Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Bette Midler (vocals); Barry Manilow (vocals); Jim Fox, Steve Cotter (guitar); Mike Lang, Ron Pedley (piano); Joey DeFrancesco (Hammond b-3 organ); Dave Carpenter, Robert Hurst (bass instrument); Russ McKinnon, Ramon Banda (drums); Joseph DeLeon (percussion).

It shouldn't be a surprise that Barry Manilow and Bette Midler have become a successful team: both are entertainers in the grand tradition, and both share a penchant for jazzy production numbers that blend equal parts Broadway, Vegas, and Top 40. Like their 2003 collaboration BETTE MIDLER SINGS THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY SONGBOOK, THE PEGGY LEE SONGBOOK is a good deal of fun, with strong musical direction and production from Manilow.

The set opener, "Fever," is delivered with plenty of swagger, and "Is That All There Is," Lee's other signature tune, gets a faithful rendering. Manilow's full arrangements complement Midler's brawny, yet nuanced performances, which shine on slinky tunes like "Big Spender" and smooth ballads like "Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe." minimize