Miss London's low-keyed, sultry voice isn't everyone's cup of Lipton's, but her fans were numerous at the opening and she gave them what they came to hear. The star was backed by 19 musicians, and four male singers.

                                She's No Belter

There were those in the capacity crowd who felt the singer hued to her traditional vocal line too carefully, but Julie London didn't build her reputation as a belter.

My personal favorites of the 17 songs she presented were "Slow Hot Wind," the blues medley, "Nice Girls Don’t Stay for Breakfast" and, of course, Cry Me a River," her signature number.

Miss London' s "Girl Talk" and "Man That Got Away” also pleased the majority of auditors.

The room seemed divided into two camps, as far as applause was concerned, one side enthusiastic, the other less generous. Perhaps the position of her microphone or the fact that she rarely moved to her right made the difference.

Quality Program

By and large the songstress delivered a class show and in the ensuing three weeks should win even more devotees than she enjoys now.

Don Bagley conducted Frankie 0rtega's augmented orchestra. Ortega opened proceedings directing "Exodus" from his piano bench.

On March 7, Gordon MacRae brings his warm, mellow baritone to the Westside Room.