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A pop standards powerhouse tells us what exciting new (and older) voices he has in his CD collection that you'll want too ...

Steve Tyrell made a mark on popular music before most his age even had a fulltime job. At 18 the Houston native gave up singing in local rhythm and blues bands and split for New York where he caught on as an A&R exec for Scepter. There Tyrell discovered the Burt Bacharach/Hal David gems recorded by a young Dionne Warwick that would launch her indelible career.

"I started my career as a teenager with those guys and worked with them for ten years," says Tyrell from his home in Los Angeles. "Burt's music is an integral part of my musical education."

Tyrell's influence on music extends beyond being a label suit, however. As a producer he scored hits with fellow Houston-bred singer B.J. Thomas, producing "Hooked on a Feeling" and "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head." As songwriter, he co-wrote hits "How Do You Talk to an Angel" and "Hold On." The future Emmy-nominee eventually found himself working on music projects for Hollywood, which by 1991 led him back to the microphone.

"The Way You Look Tonight" was Tyrell's hit contribution to the "Father of the Bride" soundtrack. The standard proved so successful it prompted two more tracks on the film sequel soundtrack in 1995 as well as an album of standards. The obviously titled "A New Standard" dominated jazz charts for years and established Tyrell as a major player in the resurgent nostalgic genre.

Despite the successful turn in the spotlight, Tyrell returned to the sound booth to co-produce Diana Ross' 2007 album, "I Love You" (Manhattan/EMI). A covers disc, it features the Bacharach classic, "The Look of Love."

"I am currently working on an album of Burt Bacharach's music," Tyrell continues. "The songs he wrote with Hal David and recorded with Dionne Warwick were a big part of my life, and I'm having a ball getting back into his great songs."

What new music are you listening to?

Corrine Bailey Rae
She is a fresh talent who has the capability of sounding soulful and sophisticated, but still has an innocent and sweet quality about her.

John Mayer
I like listening to him because he is the best of all the young guitar players in pop music these days. Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix were my guys ... those are some pretty big shoes to fill. John Mayer seems like one of the few around today that has chance of doing it.

What new artist reminds you of the music you loved growing up?

Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse
She sings in a real down-home R&B, old-school style like the kind of music my first bands played. Another great album is the new one from this British girl Amy Winehouse. She takes a hip hop approach in her lyrics and style but combines them with these great old rhythm and blues-inspired arrangements.

Is there anything you've heard recently which you like that you never thought you would?

George Strait

I rode in the Houston Rodeo opening-day ceremony last month and had a chance to hear George Straight live on opening night. I really liked his songs especially "All My Ex's Live in Texas." He had another song that knocked me out called "I Hate Everything." He is a throwback to the great old country artists like Hank Williams, Buck Owens and George Jones.

What new music from older artists are you listening to?

Tony Bennett
I always keep my eye on what Tony Bennett is doing. He has made some great concept albums in the last few years: from Duke Ellington to Louis Armstrong to Billy Holiday. His latest duets album – a celebration of his 80th birthday – is a great tribute to the dean of the great American songbook.

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