Thanks for the Memory: The Great American Songbook, Vol. 4

Apparently, Rod Stewart's desire to cover American jazz/pop classics is as great as the titular SONGBOOK itself, since this is the gravelly voiced British singer's fourth foray into standards territory. THANKS FOR THE MEMORY features more guest artists than the two previous discs in the series, with Stewart's collaborators ranging from R&B legend Diana Ross (on the playfully romantic "I've Got a Crush on You") to smooth-jazz trumpeter Chris Botti (who lends his pleasant horn lines to "I Wish You Love"). Stewart is also joined by fellow 1970s-rock icon Elton John for a breezy take on "Makin' Whoopee." Of course, Rod the Mod is fully capable of carrying a tune by himself, as best revealed on string-laden renditions of "Blue Skies" and "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm." Given Stewart's consistently laid-back, straightforward interpretations, fans of earlier installments in the SONGBOOK series will find this set just as entertaining as it predecessors.