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2. Adam Guettel: "Myths and Hymns"
Adam Guettel, music; 1998 cast including Audra McDonald, Mandy Patinkin, Theresa McCarthy, and Adam Guettel
Formerly known as "Saturn Returns," Adam Guettel's song cycle "Myths and Hymns" is based loosely on lyrics he discovered in an antique hymnal and on Greek mythology. The composer of 1996's landmark show "Floyd Collins" shines with this stunning combination of art song and show tune, performed by Audra McDonald, Mandy Patinkin, and Guettel himself. No longer known only as the grandson of Richard Rodgers, Guettel is one of Broadway's most important young composers. Read more

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3. Jason Robert Brown: "Parade"
Jason Robert Brown, music and lyrics; 1998 original Broadway cast including Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello
The 1999 Tony winner for best score, "Parade" had a limited run on Broadway, but it's a powerful work based on the true story of Leo Frank, a New York-born Jew living in Atlanta who was falsely accused of raping and murdering a young girl. The music is compelling and distinctively American, and Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello are perfect in the leading roles. Like Adam Guettel, Jason Robert Brown is an important name to watch. Read more

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4. Frank Sinatra: "'57 in Concert"
Frank Sinatra, vocals; Nelson Riddle, arranger and conductor; Bill Miller, pianist
What, a new Sinatra-Riddle CD? This 1957 concert recorded live in Seattle captures a rare public collaboration between the Chairman of the Board and the arranger-conductor behind some of his greatest albums. Classic numbers include "I've Got You Under My Skin," "One for My Baby," and "The Lady Is a Tramp," and the gold CD sounds great. Read more

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5. "Tony Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool"
Tony Bennett, vocals; Ralph Sharon Quartet
Every year it seems Tony Bennett records another tribute album, which would be a problem if they weren't consistently excellent. On "Hot & Cool," Bennett celebrates the centenary of the great composer and bandleader with this collection of 14 songs, almost all of them classics. Of course Ralph Sharon provides his usual stalwart support, along with several celebrated guests. Read more

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6. Irving Berlin: "Annie Get Your Gun"
Irving Berlin, music and lyrics; 1999 Broadway revival cast including Bernadette Peters, Tom Wopat, and Ron Holgate
Bernadette Peters may be on hiatus from the energetic Broadway revival of Irving Berlin's "Annie Get Your Gun," but you can still catch her in this 1999 cast recording. Combining sass and brass, Peters grabbed a Tony for her performance in the role Ethel Merman made famous, and the score includes a number of all-time favorites--"They Say It's Wonderful," "Anything You Can Do," and "Doing What Comes Natur'lly." This CD indeed proves there's no business like show business. Read more

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7. Patti LuPone: "Matters of the Heart"
Patti LuPone, vocals; Dick Gallagher, arranger and pianist
If you missed Patti LuPone's November concert in Carnegie Hall, here's the next best thing. "Matters of the Heart" memorializes the cabaret show that has wowed audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, and La LuPone slides between show tunes and pop tunes easily, elegantly, and intimately. Dick Gallagher's arrangements and piano work are impeccable. Read more

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8. Sally Mayes: "The Story Hour"
Sally Mayes, vocals; Patrick Brady, arranger and pianist
Sally Mayes takes the title literally, captivating her live audience with story songs about love, life's daily grind, undergoing therapy, and the babysitter. The songs (and Mayes's patter) are often hilarious, and often moving and beautiful. A cabaret album in the very best sense of the term, "The Story Hour" will bring a smile to your lips and a tear to your eye. Read more

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9. Michael Feinstein: "Big City Rhythms"
Michael Feinstein, vocals; Maynard Ferguson Big Band
Michael Feinstein celebrated the 1999 opening of his New York club with this new recording, but instead of singing from his usual spot behind the piano, he swings in front of the Maynard Ferguson Big Band. The album includes the top-notch standards you'd expect from Feinstein as well as a couple of songs he wrote especially for this album, and Maynard, while somewhat subdued, is still distinctively Maynard. As Feinstein says, swing is back in style. Read more

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10. Irving Berlin: "As Thousands Cheer "
Irving Berlin, music and lyrics; 1998 revival cast including Judy Kuhn, B.D. Wong, and Howard McGillin
Irving Berlin makes his second appearance on our top 10 list, this time with a nearly forgotten revue, "As Thousands Cheer." First staged in 1933 but recorded here for the first time, it's a collection of 15 Berlin gems performed by a crack cast, including Broadway veterans Judy Kuhn and Howard McGillin. You'll recognize such favorites as "Easter Parade" and "Heat Wave," but you may find the unfamiliar numbers just as memorable. Read more

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