ALBUM REVIEWS : SHIRLEY HORN : “You Won’t Forget Me” <i> Verve/Polygr</i> am *** 1/2

It’s hard to believe that Shirley Horn--despite two best-selling albums in 1988 and 1989 and increasing public visibility--continues to be one of the great unacknowledged treasures of jazz. Although she is a superb pianist who probably takes her playing more seriously than her vocalizing, she is arguably one of the finest jazz singers in the world today.

This is a gorgeous Horn showcase, with masterful performances of 14 carefully chosen, beautifully produced songs. Also included are cameos from Miles Davis, on the title track, and Wynton and Branford Marsalis on several other numbers.

But the heart of the album beats most strongly on the pieces--”Come Dance With Me” and “All My Tomorrows” are superb examples--which feature Horn’s smoky voice and soft-spoken piano with her regular rhythm team of bassist Charles Ables and drummer Steve Williams.