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"This is an odd release by Rosemary Clooney, who's accompanied by keyboardist Buddy Cole and an unidentified rhythm section. Although the singer is in great form, Cole's extremely corny arrangements and his very dated sound on both organ and piano (which are frequently overdubbed, often in unison) threaten to make the entire session more of a nostalgia trip than something that will appeal to jazz collectors. Still, Clooney's pure swinging vocals on standards such as "'Deed I Do," "Blue Moon," "Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me," and "This Can't be Love" are very rewarding, in spite of Cole's uninspiring backgrounds. The original Coral LP jacket reproduced in this Verve CD reissue (which will remain in print until May 2005) has a mini-LP paper jacket and sleeve as well as gossip columnist Earl Wilson's inane liner notes."

"Taken from Chet Is Back!, recorded in Italy in 1962, Somewhere Over the Rainbow features Baker at his finest, and is an excellent introduction to the musician's non-vocal work. As is the case with most Baker albums, Somewhere Over the Rainbow feels like a quickly put-together session recording. The material is all standard jazz repertoire, played in a no-frills format, without specific arrangements or endings. It is the musicianship here that is the main attraction. Baker has rarely sounded better; his technique is in top shape, and his solos are textbook examples of lyrical bop playing. Baker, as was not always the case throughout his career, surrounds himself on Somewhere Over the Rainbow with strong and supportive sidemen. Guitarist Rene Thomas, underrecorded throughout his career, becomes one of the highlights of the session, and makes the album a must-have for bop guitar enthusiasts. Tune selection is surprisingly upbeat for a Baker recording."