This will be one of the albums I keep in my CD changer forever. It has some with vocals, and some just instrumental. For the most part it is just Harry and his piano. It is very mellow and is a great way unwind after a crazy day. He does get a little up tempo with "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans" and "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Old Oak Tree". My favorite song on the album is "There is Always One More Time". Harry has a guest vocalist on this song. It is a beautiful song and Harry makes it even more beautiful. He is a truly gifted pianist and singer which he proves with this album. I would have liked to have seen a little more originality in the two albums he released this time, but he did not let down this fan by any means.

With this CD you will hear Harry at his most intimate just his piano and voice and a few close friends. You feel that you are actually sitting in on the recording. His playing is both exciting and mellow and his singing is soulfull and inspiring. Some reviewers seem to be confused that Harry does not sing on every track but that is the nature of such CDs as 11, 20, 25 and 30 where Harry's piano playing takes the spotlight. Harry minus his big band does not mean the listener is being short-changed instead they are experiencing another side to his music. Relax and enjoy it!

I enjoyed his previous album, "25," which was a similar type of album: playful, pared-down and intimate, showcasing Connick's natural singing and piano skills. I particularly enjoyed that and also this album, "30." Connick's singing style is easy and strong, without being too processed or smooth; I particularly liked songs which showcase his imaginative and offbeat renditions on the piano, such as "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and "Somewhere My Love." These were refreshing and I wish more artists had the talent to showcase their takes on songs without "having" to sing a note. This is a thoroughly enjoyable album and I hope more listeners understand what he is doing with it -- and really "get" it.

Harry Connick, Jr. remains a star in the entertainment industry; but this particular CD fails to bat it completely out of the ball park. Although there are many moments of greatness on this CD, some songs fall short of what I expected.

The CD starts off with Harry Connick, Jr. both singing and playing the piano for "I'm Walkin'." Harry's plays the piano here without a superfluous note and his youthful energy oozes out of his very masculine voice. Indeed, his voice has a certain sensitivity to it that simultaneously displays a noticeable strength at the same time. "I'm Walkin'" certainly gets the royal treatment from Harry!

Harry then plays a creative rendition of "Somewhere My Love." Trust me; if I had played some of those notes when I was taking piano lessons as a kid my music teacher would have killed me! "Somewhere My Love" works but it doesn't work well and that's a disappointment.

And now back to a good number. "The Gypsy" boasts a solid and haunting piano arrangement and Harry sings this to perfection. Harry brings out the romantic feel to this number seemingly effortlessly--good job!

"Tie A Yellow Ribbon On The Old Oak Tree" is another successful track from Harry; although he doesn't sing this number he plays piano with a great sensitivity that I rarely enjoy.

Other gems on this CD include "Speak Softly Love" from the film entitled The Godfather; Harry plays this with a great energy while so many performers do this as a softer ballad with more subtle nuances. Harry's rendition works well. "Don't Fence Me In" showcases Harry's voice quite well and Harry's piano arrangement is perfect. I especially like that Harry sings the typically unheard opening verse of "Don't Fence Me In."

"I'll Only Miss Her (When I Think Of Her)" features Wynton Marsalis playing both piano and trumpet; Wynton starts off playing the piano and if you listen carefully you really can hear Harry sliding onto the piano bench to continue the piano playing for the rest of the number. Just like the case with "Somewhere My Love," there are again a few key changes that I don't care for; but overall the number works.

The liner notes give you an essay from Harry himself; and you get the song credits as well. Look for Reverend James Moore to both sing and play the organ on "There Is Always One More Time." Reverend Moore's artistry definitely enhances the beauty of this number and takes "There Is Always One More Time" up to a higher level.

Overall, a true Harry Connick, Jr. fan will consider this CD a "must-have" for their collection; and people who enjoy that jazzy type of piano playing will love this CD, too. The track set is not as strong as it could be; but this show proves anyway that Harry Connick, Jr. will perform for quite some while to come.

I love it. I gave this CD to my husband for his birthday, but I listen to it at least twice as much as he does!! Bravo Harry!!

Keep up the excellent food for my ears and soul.