Short Takes : Mathis Pays Tribute to Ellington

The lure of jazz has led Johnny Mathis to record an album of songs associated with Duke Ellington, putting another twist in the popular singer’s long career.

Mathis, best known for romantic ballads such as “Chances Are” and “Misty,” said he has been moving toward a jazzier approach to his singing. But he had to overcome record company resistance to a jazz-oriented album.

“The minute you mention jazz, you’re looking at a relatively smaller audience than you would for pop music,” Mathis said. “So I never mentioned anything to (the company) about jazz. I just referred to it as ‘good old American songs written by an American composer.’ ”

The Columbia album, “In a Sentimental Mood: Mathis Sings Ellington,” features 18 songs made famous by the late composer-orchestra leader.

“He’s an American hero,” Mathis said. “There was always mystery about it.”