Charles DeForest is sometimes a challenging parallel to Bobby Short's songs and sometimes a venture into his own provocative creations.  Mr. DeForest's approach is quite personal-a soft intimate voice that manages to brush gently over the words in a manner that is clear and precise without being exaggerated.  But while his tone remains subdued, he moves easily through levels of tension and emphasis.  His piano accompaniments are full, positive, getting into two-handed swinging passages when that suits the mood of the song, but never dwindling to superficial tinkling.  The songs he writes are blithe, witty, Porter-like lyrics riding on a catchy rhythmic pulse.