A Band Is Born/Big Band Bash collects two of Billy May's early-'50s albums onto one CD. Both albums balance his big-band roots with a bit of the pop he would explore in his later work. "All of Me," "Fat Man Boogie," and "Lulu's Back in Town" are some of A Band Is Born's exuberant highlights, while "Orchids in the Moonlight," "Perfidia," and "Tenderly" make Big Band Bash a more romantic -- but still swinging -- affair. A pair of May's most engaging albums. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide