November 1999

Libby York
Blue Gardenia
Southport

By Marcela Breton

Singer Libby York has a seasoned, languorous voice. Backed by an able quartet, she sings mostly standards, one of which, "Anyplace I Hang My Hat Is Home," suggests a Rosemary Clooney influence. Guitarist Frank Portolese has a fine solo on this number and on "I Ain't Got Nothing but the Blues." Pianist Bobby Schiff is very good throughout. York breathes feeling into all of these numbers.