Reviews (18)

An okay collection of Tony's best symposium...
Tony Bennett is the last of the great crooners.

Bing, Frank, Dino, Nat, and Perry are all gone now. The best way to enjoy these mammoth crooners is to buy their vast remastered albums.

Tony has a new one called "40 Years The Artistry of Tony B". It covers most of the highlights of Tony's lavish career. Some of my favorite standards are "Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Gigolo and Gigolette", "Rags to Riches", "I Left My Heart in San Francisco", and "Just in Time". Tony could also do some wonderful Sinatra-style singing too: "Chicago (That Toddling Town)" is a good one from the Carnegie Hall appearance in 1962.

This CD compilation is about half way there. Someone should sit down and REALLY evaluate a 25 song classic CD that includes only Tony's best based on listeners' favorite picks. Songs like "Something" just don't cut it for me. I think some of his early sixties and entire fifties material is pure gold.

It is no surprise when the Chairman of the Board once said that "Tony is my favorite singer."

Tony Bennett: 5 Stars, This Collection: 4 Stars
Sinatra referred to Tony Bennett as the 'best singer in the business', and after listening to many of Tony's albums it is hard to argue. This 'best of' collection from 1972 includes some magnificent recordings, including 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco', 'Love Look Away', a heart-stopping 'I Wanna Be Around', a rousing 'Sing You Sinners' and more. It is a time capsule album of Tony's earlier career.

While his voice is sensational -- it deepens into something beyond compare by the early 1960s -- a few of the songs are the product of their era, notwithstanding Tony's talent. The early 1960s style of adding a background choir and additional echo has a kind of charm, but it sounds like -- well, the early 1960s. The good news is that apart from a 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' that sounds like a bad cabaret tune and a cover of George Harrison's 'Something' that really isn't for Tony (he's a Cole Porter, Gershwin, Johnny Mercer, Rodgers & Hart kind of guy -- best when the music swings or in great ballads), most of this album is a real treasure.

However -- some of the albums from which these songs were culled are worth buying. 'I Wanna Be Around' is a superb album, as is 'Who Can I Turn To'. And, if you enjoy live music, the 1962 Carnegie Hall Concert is an outstanding recording that includes much of the classic material here, in rousing renditions. Two CDs of live Tony Bennett in 1962 -- what else could you want?

If you are looking for an introduction to Tony Bennett, or just appreciate his powerful voice and inimitable spirit -- the guy always sounds like he's smiling into the microphone, and that happiness comes through -- you should enjoy this album. If a couple of the tracks sound a bit like kitsch, so be it.

OK, But Nothing To Swing About
You want great ballad singing? Buy a CD by Vic Damone, Mel Torme, or Matt Monro. You want great swing singing? Buy a CD by Bobby Darin or Frank Sinatra. You want singing that's not quite as good in either category, then perhaps Tony Bennett is right for you. This is an okay collection, but Bennett's raspy-voiced screaming is certainly not for everyone. Certain singers, like Bennett, assume that if you have a powerful voice (even if its tonality is unpleasant) you must sing all songs at the top of your lungs. Rarely do such histrionics add anything to a pretty melody or romantic lyric. Bennett likes to think of himself as a great "jazz singer" who performs the compositions of Jewish-American songwriters and black orchestra leaders. I guess this self-description makes him feel "hip." In fact, Bennett is often a screechingly annoying balladeer and on uptempo numbers his style is about as hip as Conway Twitty's. And all that screaming!!! Tony, your head is about to explode!!!!

Tony Bennett is a minor leaguer among major leaguers
I agree with the music fan from Potts Grove, Pennsylvania: Tony Bennett is a screamer with a grating, raspy voice who too often sounds like his head is about to explode. Bennett's "Greatest Hits" album has some nice tunes like "San Francisco" and "I Wanna Be Around," but many of the other selections feature Bennett's typical screaming at the top of his lungs even when the tune does not call for such volume and vocal histrionics. It's true, when I think back at watching him perform on TV over the years, his neck and face did grow red and contort as he screamed out lyrics. Like Barbra Streisand, Bennett must think that good singing equates with yelling and screaming. When he does keep his human vibrato under control, he sings a nice (although not great) ballad. He also does have good taste in the classic pop material he records, but his voice grows increasingly grating as you listen to it. With Sinatra, Darin, Martin, Crosby, Matt Monro, etc. dead, there are few classic popular singers remaining (Jack Jones and Vic Damone are the only two who come to mind)and so Bennett fills a necessary gap----but he is no Vic Damone or Jack Jones as a balladeer, nor is he a Bobby Darin or Frank Sinatra as a swinging belter of uptempo tunes. He is just there....tasteful but often annoying. Better invest in a pair of ear plugs before listening to this CD.

Bennett Another Great Italian Crooner
Aside from the classic "I Left My Heart In San Francisco," Tony Bennett's vocalizing is an acquired taste. But Bennett does grow on you. Initially, his voice is a bit grating and the listener may grow concerned that the veins in his neck might pop at any minute. Eventually, however, you realize that while he is not an exceptionally smooth vocalist (like Como or Damone), he is nonetheless a very good one. He has a powerful voice and, while he at times awkwardly tries too hard to swing like Bobby Darin (who, in my opinion, stands alone as a master uptempo vocalist), he usually has good taste in his choice of songs. Tony Bennett may not have the looks, panache, or magnetism of Bobby Darin or Dean Martin, but like his two paisanos, he can sing. Add his name to a list that also includes Vic Damone, Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Frankie Laine, Nick Lucas, Al Martino, Russ Columbo, Buddy Greco, Julius LaRosa, etc., and you have a veritable who's who of American popular singers, all of Italian descent. His "Greatest HIts" CD is a must for any serious collector of American popular song. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Josh Groban in Concert has all the ingredients to be a long-running PBS staple: a young (21), good-looking performer with a golden voice; songs in Italian and Spanish for the crossover crowd (i.e., Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman) and pop and movie songs for the mainstream; guest stars galore (David Foster, John Williams, Angie Stone, Andrea Corr, Lili Haydn); a large orchestra; and striking but not obtrusive visual effects. The centerpiece of this DVD-CD combo (also available in a DVD keepcase) is the 80-minute concert DVD, filmed in Pasadena in October 2002 and featuring numerous songs from Groban's debut CD, including "You're Still You," which catapulted him into stardom when he sang it on TV's Ally McBeal. There are also two new songs--the ballad "Broken Vow," with Groban accompanied by Foster, and "For Always," with the orchestra conducted by John Williams, who wrote the song for the Steven Spielberg film A.I..

The 37-minute CD offers seven songs performed in the concert (including the two not on the previous CD, "Broken Vow" and "For Always"), plus "O Holy Night." The DVD has excellent picture and sound (PCM stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS), interviews, and backstage footage, and the combination with the CD is an excellent value. Groban's fans, of course, will consider it a treasure at any price. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (117)

Incredible talent!
I have both this CD/DVD and his debut album, and I can't say enough about either. In this latest CD, you will hear improvements from his original renditions- and I thought it couldn't get any better! What's always blown me away is not just his incredible voice, but his ability to interpret songs. Not too many singers can do just what he does at age 21! Many of his songs are in Italian, one in Spanish, and the emotion that he puts into it makes you understand what he's singing- all without a translation! In this DVD are guest appearances from John Williams, Lili Hayden, Andrea Coor, David Foster, and Angie Stone. All of pairings are magnificent. One of Josh's most recent attempts- Broken Vow- is heartwrenching. It literally moves you to tears. A few other tearful ones are You're Still You, and To Where You Are. During those, you can't see the screen, you're crying so much. Un Amore Per Sempre, Alejate, and Alla Luce del Sole, are a few other non-English favorites of mine. The guitarist on Alejate is superb! Oy! And I nearly forgot- Vincent, or also known as Starry, Starry Night- written by Don McLean, is performed beautifully by Josh. Three artists are connected in that rendition by Josh- Vincent van Gough, Don McLean, and, of course, Josh Groban. The concert moves very smoothly, the songs seem to transition well. I can't say enough good things about this CD/DVD. It's one of those must-haves! You have to experience it for yourself. So get it, watch/listen to it, and then write about it!

This CD/DVD Package is AMAZING!
If you have heard Josh Groban's debut CD, then you know this is a kid [only 21!] with a remarkable voice. The CD in this package include 6 previously released songs performed LIVE, one live performance of a new track - Broken Vow - and a studio version of his chart busting Christmas single - O Holy Night. The DVD contains his Great Performances - Josh Groban in Concert video that has been airing on PBS. It was taped in Pasadena on October 3 & 4, 2002. Beautiful staging and lighting enhance all 13 tunes that were on his debut CD, plus a solo performance of For Always from the A.I. Artificial Intelligence soundtrack and Broken Vow. The DVD include guest performances with Andrea Corr of The Corrs, Rhys Fulber and Lili Hayden on Canto Alla Vita, Lili Hayden on Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Angie Stone on The Prayer, and John Williams conducting on For Always. The additional footage provided of backstage and various interviews with the guests is excellent. Josh's brother, Chris, also did a short backstage video with some interesting footage of rehearsals, backstage, and personal impressions.

I would highly recommend this CD/DVD for your collection!

Breathless Beauty - 100 Stars
"There is such a place in this world for your voice." ~ David Foster

Josh's voice is the purest of spiritual ecstasy. His voice is almost timeless in beauty and inspires hope, courage and compassion. "To Where You Are" was my introduction to Josh's voice and yet I didn't fully realize the complexity or the beauty of his voice until I found his "Closer" CD.

His very existence seems to raise your consciousness and the graciousness he displays on stage only made me respect him more. Josh seems as comfortable on stage as God must feel in heaven. His voice raises your spiritual awareness, drenches you in a tearful romantic high and at times can stun you into silence. At such a young age, he truly owns the stage. He even plays the piano in an impromptu moment amidst a conversation with David Foster.

I was impressed with how Josh allows the creative process to evolve around him and how he shares the stage with talent from near and far. Angie Stone and Andrea Corr sing duets with Josh in this concert.

The moment with Lili Haydn is stunning as she seems to appear as an angel and Josh looks on in wonder to where she plays her violin with a backdrop of special lighting/shadow visual effects that takes Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring to entirely new levels. Josh climbs stairs in "Let Me Fall" and then actually "falls." It is all planned and they show the details in the Making of the Special section. Rose petals swirl in the breeze in the background on huge screens as Josh sings Alejate.

I never felt so much love in my soul
And no one but you loved me
I laughed and cried, I was reborn...
~Alejate

Contents:

1 Bonus CD - Songs from the concert with the additional selection of O Holy Night.

1 DVD:

Play Show

Song Selection - Quickly locate any of the 15 songs from the concert.

Special Features - Making of the Special, Chris Groban's Backstage Footage and Weblinks.

Setup Options - The lack of song translations in the subtitles was slightly disappointing. I would have loved to read the words in English, as it would have added an additional layer of depth to the romantic Italian and Spanish ballads. Fortunately song translations for Un Amore Per Sempre and Alejate are readily available online.

Josh Groban in Concert is a highly collectable and romantic concert that not only displays Josh's breathlessly beautiful voice, it also displays the depth of his commitment to music and his spontaneous comedic side.

Yes, I'm completely addicted. More! More! :)

~TheRebeccaReview.com

Lackluster
I think I knew about Josh Groban long before most people did, and I know I introduced him (via my website) to hundreds.

This CD/DVD combination was a major disappointment for me. So much so, that I gave it to a relative instead of keeping it.

All I can say is, Josh, diversify. All your songs are sounding the same to me, and it's getting boring.

Gorgeous vocals go only so far when the songs, great as they are, seem uninspired. I found the television special (DVD) to be like this: You see and hear one song, and you've seen and heard them all. "The Prayer" was, in my humble opinion, irritating, as bad as when a singer tries to inject soul into the "Star Spangled Banner."

It just doesn't work.

Next best thing to being there!
I haven't yet had a chance to see Josh Groban perform live, but this DVD concert is probably the next best thing.

Josh's voice is amazing; there is so much emotion there, especially during such numbers as "Vincent" and "Let Me Fall". Most of the songs are sung solo, but there are a few duets. "Canto alla vita", with Andrea Corr, is another highlight of this concert.

All the songs (with the exception of John Williams' "For Always") are on Josh's two CDs, but it's nice to see them performed in a concert setting. All of his original duet partners appear here, with the exception of Charlotte Church for "The Prayer" (Angie Stone was used instead). David Foster even joins in to play piano and banter with Josh.

As a bonus, the accompanying CD includes a lovely version of "O Holy Night", which is, as far as I'm aware, unavailable anywhere else.

This product is listed as being a CD with bonus a DVD, but I think it's really the other way around. The DVD is great. Supplementary features (including a "making-of" featurette and brother Chris Groban's backstage footage) are interesting to see, but are really just icing on the cake. The concert itself is enough, and well worth the price. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A romantic's collection if ever there was one, this cachet of songs graced the equally heart-tugging film. King of the Croon and Swoon, Nat King Cole's "Stardust" is probably the most obvious of the young lovers' themes here. Louis Armstrong and Jimmy Durante, ordinarily not the most romantic of sorts, prove themselves worthy contenders with "A Kiss to Build a Dream On" and "As Time Goes By," respectively. "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" gets an elegantly simple treatment from Carly Simon, and Tammy Wynette's "Stand by Your Man" confirms her status as the late, great Queen of Country. The only disappointments with this collection are the absence of heart-wrenching numbers by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, or even Johnny Mathis; and the inclusion of the horrendous rendition of "When I Fall in Love" by the over-rated Celine Dion with Clive Griffin. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (27)

You'll NEVER Skip A Song!
What is not to love about this soundtrack? Jimmy Durante's unique voice is so incredible - and luckily, you can hear it twice (As Time Goes By & Make Someone Happy) - an added bonus for any Durante fans! Other greats include Louis Armstrong (A Kiss To Build a Dream On), Nat King Cole (Stradust), Joe Cocker (Bye, Bye Blackbird), the incredible Tammy Wynette (Stand By Your Man) and Celine Dion with Clive Griffin (When I Fall In Love). But in my "expert opinion", the best song on the entire CD is Wink and a Smile by Harry Connick Jr.! Connick's voice and incredible piano playing give the song an upbeat feeling! I LOVE IT! I recommend this soundtrack to anyone - I am only 17 years old and love every single song - even though some of them were before my time! Enjoy this awesome CD!

A Fabulous Soundtrack from a Fabuous movie
This was the first CD I ever bought on my own and man do I love it. The music is perfect for any mood your in and the combination of so many famous musical talent makes this CD difficult fot people to hate. I especally like the song "Wink and a Smile" by Harry Conick Jr. His voice is incredible and it really adds to the romantic feel of the whole CD. I absolutly love it!

This is a wonderful CD
OK, so it is a little sappy, but these are fine versions of classic standards. Dr. John and Jimmy Durante in one little package, how could you resist. And, by the way, while I'm not a Celine fan, "When I Fall in Love" is one of the finest songs ever written, in not only for it's succinct-ness. This rendition is fine, and not as schmaltzy as she usually is.

This "Affair" is hit-and-miss....
Because I am at heart a rank sentimentalist, Epic Soundtrax's "Sleepless in Seattle" should have been more enjoyable, or at least a bit more emotionally charged, but this Nora Ephron-Marc Shaiman produced album was more of a hit-and-miss affair at best. Yes, I like some of it, but in the end I found myself wishing I'd bought something nicer.

Unlike the similarly-themed "Music from the Motion Picture When Harry Met Sally..." there is no single artist who carries the 12-song album. Not having seen the entire film -- despite its frequent airings around Valentine's Day -- I can't say for certain if the same artists featured here (Jimmy Durante, Louis Armstrong, Tammy Wynette and Gene Autry, just to name a few) are heard in the movie's soundtrack. (While I am a big fan of movie soundtracks and do buy them because I like the movies they are from, I also buy them for just the music.)

To be fair, there are some wonderful songs in this CD. I absolutely get goosebumps when I hear the mellow, soothing voice of Nat "King" Cole as he sings Hoagy Carmichael's reflective "Stardust" -- a reverie about separation and longing. I also enjoy Louis Armstrong's rendition of "A Kiss To Build a Dream On," Carly Simon's "In the Wee Hours of the Morning" and Harry Connick's rendition of producer/composer Shaiman's "A Wink and a Smile." The mix of happy, sad and memory-triggering songs reflects (to me, anyway) the highs and lows of any romantic affair, with all the passions, smiles and tears involved.

Slightly less thrilling were several tracks, including Jimmy Durante's covers of "As Time Goes By" and "Make Someone Happy." Maybe it's because I'm just too used to listening to Dooley Wilson's classic version as heard in Casablanca, or maybe it's just that Durante's gravelly voice just doesn't seem right for "As Time Goes By." (Again, to be fair, I didn't have such a visceral reaction to the second Durante track...but that's not one of my favorite selections.) And although I can sit through Celine Dion and Clive Griffin's cover of "When I Fall in Love," I still find myself wishing Shaiman and Ephron had chosen to use Nat Cole's rendition of this beautiful Edward Hayman-Victor Young song.

An Almost Great Collection!!
This is another situation where I'd love to rate this collection with the most stars available, because I am an avid fan of this kind of music. I perform it myself. However, the choice of Joe Cocker to see the poorly arranged "Bye, Bye, Blackbird" was a grave disappointment, and took away from the overall collection. Not only did it betray the composer's intent, Cocker didn't even include the introduction to the song, which is vital to understanding the tune.

There are standouts, for sure, such as Jimmy Durante, Louis Armstrong, Harry Connick, Jr., and Celine Dion, of course. She is not over-rated as some have suggested. She fits perfectly with this collection, and a great surprise is the presence of Dr. John. He is such a great artist and performer. I wanted to hear more of his stylings.

A great collection, if only you can skip over Joe Cocker!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

While not exactly classical crossover's take on The Monkees, this international quartet of young male vocalists from America, France, Spain and Switzerland shares a similar genesis. Assembled after a long talent search and audition process, they were teamed with pop producers Per Magnusson and David Krueger (Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys) and Steve Mac (Charlotte Church, Kelly Clarkson) and turned loose on a slate of classical-pop favorites, with a dramatic, dynamically nuanced read of Toni Braxton's signature "Unbreak My Heart" setting the standard. While the deceptive ease of their harmonies belie the group's disparate nationalities and talent search roots on the melodramatic "Hoy Que Ya No Estas Aqui," Morricone's glorious Mission theme, "Nella Fantasia" and the cascading "Passera," the album's pop-oriented material is a decidedly more mixed bag ."Everytime I Look At You" and "Feelings" (not Morris Albert's) soar gracefully, while "The Man You Love" seems more a throwback to the producers' boy band roots. The standard "My Way" and a lovely, bonus cut Italian version of "Unchained Melody" close the album out on a high note, even if their safe familiarity doesn't offer the promising quartet a sufficient musical challenge. --Jerry McCulley

[CD AUDIO SIDE: Entire Album; DVD SIDE: * All 13 Songs in PCM Stereo * "Unbreak My Heart" Music Video * Live From Gotham Hall -Unbreak My Heart -Mama -Nella Fantasia -Passera -My Way.]

More Divine Crooners To Explore

Haunted Heart, Renee Fleming	Stardust, Rod Stewart	Andrea, Andrea Bocelli
Follow Your Heart, Mario Frangoulis	On the Moon, Peter Cincotti	Taking a Chance on Love,Jane Monheit

... Read more

Amazon.com

Have some friends who still haven't discovered what the Sarah Brightman fuss is all about? You'll find the perfect introduction to make converts of them all in Classics, so they'll have no more excuses to remain clueless. Sporting a Botticelli-inspired image of the platinum-selling soprano on the cover, Classics is a classy anthology including highlights from three of Brightman's chart-topping releases along with seven new tracks. Songs personally selected by the diva as her favorite classical interpretations are culled from her previous blockbusters: Time To Say Goodbye, Eden, and La Luna. And whether you're afan already in the fold or one in the making, the new material here shows the diva at the top of her form, in new renderings of "O Mio Babbino Caro" and "Nessun Dorma" (accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic)--fascinating displays of the operatic confidence she's developed over her career. Other new offerings include a touching version of Schubert's "Ave Maria,' "Winter Light," a fresh take on her signature song "Pie Jesu" (from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem). "Alhambra" and "Dans La Nuit"--a real treat, bathing the listener in Brightman's silky, sensuous vocalism--add two original titles to her famous adaptations of classical melodies to new lyrics (using Chopin's haunting E major Etude in the latter case). All told, a lovely affirmation of the directions Brightman has boldly taken in her career to date. -Sarah Chin ... Read more

Reviews (127)

ChrisTmas is here!!!
This may not be a ChrisTmas album ~~~it is however full of spirit...Sarah's

Yes this is "SARAH'S CLASSICS"
This whole CD Flows...Floats... Fabulous
From the beginning of "AVE MARIA"
To the last notes of "TTSG"

AVE MARIA is absolutely Beautiful PERIOD.

LA WALLY is done in a pure Classical style no extra percussion/explosions. Done with the same type of sensitivity as La Luna

WINTER LIGHT has become a new Favorite to this listener..."whispers and I will follow"..

ANYTIME ANYWHERE... I Love anyway..*sigh* a sultry pining..

ALHAMBRA a Spanish guitar and Sarah...a beautiful song does it get any better than this ..

LASCIA CHI'O PIANGA....Lovely..soft piece

DANS LA NUIT...a Chopin piece I have heard many times before but never so beautifully sung..

SERENADE/...This is a Peterson Soltau
HOW FAIR THIS PLACE...this is Brightmans adaptation of Rachmannov it is exquisite by its self and especially when attached to Serenade

O MIO BABBINO CARO...You have heard this before too ...so what is that saying about things being better "the second time around"..this is a more mature voice it is beautiful..

LA LUNA...This brought tears to my eye's the first time I heard it ...and it does so now...Davorak must be weeping in his grave with tears of Joy!

PIE JESU....This has a bit different quality to ..and it sounds GREAT "as usual Ms. Brightman". Her voice has matured since she first recorded it and the FULL Orchestra in the back ground adds a touch of drama (Not that she needs it)

FIGLIO PERDUTO and BAILERO these are just great pieces they fit the album they are obviously favorites of Sarah's.

NESSUN DORMA....She doesn't need the full Orchestra but it sounds GREAT!! and just a bit different from the other times we have heard it...she still lifts you right off the ground !!

this CD closes with TIME TO SAY GOODBYE!!! It is fitting... one of Sarah's own.....one of her best!

Thank You SARAH

Thank You FRANK

What a GREAT ChrisTmas PresenT....(the caps here are intentional)

Lock the doors, Turn down the lights, Light the fire and the Candles..put your feet up..and FLOAT with your dreams along with Sarah!

This is "The DIVA" at her BEST.

Buy this album Folks!
For yourself and any other Sarah Fan or as an introduction gift to the voice of an Angel..

JAS

An excellent introduction for new fans
I fell in love with Sarah Brightman when "La Luna" was released late last year. Since then I have been hooked on her stunning voice. She sings like an angel. Several of the tracks on this album are new songs like "Ave Maria", "Winter Light", "Alhambra", "O Mio Babbino Caro" and "Nessun Dorma". Of those new tracks, "Winter Light" is my personal favorite. Sarah's vocals are controlled at a minimum level. Songs like "La Wally" she tends to sound like a foghorn, meaning she oversings to the point of sounding like her lungs are ready to burst. Still Sarah doesn't come off sounding like Christina Aguilera who has no control over her voice when she oversings. The one flaw I found was that five of the 15 tracks are new songs, not leaving much room for her to add more of her earlier material from "Eden" and "La Luna". Only three songs were taken from both "Eden" and "La Luna" each. If this cd was a classic album, there should have been more favorites and less of the new tracks. That is the only flaw I found with this album but otherwise I loved what I heard. Sarah does have one of the most beautiful voices around and I can never tire of listening to her sing.

Sarah can do it all
Can you say, "Absolutely Amazing"? This cd is, by far, my favarite out of all of her cd's. I must say that i like her classical sound better than her pop sound, but what can i say, she can do it all spectacularly well! I will say, however, that i was greatly disappointed w/ "Winter Light." She is breathy throughout the whole song, but it is very listenable. I would much rather hear her sing "O mio Babbino caro."
Other than Pavaratti, who can sing "Nesun Dorma" like that? WOW!! That song is by far my favorite Sarah Brightman song! If you ever get the chance, go see one of her concerts, and hear her perform it live. It is the most magnificent thing you could ever imagine!
BRAVO Sarah!!

terrific introduction to an amazing artist
Though not a 'popular' artist, Sarah Brightman has an amazing fan following all around the world. Her recent 'Harem' tour has played all around the world to incredible commercial success and the fanaticism of her fans can put Tori Amos acolytes to shame.

This album, Classics, is a compilation of her interpretation of more classic pieces of music, but they are not necessarily 'classical.' Brightman virtually pioneered the classical-pop crossover genre, so it's actually very pop-friendly.

Sarah's albums are usually themed concept albums, but seeing as how this is a collection of previous work (and some new), no theme is attached to this release. What you get, though, is a handful of completely new songs, new recordings of old favorites, and a few tracks from previous albums.

Is this worth purchasing for fans who already have her previous albums? It depends. Ave Maria, Winter Light, Alhambra, and Dans La Nuit are completely new, never-before-released tracks only available on Classics. O Mio Bambino Caro and Nessun Dorma, Pie Jesu, and Time to Say Goodbye have been re-recorded. (I actually prefer the Nessun Dorma on this release as opposed the original one from 'Eden,' since a female choir backs on this one, and it's a treat to hear her solo version of Time to Say Goodbye. Aside from this, the songs aren't dramatically different from the originals.) La Luna also comes without the annoying stretch of silence after it and Moon River (terrific for those who want a copy of the song just by itself without the hidden track afterwards). So, you're pretty much getting 4 new songs, 4 songs we've already heard re-done, and 7 songs plucked from previous albums. It's really up to you to decide if that's enough to entice you to buy the CD.

Now, if you're a classical purist, get away from this album. Turn around and pretend you didn't see it! The things some classical purists say about Sarah's renditions of classics are unrepeatable. They pick on everything from Sarah's intonation, rhythmn, and butchering attempts at coloratura. In Sarah's defense, however, she's never called herself an opera singer (or even a classical singer). Personally, the more approval a singer gets from opera lords and classical experts, the more boring and less appealing they are to my untrained ears. What can I say? I love my pop music and I'm out of touch with 18th century technique. Sarah knows what sounds good to people just like me and what she delivers is classical music for the new century. I'm glad she has, though, because there really is a lot of gorgeous classical pieces out there that deserve a revival. Sarah opens up a genre that until her arrival was too esoteric, old fashioned, and intimidating for the average person. Don't get me wrong, I believe people when they say how awesome Renee Flemming and Maria Callas are. Their appeal isn't broad, though, since it takes somebody who actually knows what they're listening for to appreciate them; they fall into a specialized category. (Just like it takes a rap aficionado to appreciate a good rapper; to some, all rap sounds the same.) Sarah gives classical pieces the touch of pop accessability I need--take that away and turn her into a perfect opera diva with perfect technique (and all that stuff I don't know left from right about) and I'll probably stop listening to her. She has gorgeous tone color that makes her voice sound lovely and I love her deliveries of the songs that make it accessible to my taste. Apparently, I'm not alone, since her albums go platinum all around the world.

Unfortunately, the scandal of the album art has overshadowed the loveliness of this collection. I, for one, wasn't offended, but seeing as how Sarah has fans from every demographic and age group, I can understand how some of the more conservative fans detest nudity (or even just hints of nudity) in all its forms. What they saw as offensive I saw as a tribute and tip of the hat to classical art, ala the statues of David by Michaelangelo and Donatello, Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus," etc. Seeing as how the collection is named "Classics," I found the tribute to classical art rather fitting (plus, it kept a potentially boring album from being dull). To each his or her own, though.

Though this is a great introduction to Sarah's work, I'd still strongly recommend purchasing her other albums like Eden or La Luna if you're going to get a full taste of Sarah Brightman. Her concept albums are spectacular, and the way the songs come together to fit the chosen theme add to the atmosphere her music creates. Her fans anticipate the announcement of her themes almost as eagerly as they do the release of her albums!

There is talent, THEN you get Sarah Brightman
I am a broadcaster in my spare time and my show mainly focus on cross over music. Sarah features in every single program of mine.This compulation is a perfect showcase of the Brightman voice!!!!! I listen to it basically every week, and I have all the Brightman albums. This is who she is and she is not a Kiri or a Renee, she is Sarah Brightman!!!!! It has never been a question that if she can sing, rather it is - SHE just has to sing!!!!Buy this album, it is perfect!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Nuclear Bosa Nova
Ms. Souza sings with a great deal of panache.
She has amazing technique and style. She can be
percussive or lyrical which ever is needed. She
has a wide color palette from which to choose and
her choices are always musical. In short, she is
a fantastic musician. The song selection is super
and the guitarists are dynamite.

Smooth bossa
This album seems to aim for a smooth jazz audience. Better, for a smooth bossa audience. But Souza is no charming Astrud Gilberto, sorry. The arrangements are so poor...One of the guitarists (Romero Lubambo) sounds nice, but Mr. Walter Santos is not in good shape, and a third one has no swing. People interested in first-class vocal/guitar duos by Brazilian artists should look for the Eliezeth Cardoso/Raphael Rabello, and Paulo Belinatti/Monica Salsamaso collaborations.

Oh My God!
this is one awesome CD! I can't get over the guitar playing, while her voice and presence are simply superb... amazing indeed!

A gorgeous acoustic album
A beautiful acoustic album which draws songs from sources as varied as Luiz Gonzaga, Edu Lobo, Dorival Caymmi and Jacob do Bandolim, a fine mix of jazz and traditional Brazilian sensibilities. The duets are between Paulista singer Luciana Souza and the guitars of Romero Lubambo, Marco Pereira and Souza's father, composer Walter Santos. Souza is a striking vocalist whose clarity of tone brings to mind other Brazilian singers such as Joyce or Clara Nunes, although with a clarity of purpose that makes this album all her own. Each guitarist in his turn proves a sympathetic foil to Ms. Souza's honied voice... A lovely, wonderfully controlled and expressive set of songs -- highly recommended!

Love or Hate at the first sight- For me, it is love.
This one of my favorite Brazilian CDs released in Year 2001. I have recommended to more than 10 music lovers, and every one of them loves it. The previous reviewer tried to compare Ms. Souza to Joyce, and the three guitarists to the great Joao Gilberto. His/her attempt is like comparing Flan to Tiramisu, not making much sense.

I own most albums from of Joao Gilberto to say that Joao uses his guitar to accompany his voice, not as a solo instrument. In this album, duo means guitar is equally important in making the sound. Ms. Souza¡¦s father Walter Santos is old. You can hear the stiffness of his hands. Even though, he has assisted her daughter with good taste. The other two guitarists Romero Lubambo and Marco Pereira have established themselves in many of their own albums in groups or in solo. The creativity, virtuosity, and energy from those two guitar masters are incredible.

Most songs in this album were carried out with exquisite details, with just simply Ms. Souza and a guitarist at a time. Unlike some big volume Jazz singers who love to use strong vibrato, Ms. Souza cleverly mixed a soft Bossa Nova like voice with an improvosative Jazz easiness. Not many singers are capable of doing this, and Ms. Souza did a wonderful job married those two cultures. This may be because she was raised in Brasil and studied/lived in New York City that she get used to both two music styles.

The recording of this album is audiophile level. I use this album to test new audio equipments for my home system upgrade. Mr. Pereira's 8 string guitar is especially well-recorded by a team in Brasil. 1/3 of this album (with Mr. Lubambo) is recorded in US, and the voice is smoother with slightly reduced dynamics. This album is not aimed to be a concert for 10000 people in a football stadium, shouting and yelling. This is for people who enjoy a small lounge with a few tables. If you have good sound system and good taste, you will appreciate this CD.

"Brazilian Duos" has a magic power to induce the deepest emotion from your heart. Love or hate is almost instantly. Whether you are a Jazz fan, pop music goer, or Bossa Nova philes, I highly recommend this album to you. You will hate it, or most likely love it at your first listening. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Ella Fitzgerald's voice was satin to Louis Armstrong's sandpaper, but when you put them together on a single song, their chemistry was unimpeachable. This disc selects highlights from the three albums they made together at Verve (including their Porgy and Bess), and adds a spiffy live track from the Hollywood Bowl. Though they don't harmonize much (Armstrong's voice wasn't built for harmony), Ella's dignified swing and flashes of teasing wit play off Satchmo's gritty, good-humored roar symbiotically. The material is mostly lightweight Tin Pan Alley stuff (lots of Gershwin, plus the likes of "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm"), and they fly it like a kite. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Absolute Perfection
Who would have thought that it could have worked? The pitch-perfect, articulate, and yes, angelic voice of Ella Fitzgerald combined with the gravelly grunts and growls of Louis Armstrong...Two very different singers with very different styles getting together to record? But it does work, and the result is absolute perfection.

The way Louis and Ella blend, harmonize, and play off each other is simply astounding to hear. And I think that's the secret of why these two superstars were such stellar musicians: They loved making music. Just listen to the fun they're having on "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" and "Gee, Baby, Ain't I Been Good to You." It's not only delightful, it's heavenly. Listen and lose yourself in the slow, unhurried harmonies of "Stars Fell on Alabama." And from the opening, emotion-packed trumpet statement of "Summertime," you know you're in for a powerful listening experience.

It's rare that you find a musician who really, I mean REALLY loves performing. To find two such artists on the same disc? Indescribable. These two greats were put on this earth to make music and they made music with all their might. And we're fortunate enough to have it with us. This disc is heaven. Buy it. Treasure it forever.

TOTAL TIME: 68:03

Perfect album for a summer evening
Ella and Louis provide the perfect soothing music for a summer evening on this cd. Ella's singing is not quite as crisp as I've heard on some other recordings, but these two jazz vocalists compliment each other wonderfully. If you like this, check out Ella's "Best of the Songbooks" or Louis with another jazz genius on the cd "Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson."

Let's Call the Whole Thing Awesome
This is a truly fantastic collection of classics and there's pretty much nothing I can add to it...it's untouchable. May I recommend lighting some candles, clearing off the floor and swinging away the night with your lovey dovey, socks optional. I mean, this is not a pathetic waste of money or time... you deserve the best, and it doesn't get any better than Ella and Louey!!!

Who Gets Five Stars If Not These Two?
For many, the names of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong are synonyms for jazz. The two knew each other well but it is rather surprising that they did not record more than three albums together. These are: "Ella and Louis", "Ella and Louis Again" and "Porgy and Bess". In 1997, the Verve label selected the cream of the three albums for this compilation.

Picking the best of the three must have been pretty difficult. But on the other hand, there was nothing to be screwed up, it all sounds so good... As the liner notes say, 'the voices could hardly be more different,' but how well they went together. Smokey, throaty "Pops" and pure, glittering Ella... and THEY DID MUCH OF THIS STUFF WITH JUST ABOUT NO REHEARSAL! Armstrong adds his trumpet to many of the complation's selections, too.

From the first "Ella And Louis" LP, this collection contains "They Can't Take That Away From Me", "Under A Blanket Of Blue", "Tenderly", "Stars Fell On Alabama" and the glorious take of "The Nearness Of You".

Selections from "Ella And Louis Again" are, in my opinion, slightly lacking in comparison with the first album, but, nevertheless, they're still awfully good. Here we have six of them: "Autumn In New York", "Stompin' At The Savoy", "Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You", "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off", the wonderful "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" and "Love Is Here To Stay."

As for "Porgy and Bess", no representative selection of Ella and Louis (or even of one of them) would do without the heavenly version of "Summertime." Also, Ella sings "I Wants To Stay Here" and Satchmo has his "There's A Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon For New York" here.

The last track, "You Won't Be Satisfied" was recorded live in front of the audience and is a wonderful treat and the great closer for this impeccable CD.

There could be a lot more to say about this particular album. It should be an essential purchase for any jazz fan. Indeed, for every music fan.

Magical!
I can listen to this CD forever. The magical and silky voice of Ella together with Louis's trumpet and vocals takes you to another world.. I am a jazz fan and this is one of the best CDs that I've ever listened to.. A must-have! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sam Harris has always had a powerhouse voice that raises the roof as well as an honesty that touches the soul, so it seems natural that the former Star Search champion should strike a winning note with his 1999 gospel/inspirational album, Revival.The album had its genesis when Harris's performance of "Bridge over Troubled Water" on The Oprah Winfrey Show prompted the host to declare, "Sam could make Jesus walk through the door!" That Paul Simon standard is included with other familiar tunes such as "Peace Train" and Rockapella's "A Change in My Life" (which features the a cappella quintet as Harris's backup band). "Love Letter" delivers a great funky beat, and "The Rescue" is a spare ballad that works beautifully in contrast to the high-energy tunes. Harris himself contributes two songs, the lovely, yearning "Holding On" and the rousing title tune, while David Friedman's "I'll Be Here with You" is Harris's tender farewell to his longtime collaborator Laurie Beechman following her tragic death from cancer. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (109)

Revival Fever Runs Rampant!
Once in every generation a singer comes along that captures the pure emotion that music is! It requires a soulful presence, a mastery of control and emotion that is beyond belief. The singer for this generation is Sam Harris!

The way Sam interprets the songs on "Revival", is unparallelled, unequaled, in all of music. You hear the pain, the joy, the fear, the hope pouring from his heart and his soul in each note.

Over the course of 16 years we have been witness to the growth and maturation of this artist, from the Star Search stage to Internation Acclaim! His uncompromising approach of pouring his all into his music reaches the soul of listeners and pulls them into his joy, ecstasy and passion as he powers the soul through every emotion that God held in His heart at the beginning of time.

"The Cirle" is the epitome of this CD. It's message of new beginnings so appropriate for Sam's beginning again, "Revivalized" and bursting with the power and the splendor that we have come to expect from the Ultimate Artist. Excellent! A must have for any true music lover, and a standard by which all future artists will be measured.

No other entertainer can match the range of this talented young man. No one else can grip the soul of the listener and require him or her to touch the song in the ways that music has always craved.

A powerful and complete experience.

Good, but could've been better.......
Sam's latest CD, "Revival" is a mixed bag of songs that could have used a little fine-tuning. As evidenced on earlier recordings, Mr Harris has an incredible voice, but doesn't always pick the best material to showcase his talents. There are a handful of stand-out tracks here, ("Come to Me", "The Circle", and "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" being among them), but for every great song, there seems to be one of lesser quality thrown in the mix as well. "Giving It Up for Your Love" is one of those throw-away tunes that sounds like it was composed in 5 minutes or less. (featuring this Shakespearean-like lyric......"giving it up for your love, everything......giving it up for your love, right now......" (egad.....) "Love Letter" seems to suffer a similar fate, but I won't quote any of it's memorable lyrics here. Another oddity is "Holding On", written by Sam, himself. Long-time fans who own Sam's 1986 release, "SAM I AM", will remember the song, "Don't Wanna Give Up On Love", which sounds alarmingly similar to this song, right down to the high-sustained note on the end. (Can an artist sue himself for plagiarising his own song? ) At any rate, this is a CD worth picking up for the few truly great songs contained herein, but you'll find yourself wishing it was just a bit better. A voice this good needs better material. MUCH better material.

Preview of Revival
The man could be a preacher, amen this is a sampling that will have to do till I get my copy. WOW, he can bring me to tears, and take me to heaven. What a range he has, he continues to top each performance, better than the one before. Look out Broadway, HERE COMES SAM HARRIS!!!!

Simply THE BEST!!!
This CD personifies Sam Harris at his best. The wonderful piano accompaniment compliments his powerful voice. I highly recommend this CD set; a MUST for any Sam Harris fan.

Great CD-Let's hear something with VIKKI CARR
Sam, been a fan of yours since the 80's and you were recording for Motown...love Vikki Carr and you should record with this multi winning Grammy Award winning international superstar. I know it would be great and Vikki still rocks and so do you! Great job on this release SAM! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Powerful mix of pop vocals and big band sound
During a glorious four-year run from 1965 through 1968, this unusual quartet took a sound too mellow for rock and too rich and flamboyant for pop and repeatedly pushed deep into the top forty, four times making the top ten.

The Vogues used a proven formula of updating vocal standards from the late 50s, successfully covering and in many way improving upon classics like "My Special Angel", "'Til", "Earth Angel" and "Moments to Remember."

Beyond the best known trio of "Turn Around, Look At Me", "You're the One" and "Five O'Clock World", this Rhino collection features marvelous second tier hits that are staggering in their intricate harmonies and lyrical beauty. "Magic Town", "Land of Milk and Honey" "Woman Helping Man" and the emotional "Please, Mr Sun" are all far better than your chart positions would indicate. There are even a number of songs here that didn't make the top 100, but prove that making the chart isn't anything. Listen to the moving "That's No Way to Say Goodbye" for proof that good material didn't always mean commercial success.

As with any Rhino collection, the sound on this disc is superb. The vocals and accompaniments are crystal clear and distinctly separate, with none of the muddiness found on so many remasters of mid and late-60s music.

This is the kind of music that makes you want to light the fire, turn off the lights and sit on the sofa with that special someone. Like the song says, you won't like this collection; "No, Not Much!"

Excellent! Melodic; superb vocal harmonies! A tour de force!
The Vogues are a band that I recently rediscovered, after having grown up in the 60's with the "Top 40" pop hits "Five O'Clock World" and "You're The One." As mainly a rock fan (in the 60's and continuing through to the present time), I had always thought of the Vogues as being too "middle of the road." But as I've gotten older and mellower in my tastes - and as I get more and more disappointed by the current offerings of pop music (rap, grunge, alternative, and all the other garbage), I have been searching for groups from the 60's and 70's that I might have overlooked at the time. The Vogues are a classic example of this - I never fully appreciated them until now. I have to say that I have not been as excited about a "rediscovered" group in quite a long time. All of the songs in the 51 minute CD are excellent. The four-part vocal harmonies and the musical production are top rate. Some of the songs are refreshingly sentimental, expressing values and feelings that might be considered to be of another, more innocent era - and I say "what is wrong with that?" We need a little more sentimentality and innocence in this society these days! In summary, I strongly recommend The Vogues Greatest Hits (Rhino Records) to all fans of melodic pop and rock music. You will not be disappointed. END

Made For The Easy Listening Crowd
The Vogues and their gentle, harmonizing sound, were perfect for the Easy Listening [now Adult Contemporary] charts, created by Billboard in 1961 to provide a clear delineation between Rock and the music of people like Sinatra, Cole, Como, Day, Shore, and others of that ilk.

Often, however, an artist or group would demonstrate that their particular sound was not to be so easily slotted. The Vogues, a vocal quartet from Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, was one such group. Between 1965 and 1974 they scored 14 pop Hot 100 hit singles [6 for the Co & Ce label to 1966 and 8 for Reprise 1n 1968/69], and 18 on the Adult Contemporary [AC] charts [13 for Reprise, 2 for Bell, and 3 for 20th Century] from 1968 to 1974, often resurrecting old hits for their material.

In this 18-selection CD Rhino gives us 13 of those 14 pop hits [omitting only 1966's That's The Tune, which just barely made the Hot 100 at # 99 that December]. Beginning with Turn Around, Look At Me in 1968 [# 3 AC/# 7 pop], 8 of those would make the AC charts as well. From 1969 [See That Girl - # 13 AC] to 1974 [Prisoner Of Love - # 37 AC], their ten hits would chart only on the AC list [although three would "bubble under" on the Billboard pop charts.

Only one flipside appears here [True Lovers which backed The Land Of Milk And Honey in 1966], and they also give you one previously unreleased tune [track 6] and two that failed to chart on either the pop or AC charts [tracks 8 and 9].

We would have been better served had producer Bill Inglot left those three off and, in their place, added the missing pop hit mentioned above, along with See That Girl and Since I Don't Have You, which made it to # 8 AC in 1970. In fact, they should have gone to 26 tracks [the norm for outfits like Ace of London] and provided us with ALL their pop/AC hits.

The five pages of liner notes by Mike McDowell, Editor/Publisher of Blitz Magazine, and the additional photographs of the group are appreciated and, on the reverse, you get a partial discography of the contents showing original label details and the dates released, but no chart information.

One of their huge hits, Five O'Clock World [# 4 pop in late 1965], got new life when used over the credits on TV's The Drew Carey Show a few years back. A good album which could have been perfect with a more judicious approach to the contents.

I always was a sucker for great harmony
Back in 1968, when I was 17 years old, most of my contemporaries were into music by people like Jimi Hendrix, Cream and the Rolling Stones. While I enjoyed all kinds of music, my preference during that time was for much tamer music. In the summer of that year, The Vogues released "Turn Around, Look At Me" a remake of a relatively obscure Glen Campbell tune from several years earlier. I immediately fell in love with the song and the group. The Vogues had been around for awhile, having achieved significant chart success on Pittsburgh's Co&Ce label with songs like "You're The One", "Five O'Clock World" and "The Land of Milk and Honey". But this sound was different. Fifties rocker Ernie Freeman had become the producer/arranger for the group. His combination of lush production values and impeccable harmonies produced an incredibly pleasing sound that proved wildly successful. "Turn Around" was a huge hit for the group and was followed in swift succession by remakes of "My Special Angel", "Earth Angel", "Till", "Moments to Remember", "Green Fields" and others. I bought every one of these singles. In fact, I enjoyed the Vogues so much that I used to even play the flip sides frequently.
This collection from Rhino contains all of the Vogues singles from both the early Co&Ce years and the Reprise years. There is not a bad track on the disc! It is an absolute joy to listen to and I never get tired of hearing these songs. I realize that some people might find the material a bit too tame, but those who dig great harmony are sure to enjoy this fine collection. A big thumbs up!!!

The Best group ever
The Vogues had an incredible sound and talent. This album contains their hits, but their best album is "Turn Around Look at Me." The only negative about the Vogues is that for reasons I can't know, they insisted on updating songs done before by vocal groups. This is probably why they faded in the early 70's. But they continue to be my favorite group of all time. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Hot August Night drips with energy.
Anyone else looking for real music should look at Neil Diamond. I am a Neil Diamond fan. My admiration for the Man, the Singer and his Music is unconditional. Being a product of the '70s rock culture, I never saw Neil Diamond as a rock artist. His songs came to me as folk, country, pop and some gospel. I guess this is the reason why I was able to adjust to Diamond's transition to musical progressions. I love his ballads and I just go crazy listening to them.

Hot August Night is probably the best live concert ever recorded. The intensity is sustained all throughout the performance, electrifying his audience and listeners alike, making this record drip with so much energy. The intro, "Prologue", is a killer tune. It is a masterpiece. Just listen to it build up to a climax as it gets layered into an atmosphere of strings, keyboards, acoustics and percussions (the sound is greatly improved on the remaster--crisp sounding). It is a majestic piece. Sure, Neil has those songs with corny titles and lyrics to it (i.e. "Soggy Pretzels", "You're So Sweet Horseflies Keep Hangin' Round Your Face", "Crunchy Granola Suite", "Porcupine Pie", and even "Song Sung Blue"), but aren't artist allowed to tease and have fun?

"I Am... I Said", "Morningside" and "Canta Libre" are some of the more emotional tracks of the set as Neil Diamond takes you to one moving song to another as he connects with his audience through songs and banter. While "Holly Holy" (a definite favorite of mine), and definitely the best version compared to the stale and thin sounding original studio recording off the Touching You, Touching Me album, sets the tone and pace as the show climaxes to a thunderous end to some of Neil's percussive moments on the album. The big climax of "Holly Holy" sees Neil Diamond exploding into dramatic rage and passion (this is repeated on the closer "Brother Love's..."), making this a high point of the album. "Holly Holy" is a very beautiful song and a masterpiece as well. Band and orchestra should be applauded here. This leads into a quieter, almost solemn intro into "I Am... I Said" (the calm before the storm) that builds up into a huge emotional burst, full-orchestra, keys and percussions kicking into the music. The Walk Off as orchestra and band explode to a built up "I Am... I Said" instrumental before everything breaks loose as nonstop percussions rumble into "Soolaimon/Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" medley. What a listening experience this brings on repeated play. As the band and orchestra encores to the tune of "Brother Love's...", I stay glued, still, onto my seat, moved by it all like I where in that concert, wishing that it never ended--it always feels that way with me. Musicianship is topnotch and cohesive, and yes, special mention has to be given to drummer Dennis St. John for his amazing distinct and tireless work all throughout. (The first time I ever heard "Holly Holy" playing on the radio in the early '70s was by Hugo Montenegro. I did not even know Neil Diamond existed, but even when I finally discovered Neil, it was the Hugo Montenegro cover that became my measure of that song's beautiful style. The Touching You, Touching Me original version, despite the strings has a poor and uneven mix, and the Gold (first ND live record) version is raw and simple with only electric guitar, bass and drums as backup instruments.)

The beauty about Hot August Night is that all of the songs Neil performed are his original compositions. He got to do this again the last time when he recorded Love At The Greek after the Beautiful Noise album. In retrospect, I wish Neil also sang in this concert "High Rolling Man" (I love the piano riffs on this one), "Captain Sunshine" (beautiful lyrics and melody) and "Lordy" (beautiful melody and beat). Incidentally, I read years ago that the string section was used on this particular night only for the recording purposes of this show.

If you are a Neil Diamond fan but don't own Hot August Night yet, get it. It is worth more than the countless ridiculous ND greatest hits and compilations that are being released faster than you could say "You're So Sweet Horseflies Keep Hangin' Round Your Face". If you are not a Neil Diamond fan yet but are contemplating on becoming one, Hot August Night is definitely the best start for you (though In My Lifetime and Play Me: The Complete Uni Studio Recordings are also well recommended for their sheer historical overview of Neil Diamond's music), mind you, this concert was recorded in 1972, so you should know what Neil Diamond songs to expect from that era--timeless classics. What were you expecting me to say?

As for Dave Barry's inclusion of "I Am.. I Said" to the "Worst Songs Ever" list, who cares? That is his opinion and he can keep it. Like most of us, we also have our opinions and "I Am... I Said" is a song with profound lyrical content--a true masterpiece.

Red Hot Diamond
The first exposure I ever got of Neil Diamond was to HOT AUGUST NIGHT.It was a certainty on long car trips.The passing 27 years (and some pretty substandard Neil Diamond releases) have only intensified my love for this live document.This release marks the end of Brill Building era Neil and sets the stage for JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL and beyond.From the orchestral intro to the rocking encores,Diamond has this LA crowd jumping out of their Greek Theater seats(and out of the trees) and into his hands. Unlike some of his later live releases,showmanship is replaced by true feeling.It is as if on tracks like HOLLY HOLY,CRACKLIN'ROSIE SOOLAIMON,and MORNINGSIDE Neil has experienced all that he has sung about and wants to share the experiences with the audience. The "theatrical moments"(CANTA LIBRE,BROTHER LOVE'S TRAVELLING SALVATION SHOW,SOGGY PRETZELS)are performed with gusto.Neil croons,roars and jokes with abandon.The band is caught up in the moment and provide a magical backup.Special mention must go to his drummer Dennis St John who puts overpowering energy into his playing,which rivals the great Ronnie Tutt(ex-Elvis Presley Band and current Neil Diamond Band member).After this ,Diamond took a three year "retirement" from the concert scene.For pure excellence and energy,put this release on and take a mind trip back to that HOT AUGUST NIGHT at the Greek Theater.Who knows,you too might become one of the "tree people"!

fernominal by Mike Gee
This guy is fernominal. Take yer cap off to this guy. Well, lets see, I like every song on this album. I have it on vinyl and havent bought the CD yet cos my money is tied up in real estate. I highly recommend this as a feature in your dining room. Eh eh eh...

Gee, what else can I say about this. Red Red Wine, much more fernominal that the U240 version.(...)

A serious lesson in music and sound production
Folks, no matter what you're musical persuasion and even if you don't have any, you should have this in your collection.
If you know of a better piece of work by any artist I wanna know!

Down the years my tastes have drifted to the likes of Vangelis, classical, you name it.. Still I have come back to this album again and again. It's a magnificent blend of energy and beauty and I aggree that it is rare that you find a live performance so good. It will serve music history as "Citizen Kane" has served film history. Well maybe that's an overstatement but I'm not sure..
Now there's just one thing I am dying to know - when will we ever get to buy this gem on video/DVD? Were those "Hot August Nights" even captured on film at all?

Finally, if anyone attended these concerts back in '72 I would dearly appreciate if they sent me an email - steve@aztechouse.com

His best album...
This was the second album I ever bought. Considering it is a live album the production qualities are as good as any studio album.

The highlights on this album are the show stopping rendition of Brother Love, the best version he has done on any album. Song sung blue sung live, Cherry Cherry and it's infectious beat. Red Red wine country style. Soggy pretzels. Girl you'll be a woman soon. There are many more I could mention.

The arrangements on this album differ from the studio recordings with beautiful acoustic guitar being more prominent here. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Long considered a jewel in Verve Records' very impressive crown, Fitzgerald's songbook collections of various composers--a series that was started by the success of this set--are all wonderful, but her natural wit and intelligence was at its most perfect with Cole Porter's erudite, urbane songs. While not as scat-oriented as her small group outings, these Porter sets offer her most realized pop performances.Also, the gold remastering does a fine job of bringing out the nuances in the arrangements, making this a treasure for the serious collector and the casual listener alike. A true American music gem. --Skip Heller ... Read more

Reviews (23)

You MUST Get This CD! There's nothing better than this.
Oh Ella! I wish I could tell her how much I have enjoyed this CD. She is the stuff dreams are made of. That voice! How did you do it Ella? So effortless for you. Incredible. This is my all time favorite CD. I listen to all kinds of music and cannot go a day without hearing Ella sing Cole Porter. Don't hesitate to buy this- you'll listen to it the rest of your life. Cole Porter's lyrics pour out of her so perfectly. Those songs were made for her to sing! Her phrasing is impeccable. I just cannot express how amazing this Songbook is. BUY IT!

Ella Shows Why She Reigns! 1st Lady of Song!!!!
All 30-plus tunes here are just fine. Some not quite great but about a dozen all time winners, even in these over-recorded Cole Porter songs. There's nice notes too, and spirited arrangements by Buddy Bregman. Most of these could have been recorded tomorrow, much less 1956!! My favorites?! ALL THRU THE NIGHT, a slow swinger, ANYTHING GOES, including the seldom heard intro, a real swinger, as good as Frank's version the same year. TOO DARN HOT,super hot, even better than Ann Miller's version in KISS ME KATE (but as a dancer Ann can't be beat!)LETS DO IT!, I LOVE PARIS, YOU DO SOMETHING TO ME, the best version I've heard, RIDIN HIGH, another super hot blaster, YOURE THE TOP, as good as Crosby's best version (PS Do they write songs like this anymore?!)..LOVE FOR SALE, different with its haunting,brooding style, and I like the horns here which IMHO are not dated! ITS DELOVELY another super hot ball of fire. NIGHT AND DAY, the 2nd best swing version (after Frank's version), ACE IN THE WHOLE yet another super hot ace! Maybe a few are not among the best recordings of many recorded ditties, still mainly aces...I prefer Ella's Gershwin songbook, with more songs, and more less known ones, but this costs less, and is surely a fine start!!

FLOATING ON A STARLIGHT CEILING
Ella Fitzgerald could sing about a garbage dump and make it sound beautiful. This CD is a great collaboration between the voice of Ella and the songwriting genius of Cole Porter. Ella was definitely the first lady of song and will be the last. No other singer on this planet comes close to her style, diction and her amazing scats. Her incredible voice, the timeless lyrics by Cole Porter and the great production talent of Norman Grantz makes this a CD to play over and over again.

Here's a reason to stay alive, if you're looking for one.
So count your blessings. They don't make records like this any more.

The Perfect Combination
Ella is the best jazz singer ever and Cole Porter was certainly one of the best composers of his time. This is an amazing CD. Any jazz lover will adore it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In light of all the hit Broadway musicals that have stumbled in their translation to the big screen, The Music Man stands out as an exception; it is one of the best-loved movie musicals of all time. A great deal of the credit goes to composer Meredith Willson, who resisted studio pressure to hire a big name for the title role (Frank Sinatra or Cary Grant) in favor of the Tony-winning stage star, Robert Preston, who turns in one of Hollywood's most magical performances as the spellbinder who hoodwinks a small town in Iowa. Shirley Jones did not perform the show on Broadway, but she had cut her teeth as a musical ingenue in the films of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! and Carousel and gives Marian the librarian a lovely voice and charming personality. Most importantly, Willson's score combines marching bands and barbershop quartets to capture perfectly the spirit of America's heartland at the turn of the century. A classic. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (22)

The "Only" Music Man
Among the many fine things which can be said regarding this Original Soundtrack Recording of "The Music man", the most impressive would be to simply say "Robert Preston"! Robert Preston IS The Music Man - the one and only Music Man! Robert didn't simply perform this role . . . he was the personification of The Music Man. I really can't imagine any one else coming even close to his characterization. Just listen to Preston's delivery of "Ya Got Trouble" and every thing you need to know about "The Music man" is there!
This album has it all: great "marching band music", great performers like Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett, The Buffalo Bills, and Robert Preston, and great songs. (The Buffalo Bills/Shirley Jones' "Lida Rose/Goodnight My Someone" sticks in your musical mind and you find yourself humming and singing it throughout the day/night for inexplicable reasons at the oddest times.
I have loved this recording since it was first issued. On cd it keeps the beauty of this music and these performers more alive than ever.

Wonderful, but could be better.
This is a great soundtrack, but it is unfortunate that Warner's did not give us more on the CD than the standard LP 44 minutes. For instance, there is extensive dance music in the "76 Trombones", "Marian the Librarian", and the "Shipoopi" numbers that could have been included on the CD, and wasn't. And although I do admire Shirley Jones, and she was a beautiful Marian, Barbara Cook was more believeable in the look of a small-town spinster librarian, and her voice is one of the greatest that the musical world has ever heard. Shirley Jones' singing is pleasant, Barbara Cook's singing is thrilling. But, Barbara Cook had as much a chance of recreating her Broadway role as Julie Andrews, Angela Lansbury and Ethel Merman did in "My Fair Lady", "Mame" and "Gypsy". Hollywood has never appreciated true musical talent. But, this is a fun album. Buddy Hackett is a bit hard to take, but Hermione Gingold is a treasure.

I love it! (With the occasional disappointment)
I absolutely love this soundtrack--I think the songs are even better on the album than in the movie. However, as most of us feel...Shipoopi (I didn't like the song to begin with) sung by Buddy Hackett? What? That was disappointing. But it's worth a listen, just for my personal favorites: 76 Trombones (of course), Goodnight My Someone, and Till There was You.

This is a CD I keep returning to--it's marvelous...one of a small list of musicals I truly enjoy listening to. You'll find something you really like--I'm sure of it. Highly recommended.

Great Performances/ Painful Sound !!
I don't fault the performances of Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, etc..... they're all great. My major complaint with this movie soundtrack is the harsh sound quality. There is too much treble and not enough balance in the mid to lower range. The result is a recording that is actually painful to the ears. I believe a much better remastering job is needed. Am I the only reviewer who noticed this? Beware.

Music Man is better than ANYTHING!!!
This is THE BEST music I have ever heard! I listen to the soundtrack all the time, and I love it so much that it is severely worn out. I would definately reccomend this to anyone who likes good quality music. ... Read more

Amazon.com

On her follow-up to Play It Cool, the 2001 album that introduced her reinvention from comedian to singer, Lea DeLaria performs jazzed-up versions of pop and rock numbers. She leads off with a version of "Dancing Barefoot" that Patti Smith fans will be hard-pressed to recognize, then goes on to put the jazz stamp on numbers such as No Doubt's "Just a Girl," Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun," and Green Day's "Longview." In full smooth-chanteuse mood, DeLaria keeps the gratuitous pyrotechnics in check and is at her best on the tracks where she and arranger/pianist Gil Goldstein stick to the original melodies--indeed, most of the songs on this CD are distinguished by immediate melodic accessibility, and choosing to trust them is the wisest choice. And the musicians certainly deliver. Still, it's hard to shake off the impression that this is a stylistic exercise that gets caught up in its own self-aware coolness. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Beyond style
This second of Warner Bros. planned four disc deal with Lea DeLaria is captivating and fine.Once again, MUSICAL values are the driving force and the reason for the occasion.The provenance of the songs themselves is as far from the point as you can wander in the face of subtle and convincing instrumental work of a first rate band coupling the deleriously heart tuned singing of Lea DeLaria.The band assembled here is tight enough to succeed even without a singer!Seamus Blake's tenor sax work is consistently standout, busting loose on Morrison's 'People Are Strange'.Chris McBride's bass makes points as an emotional instrument rarely explored nowadays.Beautiful percussion effects on 'Alliance'.Gil Goldstein's arrangements (and his keyboard work) think and move and end up so right each time.DeLaria's singing comes more in