Julie Is Her Name Vol.1 + Vol.2

The actress Julie London more than held her own amidst all the other jazz and pop singers of the mid-'50s. In fact, she was probably more successful in her recording career than as a movie star. "Cry Me A River" is a classic '50s track, right up there with June Christy's "Something Cool" and Chet Baker's "My Funny Valentine." The singer is aided immeasurably by the spare, sympathetic accompaniment of Barney Kessel on guitar. (In some ways, it's just as much his session as hers, which is why it sounds so much like real jazz.) One can imagine her performing this set in a small Hollywood club or even her own living room. She is relaxed and confident, and doesn't try to do too much vocally, which was a smart choice all around. One can only imagine what Marilyn Monroe would have sounded like in similar circumstances.