The Blue Moon Big Band's new release The Polar Bear's Pajamas is one of those rare recordings that provide an exciting musical treat for both the DJ and the listening public. Each selection features a fresh new arrangement perfect for listening or for dancing.

Vocalist Teresa Leonard opens the album retelling the "vampish" story of "Hannah," then offers two sensuous performances pleading for the return of her lover in "'Til You Come Back to Me," and "Come Rain or Come Shine."

She is excellent on "I'm in the Mood for Love," backed by the tasteful sound of the full band. Her exquisite song stylings also include the freshest new version of this familiar classic presented in the way that Dorothy Fields and Jimmy McHugh meant it to be sung.

Teresa then sells "That Old Black Magic," then steps out to allow the band to swing. Keely Smith won a Grammy with her rendition of this Mercer tune, and Teresa takes the song several heartbeats further backed by a jazzy driving brass section and Joe Sullivan's sweet sax.

Mike Hirsh then swings with the grace and style of Bobby Darin in "Ain't That a Kick in the Head." He toys with a bit of Dean Martin's phrasing in presenting this bouncy standard. Big band enthusiasts will also enjoy Marty Knepp's rapid patter on "Cute," bringing life back to that old Neil Hefti standard.

The album really has something for everyone, including vintage music lovers, when they recognize the first bars of "Lassus Trombone." No one has played it that good since Eddy Howard.

The album comes complete with tasteful standards like "Sway," which is popular all over again, and encourages dancers to practice their Latin steps. Bandleader Rob Leonard also remembers the pop sounds of the 50s and 60s with new arrangements of ol' blue eyes' "Come Fly With Me," (Mike Hirsh portrays a "gentler" Sinatra sound) and Dinah Washington's "What a Difference a Day Makes."

Teresa goes in and out of ballad mode on 'What a Difference a Day Makes" (she sings this classic faster than Dinah - younger audiences may think that her version is the way the song should have originally been recorded) and demonstrates her vocal versatility on "That's My Style."