"Beauty and the Beard" is an unusual album. Its twelve tracks are all singing duets between singer Ann-Margret and trumpeter Al Hirt. Before this Ann-Margret had only recorded solos, and Hirt's albums always highlighted his expert trumpet playing. But the album was inspired by a fateful moment in October of 1960 when both entertainers had been booked for the lounge at the Dunes Hotel. Is it an album - or a slice of Las Vegas history?

Ann-Margret's personality was already legendary, and the duet format was an attempt to capture the sensation. She was just 22 years old, but fearlessly flirts her way through nearly every track. The album was recorded over two nights, according to the liner notes, because Ann-Margret thought her voice sounded best at night. "Imagine what you'd pay to catch this act in Vegas," the album's back cover teases, and it promises that the two personalities combined like "gin and vermouth."

Ann-Margret is complemented by Al Hirt, a 300-pound Dixieland trumpeter famous for blasting out his songs with joy and energy. ("A beefy, bearded trumpeter from New Orleans," the album cover promised.) But this record captures the personality behind the trumpet - genial but soft-spoken, and almost shy. He delivers an amazing accompaniment to the songs, like the fiery blast that open "Ma (He's Making Eyes At Me)." But he also swings his playfully way through some interesting vocals.

Part of the album's fun is that Hirt seems genuinely nervous around the sexy young starlet. He slips into an "Aw, shucks" persona which showcases Ann-Margret's energy that much more. In the end, that's really what this album is all about. In one track, Hirt remembers being encouraged to think he was the best man - which he became, when she married his best friend. As the piano vamps in the background, they continue the conversation, with Ann-Margret trying to seduce Hirt out of his feigned hip rejection.

"Yeah, that's what I get for fooling around with chicks. Well, as far as I'm concerned, the whole thing is a big, big drag, and this is the last time I'm ever gonna get hung up again."

"Oh really?"

"That's right."

(Coyly) "Are you sure?"

"Well, maybe." (Laughs)

"Now come on..."

(Laughs) "When you put it that way, I'm changing my mind."

"Come on..." (Laughs)

"I'm all uncertain now..."

"Oh really?"

"I'm so shook up..."

And 22-year-old Ann-Margret laughs playfully.

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