ProJazz.net

Toni Harper‘s final RCA session pairs the singer with arranger Marty Paich to create the richly atmospheric after-hours album that she was born to make. By alternating between pop standards and jazz originals, Night Mood underscores the complete breadth of Harper’s talents. Even better than her sophisticated and poignant interpretations of chestnuts like “Round Midnight” and “My Ship” is a swinging rendition of “Saturday Night Is the Loneliest Night of the Week” that deserves serious consideration as the song’s definitive treatment. Paich’s soulful arrangements further enhance the dusky beauty of Harper’s vocals, even making room for some lovely alto saxophone solos courtesy of the great Art Pepper (AllMusic Review by Jason Ankeny).

Track listing:

A1 In the Still of the Night 0:00
A2 Paradise 2:41
A3 ‘Round Midnight 5:34
A4 The Meaning of the Blues 9:13
A5 Saturday Night (Is the Loneliest Night in the Week) 12:24
A6 Night After Night 15:24
B1 Just Go 18:31
B2 A Sleepin’ Bee 21:20
B3 My Ship 24:04
B4 You and the Night and the Music 27:25
B5 Petals on the Pond 29:37
B6 Where Flamingos Fly 32:31

Arranged and conducted by Marty Paich.