The Mills Brothers – In a Mellow Tone [1958; Vocalion]

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Built around the brothers’ excellent vocal harmonizations, this alum was released a little over a decade into their recording career.  Love and relationships form the main thematic points of the songs, with slice-of-life stories covering those and other topics.  While the backing band gets some spotlighting at times, the vocals are certainly the focus, and despite the simplicity of the arrangements, the brothers make the material compelling through their understated presences and charisma.  Charming and evocative, with style and elegance in abundance.