This has a royal sound that makes you want to dance and romance. The band plays solid with a bluesy feeling, pulling from the standards. Vocals have that special Al Garner touch, bringing back the days of big bands and diamond stickpins. Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, his voice has the smoothness of Billy Eckstein, the ease of Jesse Belvin. He doesn’t oversing; Al Garner has got his own unique style.

Let’s give a big round of applause for the man from Chicago who’s keeping the big band sound alive. Al Garner started in 1951, and you can tell he is a true believer. Remember Buddy Johnson and Ella Johnson, Joe Williams and Count Basie, Billy Eckstein and Earl Fatha Hines? This LP generates that sound with a ‘90s mix. Not only good for dancing, but also good for just kicking back and listening to some very flavorful music. Brings back style and feeling at the same time. Top selections: “Canadian Sunset,” “Second Time Around,” “Outskirts of Town,” “Fools Rush In.”

(Available from Kinion Records, P.O. Box 378007, Chicago, IL 90637-9998)