by Scott YanowThis reissue CD has highlights from two earlier albums. Singer Lou Rawls is featured in 1964 with a big band arranged by Benny Carter and in 1968 while backed by Benny Golson arrangements. It is a pity that neither Carter nor Golson were playing much at the time for their horns are very much missed. Rawls alternates superior standards with period soul/pop material such as "If I Had My Life to Live Over," "Whispering Grass" and "I Love You Yes I Do." Needless to say the earlier material (including "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You," "Just Squeeze Me" and a previously unissued "That's Your Red Wagon") is better but overall this set is a rather mixed bag, making one wish that Rawls had chosen to stick to jazz and blues.