Ron Sunshine claims that years ago he re-discovered Duke Ellington by reading Sun Ra album liner notes. Although this would seem an odd statement, it's a testament to Sunshine's talent for blending big-band, jazz, jump-blues and soul. On his latest release, Candy, he does just that to create a finely arranged tribute to the recordings that he grew up appreciating, most notably the works of Frank Sinatra.

Candy features 11 well-worked standards, beginning with Joe Bushkin's "Oh, Look At Me Now!" which is soft in just the right parts with a perfect horn punch through the bridges. Other classics include Cole Porter's "Kick In The Head," and several offerings from the Gershwin songbook-"Nice Work If You Can Get It," "Somebody Loves Me," and "They Can't Take That Away From Me." There's also a new Sunshine original, the soft bosa-nova-esque "Marie," and he even finds the opportunity to tastefully add his trademark harmonica sound to the classic "When Your Lover Has Gone" and the title track, "Candy." With the release of Candy, Ron Sunshine demonstrates how his musical diversity has helped him maintain the status of one of New York's favorite artists. Now he can also proudly add his name to the list of modern crooners.

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