I think he could do studio work with the right team around him and someone to manage him (I think some of the arrangements resulted from them giving John too much creative control.) I mean, "Swings Cole Porter" wasn't bad. But I don't think it comes as easily to him as performing in front of a crowd.

Yeah, I'd recommend "Swings Cole Porter" for your friend, if you want to give her a JB album. If you just want to introduce her to JB, the Jerry Herman Gala was fabulous.