New Standard. The tribute continues with It's Magic: The Songs of Sammy Cahn as Tyrell explores 13 of his favorite songs written by the legendary composer. In a roundabout way, this set not only pays tribute to Sammy Cahn, but also his collaborators. Gene De Paul is musically acknowledged with the inclusion "Teach Me Tonight," a song associated with Frank Sinatra. Seven of the tracks were co-written with Jimmy Van Heusen and have become iconic songbook standards including "The Second Time Around," "Call Me Irresponsible," and "Ain't That a Kick in the Head." They also wrote several tunes made popular by Sinatra: "Come Fly with Me," "The Tender Trap," and "All the Way." Cahn's partnership with Jule Styne is also highlighted with "I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry," "It's Been a Long, Long Time," "Saturday Night (Is the Loneliest Night of the Week)," and "I Fall in Love Too Easily." The 2013 release of It's Magic: The Songs of Sammy Cahn coincides with the modern crooner's extended New York gig, succeeding the late vocalist Bobby Short at the Café Carlyle, where the great American songbook has been celebrated for several decades. ~ Al Campbell