But Beautiful (CD - 2003)

Personnel: Boz Scaggs (vocals); Eric Crystal (saxophone); Paul Nagel (piano); Jason Lewis (drums).

Audio Mixer: Joel Moss .

Liner Note Author: Boz Scaggs.

Recording information: MEAC Studio, San Francisco, CA.

Photographer: Phillip Andelman.

Arranger: Paul Nagel.

In keeping with the cool, sophisticated image he's cultivated going back to his SILK DEGREES days back in the '70s, Boz Scaggs takes a whack at the great American songbook with BUT BEAUTIFUL, STANDARDS: VOLUME 1. Showing young bucks like Michael Cincotti and Michael Buble a trick or two, Scaggs takes up with pianist/arranger Paul Nagle and company for time well spent with some of the greatest composers of standards.

When he's not offering a lightly phrased delivery of Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady," the dashing vocalist is taking a delicate trip through the Gershwins' "How Long Has This Been Going On." Somewhere, Frank Sinatra is smiling as this Ohio native also takes a winning crack at numbers closely associated with the Chairman's oeuvre, including "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," the title cut, and "I Should Care." Aided by the laid-back accompaniment of his accomplished sidemen, Scaggs sets the kind of mood you'll find in a dark, cozy cocktail lounge right around last call, complete with the hint of lingering smoke and clinking glasses. minimize