In many ways, Todd Murray embodies a vanishing species: the old fashioned saloon singer at his peak. He also has impeccable musical taste. In a dreamy collection of swing ballads and originals on his newest album, Stardust & Swing, Murray’s velvety baritone carries the torch of that bygone era on several standards with flair. This is especially so on the albums’ best cut, a warm reading of the Hoagy Carmichael-Mitchell Parrish classic, Stardust. Here, this chestnut is given a well-phrased delivery that eschews the overwrought drama that too many singers bring to this simple romantic ode.

With this compelling collection of well-chosen songs, Murray recalls pop singers from the past with ease, as on “I Fall in Love Too Easily” and “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” Such oldies suit his easy-listening style to perfection. On “Time,” by Joseph Thalken with words by Barry Kleinbort, he is most effective on this pensive ballad. Another highlight comes with his own “The Girl From Waco,” featuring a rocking jump-swing band arrangement on this catchy finger-snapping big band romp. His vocals are all warm, mature and emotionally well-balanced. With an intelligent sense of style and panache from the same school as Bobby Darin, one wonders why this polished balladeer is not more prominently featured on the Manhattan scene. Heretofore, his cabaret forays have been too far apart.

The accompaniment throughout is top-notch and perfectly adapted to the needs of the singer and the songs by some excellent musicians. The end result is a CD of memorable songs by an artist who deserves more exposure.

John Hoglund
Cabaret Scenes
April 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org