(Blue Shorts Records)

Ed Reed is back with a new production that showcases his veteran singing skills. I’m A Shy Guy takes its title and its vibe from the music of Nat King Cole, with Reed as the experienced song man taking on a wide array of standards. Featured are tunes written or co-written by Cole, Bobby Troup, Henry Nemo Irving Mills and Louis Jordan. The band on this effort is on the money. The lineup has Randy Porter on piano, Anton Schwartz on tenor sax, Jamie Fox (not the actor) on guitar, John Wiitala on bass and Akira Tana on drums. Reed’s vocals with and great songs and musicianship is a solid bet every time.