's Wonderful

Appearances can be deceiving. While this slim volume looks like a true odds-and-sods collection, it is actually a treasure trove, chock-full with 27 tracks. Tex Beneke's many sides — as bandleader, arranger, and vocalist — all come off here looking like a diamond in the rough. Beneke collectors will no doubt have some of this, but that still leaves room for more discoveries: "The Yodel Waltz " by the Gwen Bari Trio with Tex on lead voice, a gorgeous version of "The Wedding of the Painted Doll," a smokin' version of "Danny's Hideaway," and tons more. This is a classic slab of activity by the lanky saxophonist and singer. Certainly some of these sides are a bit rough sonically (the radio transcriptions), but most sound fine indeed. One of the big highlights here is Beneke and the Crew Chiefs doing "Singin' in the Rain." Recommended for fans who can't get enough.