THE WORLD OF STEVE & EYDIE (GL MUSIC GL313) – available via www.steveandeydie.com) emanated in 1972 during the duo’s short stay with MGM Records when with Mike Curb as producer, they were reunited with Don Costa for a set of mainly catchy international multi-tracked/multi-language hits.  With Italy represented by E FINI; other countries were covered by DU SOLLST NICHT WEINEN (Germany), WE SHALL DANCE (Greece), TRISTEZA (Portugal) and ROSE D’IRLANDE (France) – the latter number also solo recorded by Eydie as IT WAS A GOOD TIME (Theme from RYAN’S DAUGHTER) for an album of the same name.  Imported from the STEVE LAWRENCE SHOW finds WHERE CAN I GO? Representing the USA, whilst LEAD ME ON is dedicated to England leaving The Osmonds to provide additional backing for WE CAN MAKE IT TOGETHER.  Steve’s latest reissue is the aptly-named SWING SOFTLY WITH ME (GL 130) which appeared in 1959 and opens with a hectic THERE’LL BE SOME CHANGES MADE; powers down slightly for YOU’RE NOBODY ‘TIL SOMEBODY LOVES YOU and swings through standards like LET THERE BE LOVE, SPEAK LOW and ALL OR NOTHING AT ALL.  In my book, Steve is always the best swinger in any town and his impeccable phrasing and feeling for the lyric is matched by Don Costa’s arranging/conducting; some contributions from Billy Byers and trumpet and tenor sax solos by Ernie Royal and George Auld respectively within a crispy tight line-up.  As far as the UK is concerned, the Jasmine label has been concentrating on Eydie Gorme’s early recordings and THE ESSENCE OF EYDIE (JASCD 500) moves forward into her albums with its two-disc set combining the delights of EYDIE SWINGS THE BLUES, EYDIE VAMPS THE ROARIN’ 20’S, EYDIE IN LOVE, and GORME SINGS SHOWSTOPPERS.  Apart from confirming my love for that last barn-storming title and excellent remastering throughout, I hardly need continue except to rate these albums and their inherent vocal riches as far too good to resist.  The addition of the alternative take (minus verse) of Bart Howard’s IN OTHER WORDS/FLY ME TO THE MOON issued as a single in contrast to the verse-included EYDIE IN LOVE album track is a thoughtful touch.