The Quintessential Peggy Lee

Peggy Lee was in her mid-sixties when this 1984 concert was taped in Atlantic City. But time's toll wasn't of major consequence to a singer whose delivery always relied much more on subtlety, restraint, and a sultry vibe than the unbridled power of, say, Celine Dion. Here she performs hits from her long career, from “Why Don't You Do Right” (1943) to “Is That All There Is” (1969), as well as a variety of popular chestnuts (“As Time Goes By,” “When You're Smiling”). There are no frills in this show; backed by an excellent jazz quintet and a symphony orchestra, Lee says a few words, then simply moves on to the next tune. Perhaps she neither looks nor sounds her best, but the music--melancholy and nostalgic, swinging but utterly relaxed--is sung with heart and from experience. Music for adults, you might say. Recommended. Aud: P. (S. Graham)