Klea Blackhurst "Autumn In New York - Vernon Duke's Broadway"

Klea Blackhurst, who took New York by storm in 2001 with her award-winning and critically-acclaimed tribute to Ethel Merman -- "Everything the Traffic Will Allow" -- now turns her passion for musical theatre history to the checkered (his own word!) Broadway career of composer Vernon Duke with her release of "Autumn in New York: Vernon Duke's Broadway."

Vernon Duke was the creator of such indisputable standards as "April in Paris" and "Autumn in New York," although each was unfortunately nestled in a gargantuan flop: Walk a Little Faster and Thumbs Up!, respectively. His legacy as a Broadway composer ultimately rests on 1940's Cabin in the Sky, but there are countless musical treasures written throughout his career -- songs from Banjo Eyes, starring Eddie Cantor, and Dancing in the Streets, starring Mary Martin. There's even a curious meeting at the intersection of Vernon Duke and Ethel Merman: Sadie Thompson.

Blackhurst has compiled these gems and has lovingly invigorated them with her own unique style, supported by the fresh, sparkling arrangements by Michael Rice.

1. Banjo Eyes: Not A Care In The World

3. Ziegfeld Follies: I Like The Likes Of You

5. Sadie Thompson: Poor As A Churchmouse

6. Dancing In The Streets: Indefinable Charm

7. The Lady Comes Across: You Took Me By Surprise

9. Cabin In The Sky: Taking A Chance On Love

10. Sadie Thompson: Sailing At Midnight

11. Dancing In The Streets: Dancing In The Streets

12. Swanee