Reviews (3)

A Veritable Smorgasbord of Bad Taste--and that's the idea!
The 1960s was the most tumultuous decade of the 20th Century. There were a great many events to commend it and condemn it. It produced the Apollo space program to put American astronauts on the Moon and some of the best original popular music as just two commendable events. Assassinations and the divisive Vietnam War were events certainly to condemn the sixties.

Listening to Capital Records' "On The Rocks, Part 1"-part of the Ultra Lounge series-- has convinced me there is something else that gave the sixties a black eye. It spawned some of the worst rendition music ever to waste valuable recording studio time.

As I mentioned before, the sixties produced some of the best popular music, and always sounded best when released by the original artists. However, this left the door open for others deluded into thinking they could take a top 40 hit and resuscitate their lagging career, or take a perfectly successful recording career and sending it into the ground.

The On The Rocks Part 1 (& Part 2) CD is a compilation of some of the worst the 1960s and 1970s had to offer in rendition music. Better examples of a total lack of judgment probably cannot be found. Take, for example, Mel Torme singing Sunshine Superman, or Peggy Lee singing "Hard Day's Night"-please! Even Julie London took leave of her senses to record "Mighty Quinn'. Most painful to listen to.

The indignities don't end there. Imagine the Hollyridge Strings performing the Theme from Shaft, or the Lettermen mis-performing the Doors tunes "Hello I Love You" and "Touch Me." Even the impeccable Nelson Riddle can step on the proverbial wet bar of soap, musically speaking of course, and produce their sad rendition of "Winchester Cathedral."

If you have a morbid curiosity or want a great gag gift for your fellow Loungers, this is definitely the disc to get.

A New Level Of Kitsch
Mel Torme singing 'Sunshine Superman'? Julie London warbling 'Quinn, The Eskimo'? Exotica Supremo Martin Denny taking on 'Incense & Peppermints'? No, you haven't gone insane, you're just listening to the ultimate curveball CD from 'Ultra-Lounge' This may be one of the most mind-warping albums I have ever heard; extremly tasteless and misguided takes on your favorite 60's pop hits by desperate loungeurs trying to be 'relevant' to 'the kids'. They miss the boat entirely, but the result is this strange hybrid; not quite lounge music, not quite rock, not really muzak...but it is (in the words of The Firesign Theatre) 'weirdly cool' . On first listening I didn't know WHAT I was hearing, but this disc has become strangely addictive...

Particular faves are a kinda science-fictiony sounding 'Shaft', Lord Sitar(!) doing a faux Indian take on 'Daydream Believer', Zacharias & his spooky violin on 'Light My Fire', and what must be the strangest 'Heartbreak Hotel' since Dread Zeppelin's...plus the vocal numbers mentioned above. If you are an auditory adventurer, and you 'get' the whole 'lounge' vibe...bend your head around this one!

I'm really in the groove, now...
The British Invasion, it should be noted, contained Miss Peggy Lee. That's right, the Peggy Lee of "Fever". Peggy Lee, you see, was the 5th Beatle. This disc is evidence of that, as you hear Peggy belt out "A Hard Day's Night". Yeah, baby! Oh, and you also get a special version of "Light My Fire"--a version that I think Ed Sullivan would have approved. Come on baby, light my fire. Mel Torme, Wayne Newton--now THAT's counter-culture, man. So put on your fringe vest, those rose-colored Lennon specs, and take a step back in time to some real anit-Establishment venom! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

great overview of a great composer
good performances -jule styne shows he was a great composer and pianist and a great character ! Michael does a good job but his singing is not extraordinary

This project had the right idea, but lost out in the end
To do a project of Jule Styne songs must be the greatest idea, but what happens when you delute his beautiful songs with medley after medley....diaster. What a shame to ruin Jules' songs with such foolishness. I have never been a big fan of medleys.

The good news about this project is that Jule played piano real well. Also Michaels' voice sounded good. I would have preferred a project where there were a lot of indidiual songs being performed. I'm sure my opinion matters, but i'm unhappy about how this project turned out. I feel like, I the fan somehow got short changed. Should my voice matter to Michael and his people.

Recommendation: I Can Not Recommend This Cd ... Read more

Reviews (8)

As renowned jazz critic points out...
She sounds more relaxed and not "flat" when singing in her own German language. It is nice to hear her singing standards in German, you regognize the melodies, and she sounds so natural and her vocie doesn't sound clunky but sexy, sultry, and romantic. Firedwald autor of the great book Jazz Singing writes some intriging liner notes. Best song here might Be Surrey With The Fringe On Top in german! Exellent caberet singing that is sure to please! Also one of the prettiest versions of Time On My Hands, I mean she sings it almost as touchingly as another forgotten crooner Russ Columbo!!!

Dietrich Shines in intimate digital reissue
For those who are not familiar with Dietrich, this is a great first album. Several of her most famous standards along with a few surprises make this a stong overview of the Blue Angel's 50's sound. While few singers are brave enough to tackle the Piaf/Dietrich cabaret repertory, serious fans of this genre would be well advised to obtain Ute Lemper's "Illusions" album. Dietrich sounds wonderful crooning these standards and really owns them due to the arrangments and the vocal placement in the recording. It really is a shame that we can't hear her full glory on modern equipment. There are times when the quality of the originals shows through the careful engineering of the CD, but overall, this is one of the best samples of this period. The softly intimate arrangements are well suited to Dietrichs vocal power and interpretations. Dietrich IS a singer, but she had a strongly person style and crooned through her songs without showing vocal strain by attempting repertory that was outside of her comfort zone.. We should respect the low female voice for what it is.. seductive, gentle and coaxing, and infinitely feminine. Dietrich is this in spades.

Dietrich at her Best
This is my second purchase of this CD; it's actually a melding of two of her old LP's. The German work on here was on an LP, and the other work on another. I loved the German LP until I heard the CD with its improved sound quality. I don't speak German, but I love her work in German. "Time On My Hands" sounds so much better by her in German than I've ever heard it in English! It's a shame the Amazon sampler doesn't include her rendition of "La Vie en Rose". Somehow, it comes across as much softer, more intimate than the matchless Piaf. It's my second-favorite version behind Piaf's. I'm least attracted, and listen least, to her 'updated' works such as the song with Clooney on here. It seems a little too 'sanitized' for me. Whether Dietrich was a singer or not will probably always be a subject for debate. What is beyond argument, however, is her ability to take a song and make that song uniquely hers. Who'd have ever thought that she would tackle "Surrey With a Fringe on Top"?

I recommend, still, that if you can own only one of Dietrich's CD's, this is the one because of the beautiful German recordings. A great price, too!

For all you rock 'n' roll and gangsta rap fans
I hate most old time Hollywood singers and jazz standards of any kind but Dietrich is a special case. She totally transcends all categories. She is the ultimate 'romantic' singer, in the sense that there isn't a trace of mawkishness to be found in her personality. You can play a classic Dietrich song like 'Time on my Hands' after anything anybody else plays and thinks is hip and it will always be hipper. That groovy, surreal German voice; that allure of the total woman; that mystery and glamour; that andorgyny and instant 'noir.' Dietrich can pull more emotion and pain out of a song just by talking through most it than others can singing in 4 octaves.

A surprisingly very good vocal CD.
From Dietrich's 30's movies, you wouldn't expect her to sing as well as she does on this CD, compiled from her 50's studio sessions for Columbia. Informitive liner notes by author of "Jazz Singing" Will Friedwald, are a definite plus, and lot's of glamorous photos inside. Dietrich sounds best singing in german, highlights are German versions of American jazz standards "Time On My Hands," "Surrey With The Fringe On Top," and "Lili Marlene." Another gem is the duet with young Rosemary Clooney "Good For Nothing." And in English Dietrich sings the difinitive version of "No Love, No Nothin'" If you want sultry vocals, and want to hear the under-rated Dietrich really sing, try this CD, she might shock you with her vocal abilities, on this CD she really can sing, and very well. Don't judge her as a vocalist till you've heard this. Recommended ... Read more

Amazon.com

Cabaret singing is one of the most venerable of pop idioms, yet one fraught with some paradoxical pitfalls: betraying emotional candor, yet not the studied artifice of the singer. And while Elvis Costello has a long and successful flirtation with the style, he's seldom delivered it with the consistently stripped-down directness he's mustered here. Costello claims the alum's songs bubbled forth nearly fully-formed over the winter of ‘02-‘03, and indeed they often ebb and flow with an unpredictable fluidity that seems to reflect the songwriter's subconscious mind (to the point of occasionally conjuring fleeting, almost spectral melodic references from his beloved pop standards) at its most creatively naked. For an artist who's long prided himself on the willful literacy and challenging symbolism of his lyrics, the transparency of his romantic musings here is often startling. Likely inspired by an arc of emotional change in his own life (Costello hints that the bittersweet "You Left Me in the Dark" and hopefulness "I'm in the Mood Again" don't bookend the album by coincidence), a subtext of difficult romantic communication also surfaces repeatedly on tracks like the dramatic "Someone Took the Words Away" and lovely "When it Sings," while the neo-classicism of "Still" reunites Costello with the Brodsky Quartet in arguably the album's most traditional, sophisticated moment. Backed by Steve Nieve's spare, haunting piano (the instrument the songwriter composed the songs at; it's the most guitar-free album of his career), the drums of Peter Erskine, and double-bass of Mike Formanek, with only the most economic of orchestral flourishes, the mood is decidedly autumnal, Costello's gently quavering voice pushed into the spotlight as never before, a musical tightrope walk whose sublime execution seldom belies its conceptual audacity. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (62)

ELVIS IS KING!
"North" didn't hit home with me until I listened to it a few times and then watched the DVD that comes with it. I could then tell that Elvis is giving an honest and personal song to each of us. The common saying is that this album sounds like one long song. What I think you have to do with this album is realize he's not trying to make a "My Aim Is True" album, he is trying to be honest, personal and beautiful. This is what he does. If it's not the beautiful orchestration, the warm piano tones, the brilliant lyrics, then it's Elvis' amazing voice singing perfect, thought out melodies into your ears. This album is slowly creeping into my all time top 5 Elvis Costello albums. ELVIS IS KING!

Going the other way...
During a recent interview Elvis was asked about the title to his latest album, "NORTH". He replied that most songs and records written about love are all about a relationship "going South", "well, this is just the opposite of that.." I thought this was a brilliant statement on the body of work that Elvis has brought to us with this effort. So sit back, be quiet, and listen to a man start from loneliness, move to hope, and onto unbridled love all within one record. Elvis's exploration of the intimate rooms of male emotion that he walks into with this record is to be admired and taken in deeply, as most artists in Elvis's position would not be so brave to pursue so completely. His full commitment pays off with the nakedness and very intimate and quiet setting and leaves us feeling as if we are hearing him for the first time. If you wish to hear an artist that not only challenges himself, but his fans continuously, and then go on this journey and discover something most of us never take the time to admit to ourselves.

I concur...
...with the reviewer who said that if there were anything that could possibly improve this terrific CD, it would be that a few arrangements were a bit livelier. Otherwise it's perfect as is.
"Let me tell you about her" (which I've been humming around the house.) and "Fallen" are among my favorites. I hear the next CD will be a rocker. This sort of musical variety should be encouraged and supported. Elvis Costello is a musical treasure. I'd like to see more diversity on one CD.

Very musically artistic
NORTH is my first Elvis Costello CD. I did hear some of his past stuff and I really liked it...but NORTH is one of those CDs you can turn on and just lay down and chill. It's like wine drinking music...haha. I really dig Elvis Costello's voice...he's like the modern day Frank Sinatra, at least on this CD he is. And another thing I really like about the album is that most of the songs are just him singing and piano under him. So do yourself a favor, and get this really mellow jazzy album!

amazing - you better get this cd
He did it again, amazing album with the fantastic Costello. Maybe it's a new genre, maybe it's a new record label but this man and his voice is outstanding, wonderful tracks, heard him live the other day in Ringsted playing some of the "north" tracks, and I was very impressed with his vocal performance and the "mood" he makes with his music ... Read more

Amazon.com

John Bucchino may not be a household name, but his songwriting abilities have gained him many famous fans, several of whom appear on this collection. Backed only by Bucchino on the piano, said fans include Patti LuPone (who featured several Bucchino songs on her last solo recording), Michael Feinstein, Ann Hampton Callaway, Liza Minnelli, and Billy Stritch, but also Jimmy Webb. Sentimentality sometimes rears its ugly head, and the best performances are by those who skillfully avoid it, like Judy Collins, whose "Sweet Dreams" is heart-wrenching, or Art Garfunkel, who lends quiet vulnerability to "If I Ever Say I'm Over You." Now let's give Bucchino a solid libretto and a gifted arranger, and see what he can do with a full show. God knows Broadway is in dire need of tunesmiths.--Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Duly Grateful
I've listened to a great deal of theatre and cabaret music over the past few years but nothing even comes close to this exceptional compilation of songs by John Bucchino. I had never heard of John before buying this CD but on the strength of the performers who have lent their voices and support to this project, from legends like Liza Minnelli, Judy Collins, and Art Garfunkel to legends-in-the-making, Ann Hampton Callaway, Adam Guettel, Kristin Chenoweth, and Bucchino himself, I knew this was a CD not to be missed.

These are brilliant songs and I think it only fitting that the back photo is of John's hands...clearly the hands of genius. I was particularly moved by the songs Temporary, This Moment, Grateful, and the extraordinary If I Ever Say I'm Over You sung beautifully by Art Garfunkel.

If this short review sounds glowing...it is meant to be. I may not be an expert music reviewer but I know a well-written song when I hear one and believe me when I say, Mr. Bucchino has a bright and promising future ahead of him. And like Stephen Schwartz who has written the CD liner notes, I can't wait for Volume Two!

One of 2000's 5 Best CDs - A Must Have
I adore this CD. It is smart, poignant, joyful, and irreverent. And the list of performers speaks for itself! Please purchase this CD if you want to be challenged emotionally and ultimately, become a richer and wiser music fan.

"Grateful" is perhaps the greatest song written in the last 5 years. I feel a lump in my throat each time I hear it. Michael Feinstein's version is perfection. "Taking The Wheel" makes me want to take on the world and all it's demons. That's what music is supposed to do.

Purchase this CD because John is the one of the two or three most important voices in contemporary cabaret and theatre music today.

Dull
I thought the music was dull, the lyrics uninteresting. The only song that made me want to listen to twice was the Daisy Prince piece. The Liza Minelli song was painful.

An appropriate time to be "Grateful"
Before the world changed on September 11, the songs of John Bucchino offered us a moment of reflection in our crazy lives. Now, I believe they offer inspiration. After seeing the horror in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania and feeling the terror of the last three months, how could we not simply be "Grateful" or hold on to the belief that this is only "Temporary" or that we can still keep a sense about us by "Taking the Wheel"? With such wonderful clarity, Mr. Bucchino points out to us what we still have with "Feels Like Home" and "You Know Better Then I".

Besides simply being brilliant compositions, Mr. Bucchino offers us something we desperately need now: Hope.

silly love songs
a couple of gems here amid the mush.

"a powerful man" (about sucking up to your boss) and "the song with violins" (could be a Magnetic Fields toss-off) suggests that when this dude chooses to skip the precious Carole King songs and write on oddball topics he's unbeatable

Quick...somebody give this guy an assignment to write a musical about...the Federal Reserve or somethin' ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Still FABULOUS after 40 years !!
Giddy Can-Can type chansonettes, soulful ballads, Edit Piaf-esque hymns to Paris, Josephine Baker, at the peak of her vocal powers, delivers them all with consummate mastery and apparent ease. Her rich, creamy mezzo and rapid even vibrato are the perfect vehicle for these chansons, and her timing and dynamic expression are impeccable. Far from the twittery interpretations of her early recordings, these songs are the works of a mature master.

Sure, some of the orchestrations and arrangements are corny, but that's the style of the period, and it's great fun. One or two times of listening to this, and you'll be humming happily along.

To those who have never heard Josephine's later recordings, she may at moments be reminiscent of a more fluid, powerful and infinitely happier and more mellow Edith Piaf.

The recoding engineers have done an admirable job of transferring this early stereo work to compact disc. While this recording does not offer the sonic depth of a contemporary recording, it nevertheless delivers everything with great clarity and negligible distortion.

Ueli from Switzerland
Josephine is a legend, showbizz history. And this album is history too with some of Bakers best songs. My only dissapointment is that 'J'ai deux amours' isn't on this album. A bravo to RCA to reissue this Living Stereo album on CD. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Though she would finish her career as one of the most respected jazz singers in American popular music, Rosemary Clooney fought long and hard for those props. This 16-track collection chronicles the early stages of her struggle, mixing the outright, if still vibrant novelty songs (tunes like "Mambo Italiano" and "Come On-A My House" were foisted on Clooney by label exec Mitch Miller) that helped make her a popular film, radio and TV star with more sublime fare like "Tenderly" and the emblematic hit "Hey There." But it's on tracks like Duke Ellington's "Blue Rose" and a pre-Sinatra take on "The Lady is a Tramp" that her true muse comes shining through. Though limited in scope, this anthology manages to showcase the early hits that made Clooney a star and, more importantly, the beginnings of the willful jazz sensibility that forged her legend. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Great Voice and Great Songs
I would rather hear Michael Feinstein sing Irving Berlin's songs than anyone else. My only complaint is the choice of some of the songs. That's my problem, however, and not the fault of the CD. I would have loved to hear him sing "I Love A Piano" as he did on Irving Berlin's 100th birthday celebration. He really gave it a rousing rendition and I wish it had been included on this CD. I do like this CD enough to have bought extra copies for friends, however.

This cd tried to offer us a lot, but in the end offered noth
This cd tried to offer us a lot of songs via medleys, but really missed it's make in the end.

I really like Michaels' voice. It is a one of a kind voice. This cd could had been great had Michael just concentrated on singing about 10 or 12 really good songs. I think the arranging was ok for this cd and Michaels' delivery seemed to sound good.

This was one of his first cds and I agree he was just learing. I think in future cds Michael will be much better. It's just a shame we had to be his ginny pigs.

Arguably MF's Best Album!
Every tune terrifically sung, arranged and played. Check out the medley "Puttin' on the Ritz"/Slumming on Park Avenue" -- bouncy, joyous and undisputedly musical. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A great Movie and Soundtrack!
The soundtrack is wonderful! I love it! I listen to it a lot. The songs can make me dance around and feel good. But, the song "You were there" gets to me! Overall I love the movie and soundtrack!

Good Job with the Sountrack.
The soundtrack to Simon Birch is very beautiful.But I do have one small problem with it.It has a few songs on it that are not in the movie,plus it excludes at least two very good songs that were in the movie."Peter Gunn Theme" and "For Your Love" were not in the soundtrack."Simon's Theme" is probably my favorite song on the whole disc.It's a good CD,but it does have a few flaws.The music might make you cry if you have seen the movie.There you have it.My review.

the best
the soundtrack was great, specially the song "you were there" by babyface, i wonder why that song didn't make it the oscar. i like the song"fever", when i listened to that song, i always thinking simon in the christmas presentation scene in the movie. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

re-new the old
I agree with the previous review.
I wish Ms. Cook would re-visit some of her old stuff,
most especially "The Music Man". I grew up listening to that cast album, and then seeing the movie, with Shirley Jones as Marian Paroo. Shirley did a wonderful job, mind, but she just didn't have the purity of Barbara's voice. And Shirley apparently could not handle "My White Knight".
My big wish is to contact Ms. Cook, because I have a question to ask about "The Music Man"...having read Meredith Willson's book, "But He Doesn't Know the Territory!" The book details Mr. Willson's long struggle to get "The Music Man" to Broadway, and goes into some detail about a counterpoint song, sung on the footbridge, to "My White Knight" that was cut from the show.
My dad an I spent many years trying to figure out how the 2 songs went together, and, as neither of us could play an instrument, we had a lot of trouble. My dad died about the same time as Meredith Willson, and Robert Preston died soon thereafter, so we never found out. I wonder if Barbara Cook still knows how the 2 songs go? Do you, Ms, Cook?

Great CD
I really like this CD. Performed by a former Broadway Actress, by the name of Barbara Cook. She started off her career on Broadway as Marian Paroo in "The Music Man." Then she retired from Broadway and became a terrific singer, which she still is into her 70's. I really like her version of A Wonderful Guy. I wish she would re-record some songs from "The Music Man," on her next CD.

All I Ask of You........is to keep singing, Barbara.
In her Carnegie Hall concert of November, 1998, Miss Barbara Cook sang a medley of songs from "She Loves Me," a musical in which she starred on Broadway in the early '60's. I wished she would rerecord these beautiful songs. There was so much more depth and maturity in her singing nearly 40 years later. Soon thereafter, DRG released "All I Ask of You," which did indeed include these gems. In fact, many of the songs on this cd are also on her Carnegie Hall album of 1975. Listen to the differences in "Glad Rag Doll" and the songs from "She Loves Me." Her handling of the high "b" at the end of "Ice Cream" is more focused and precise than ever before. And the way she wraps her lovely soprano around the last note in both "In Buddy's Eyes" and "Somewhere" is worth the price of the CD. This chanteuse knows how to interpret both ballads and uptempo numbers with equal effect. The fact that she knows how to choose a musical director (Wally Harper) doesn't hurt either. Not bad for a lady in her 70's.

Consistently splendid work from the marvelous Miss Cook
Barbara Cook's singing is one of the great wonders of the world of music. This CD is another stellar addition to her very impressive body of work in the '90's. She also chooses her partners better than any other singer - the arrangements and orchestrations by Wally Harper and Peter Matz are just perfect for her and for the songs. It's hard to pick a favorite - All I Ask of You is beautiful, Wonderful Guy is delightful, the She Loves Me medley is marvelous anew after all these years, I Wonder What Became of Me is poignant but not maudlin, and We'll Be Together Again is entrancingly lovely. I also love the combination of New Sun in the Sky and On A Clear Day - my only quibble is that the orchestration is better suited for a live performance. (It is stunning when done live). Overall, another disc that I will listen to repeatedly and enjoy and enjoy. Barbara Cook never gives us less than her best, and at 71 her best is still THE best. What a treasure....

Barbara Cook does it again!
Another beautiful piece of work from this one-time Broadway ingenue, whose voice only gets better with time. I especially liked some lesser-known songs from Broadway, such as The Very Next Man (Fiorello); In Buddy's Eyes (Follies) and a medley from She Loves Me. The orchestrations by Peter Matz are rich, complex, and totally unexpected. In short, a must for any Barbara Cook fan, and anobody who appreciates the Broadway show song. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

My first Marlene album!
I actually got this album 2 days ago. And I love it. I was shocked and delighted to find it in a local Tower Records. And it's also my first Marlene album. I fell in love just a few months ago...
The CD is great, it's only fault is the lack of my personal favorite, the wonderful "The boys in the backroom"... On this album, I LOVE the new production of "Falling in love again" and "Lili Marleen". The way she performes the songs here, they sound better than the original recordings... or maybe so it seems. Although it's a bit annoying how the music can be really loud and than disappear and Marlene's whispers barely heared... I have to change the volium sometimes. Especially when she speaks. And her dialougs are entertaining and so adorable! I also gotta mention her singing in Hebrew, it's hillarious! ("Shir hatan") I am listening to the album non stop and it's just great. She sounds seductive, and vocally amazing. I read someone else here say: "Dietrich can pull more emotion and pain out of a song just by talking through most it, than others can while singing in 4 octaves." So true...

Campy!
I had listened to older CDs by her, and was hoping for a sultry, smoke-filled room feeling. I read previous reviews and thought this one sounded good, but it is grating to me, not at all what I expected. Too modern and noisy.

I Fell in Love
I was a young man of 17 when on a hot August night in 1968 I went to a Marlene Dietrich concert at Merriweather Post Pavillion in Columbia, MD. I had discovered Miss Dietrich on my own the year earlier and while others my age were enthralled with the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, I was spinning Dietrich. I had trouble finding someone to go to the concert with me and ended up taking my older sister. I had been listening to the Dietrich in London recording and was hoping to hear much of it live. I was not disappointed. From the furtive peek between the curtains at the audience to her last curtain call Dietrich owned the audience. Many were drawn to the stage from their seats to get a closer glimpse of this legend. Funny in dialogue, intriguing in song, La Dietrich left a lasting impression on a young man in 1968 that continues to this day. Buy the CD, hear the magic, experience a legend. You won't be disappointed.

If you only buy one Dietrich CD, get this one
Dietrich was a tireless performer who was still touring long after most of her peers were home knitting (if they were still alive). Many believe that her voice improved with age, and this recording of a live performance in London certainly supports that belief. The audience obviously loved her, and you can tell that she gave them a hell of a show. Very good stereo sound.

La Dietrich captivates as only she can
What can be said of this recording? That it is a classic in the Dietrich oeuvre; that it has sold over a million copies worldwide; and that it presents the captivating Miss Dietrich at her best.

The recording, recorded in London in late 1964, presents Dietrich at - in the opinion of many critics - her best in the qaurter of a century she toured the world with her legendary one-woman act.

Many Dietrich standards are included - from the film days ("Lola", "Laziest gal in town" and the inevitable "Falling in love again") to some of her later numbers ("Honeysuckle rose" - a sublime rendition) and songs she picked up on her extensive tours ("Shir Hatan").

Most fans will already own this album; however, it is also a wondeful introduction to the cigarette-smoke tinged cabaret world of Miss Dietrich. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The title refers to Mel Torme's longtime pianist Mike Renzi, who has also been Maureen McGovern's collaborator since Torme introduced them in 1981. Following Another Woman in Love, their second voice-piano project is a luscious collection of love songs. McGovern doesn't use all of her celebrated multiple-octave range, but she has never sounded better than when pouring her heart into these songs.Listen to her pause and sigh in the line, "Though I live at 5135 Kensington Avenue / And he lives at 51... 33."Not even Judy Garland longed this much for the boy next door! The song list is impeccable, and Renzi always provides the perfect setting and exquisite accompaniment. An absolutely beautiful album.--David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (3)

In a class by herself...
Just listen carefully to the first sentence of one song, "The Nearness of You," and you will have a small sampling of the magic and phenomenal musicianship that this woman has at her command. The tone quality is luscious and expressive beyond words, and, ohhhhhhhh, what she does with that voice of hers. Listen to the word "Moon." It starts out with no vibrato, then she adds it, ever so delicately. It's not just vibrato - listen to the *quality* of the vibrato... subtle... sensual... stunning... It's delicious. It's just one of countless tiny details that makes this singer an artist. Now listen to the word "Thrills," sung in a whisper. Wonderful, Maureen. So expressive. Elsewhere her voice will soar and penetrate your heart. Maureen's color palette is endless, and she knows how and where to use it. Listen to the word "You," when she sings "It's just the nearness of you." Perfect intonation (another tool at her command - she will use imperfect intonation when it serves an expressive purpose - listen to "Summertime" on her "Naughty Baby" CD, another great CD). Listen to how delicately and smoothly she adds vibrato at the end of the word "You." It's stunning.

If Maureen sang *every* held note starting with no vibrato and adding it at the end, it would begin to lose its effect. But she knows better - she has impeccable musical instinct and intelligence. Trust her. When she gets to the held out word "Sweet---" she sings the whole note, beginning to end, with that stunning vibrato. Sometimes she will sing a long note with absolutely NO vibrato, creating tension like a stretched rubber band. Ohhhhhhhh, what that does to me! She has perfected the art of vibrato - when to use it, when not to use it, how to use it, how much to use, what quality... etc. etc.

Maureen's talent does not end with stunning vocal prowess. She *uses* her vocal prowess to tell a story, to sit us front center at a dramatic event, making us feel what the character singing the song is feeling. Vocal technique is never an end unto itself.

Today I put on The Pleasure of His Company on my CD player, and I was blown away by it. The thing is, I've owned this CD for 3 years and have listened to it countless times. I'm STILL blown away. Maureen is in a class by herself. Finally, I should add that Mike Renzi's piano accompaniment is itself a treasure. Get this CD and start your Maureen McGovern collection today!

Beautiful
The combination of Maureen McGovern and Mike Renzi...it doesn't get any better than this!

Great Album by Candlelight
The main reason i bought this album was because of two earlier albums I had puchased. The tracks are sensual and relaxing. McGovern's voice shines. One of the best tracks are #8 "How are things in Glocca Morra" from the musical Finians Rainbow. With Mike Renzi on Piano McGovern shines again. Move over Striesand! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Elaine Stritch is a legend and she knows it. And so she came up with a whole one-woman show about the best topic she could think of: her life in the theater. And what a trip it's been. From Ethel Merman to Noel Coward, Stritch has worked with some of the greatest names to grace the American stage, and she has anecdotes about all of them (most are included on this recording). In this show, she hits all the marks with the acuity of a seasoned pro who's seen it all and whose love for the theater remains undiluted. Stritch is not a traditionally pretty singer (those gravelly pipes!), but she absolutely knows how to give life to a song, extracting the last drop of meaning, dropping pauses for effect with deadly accuracy. Sondheim's "Ladies Who Lunch" and "Broadway Baby" will be hers forever, and a case could be made for the hilarious "Zip" (from Pal Joey) and the obscure, spectacularly politically incorrect "Civilization" (from the revue Angel in the Wings) as well. Fittingly, this two-CD set includes "I'm Still Here," which may well be Stritch's motto. If you're looking for a concise yet bewitching history of the musical, this is it. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Reviews (31)

A Legend Sizzles
Elaine Stritch is an actress who should be seen on stage to be fully appreciated. I have not been fortunate enough to see "Elaine Stritch At Large", but I did see her in Sondheim's "Company". It is impossible to define her talent. It is so vast and her energy and drive are mesmerizing.
With this said I can highly recommend the cast album (and she is the only cast member) of her latest Broadway venture. What you hear is a fascinating life story told with complete candor.
Elaine Stritch has always been a "Broadway Baby." Her career was primarily in the theatre with a few forays into motion pictures and an aborted TV series. Most of her Broadway musicals were sub standard in quality and usually not big hits. However Stritch, as most friends and colleagues call her, always dominated the stage and held the audience and critics in her hand.
If you listen to this CD you will understand why. She tells the story of her life with songs from some of the shows she was in. Some are absolutely hilarious. Her relationship with Ben Gazzara, dealing with Ethel Merman in "Call Me Madam", her adoration for Rock Hudson. She left Ben Gazzara for Hudson not knowing, of course, that he was gay. "And we all know what a lousy mistake that was", she says.
She tells us of her 10 year marriage to John Bay and the happiness he brought her. Her years of drinking while on stage are truly heart breaking. But Stritch doesn't play for tears. She's a gutsy lady who lays it on the line. And it truly takes guts to do the show she is doing.
You'll laugh, you'll cry and you will cheer. Elaine Stritch is the kind of legend Broadway no longer has. Long may she rule

Sheer Brilliance
"It's not the work, it's the steps." PERFECT! Although my tickets to see Ms. Stritch are set for weeks from now, this is an absolutely infectious CD. I have to admit it -- move over, Bea Arthur. Although I saw Bea live and have the recording and thought Stritch couldn't top her, she has. This is a double CD set that is a MUST for any lover of the theater. Not only does Stritch give her distinct and impeccable (I say this truly) voice to the music, but her vignettes are funny, touching, and heart-breaking. Ms. Stritch is a "voice" that will never be forgotton. Hearing "Zip" and her Sondheim touchs make this a CD that will be a permanant favorite in my collection. A life life like "Strichy's" is unparalleled. Anyone who loves theater or who wants to enter the industry needs to listen to this CD long and hard! She's laughed, she's cried, she's got the t-shirt. I can only hope that when I visit the Neil Simon to see her live, I can see and hear what I've heard on this recording. Loves, laughs, liquor, and lucidity. Stritch is still here and is here to stay. This is not only a purchace, but an investment.

An Amazing Recording by an Amazing Woman!!!
This CD is worth every penny! Elaine Stritch tells all in her hilarious Tony Award winning one-woman show! Hysterically funny in every way, and I am so happy that this masterpeice was preserved on CD. Check out the DVD of "Elaine Stritch - At Liberty" also availble from Amazon... it's just as great!!!!!

IF YOU'VE GOT A HEART, LET IT BREAK
To keep it short and compact, Elaine Stritch delivers a one-woman show that is SO DEEP, SO FUNNY, SO SAD, SO GRAB-AT-THAT-PATHOS-OR!I'LL!KILL!YOU!!!!

This is my 'comfort music.' When I'm feeling sad or down, I put this 2-CD set on my sound system and I doan feel so bad anymore.

Lainie's been through it ALLLLLLLLL!!!!!! You can now listen to the tears and the fears and the peers, all in stereo!

Buy the DVD
To appreciate this show to full effect..buy the dvd. It's even better then being in the theatre as you get that real close up effect. Not sure that you would want to watch or listen to it more than a couple of times...but its still a recommended release. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A fine sampler of her work
This CD would be worth owning for the first two tracks - 'You Was Right, Baby' and 'It's A Good Day' which are both two of my favorite songs of all time. But really, every song on here is good. 'Is That All There Is?' is a elegantly detached masterpiece.
Peggy Lee was a great talent and this disc is the perfect introduction to her work. Ignore the 'remix' at the end which makes this seem like it's trying to compete with the other single-disc samplers like Elvis #1 Hits or the Beatles 1.

Fever Hard to Bear
Life is so peculiar. My interest in Peggy Lee was sparked by Maria Muldaur's tribute CD "A Woman Alone With the Blues (Remembering Peggy Lee)." Then I found an old LP at a garage sale and wanted to hear more. This disc is an excellent snapshot of her work. The remastering makes the tracks clear with the only exception some distortion on her wonderful teaming with Louis Prima on "Yeah Yeah Yeah." That track is a great rocking jazzfest with the horns mostly clear throughout and Peggy's great, "I say drive he says yeah. I say park he says yeah. I say neck he says yeah. He says yeah yeah yeah yeah all the time!" Of course, the most famous of her songs is "Fever" with its throbbing bass and finger snap percussion. The 2003 remix that closes the CD that tries to update her sound wasn't particularly needed from my perspective, but the original burns with that fever that's so hard to bear. Another highlight for me is "Life is So Peculiar." It's got a great swing, "The ocean's only got water, you never know where you stand." The liner notes are very informative, telling us that this was recorded as a duet with Bing Crosby in her first film "Mr. Music" but was recorded by Peggy without Bing since he recorded for Decca and she for Capitol. Peggy penned "I Love Being Here with You" that swings with a vengeance, "I like a dance by Fred Astaire, & Brando's eyes, Yule Brenner's hair, but I think to tell you's only fair that I love being here with you." This is an excellent way to discover or remember Miss Peggy Lee! Enjoy!

Creme de Capitol
Culled from the amazing Singles box-set, this is a good package to pick up if you don't want to shell out for the box, or if you just want a nice selection of rare sides & hits by La Lee. The final cut is a dance remix of "Fever" for the club kids!

Superb Overview
A great selection of Peggy Lee's best. Spans some of her best fron the 40s, 50s, and 60s. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

This MOONDANCE is the Best Version!
All the songs on this album are fabulous, but Michael's version of MOONDANCE can't be beat by any other artist in any venue. He is sincere in his vocalizing and a "pro" who simply can't be beat by anyone alive today! His phrasing is as good as Sinatra's but Michael Feinstein is in a class all his own -- he's on a pinnacle, but not an "ivory tower." He is one of a kind -- the best in his field.

My favorite of Michael's work
OK, let's face it, Michael Feinstein isn't for everyone. Some people think he's too sappy, a weaker Frank Sinatra, and so on. That said, I think this album is for everyone. From his eloquent cover of Van Morrison's "Moondance" to his own "Half of April" each and every one of these songs is performed with heart and a gentle touch. This is very much unlike his "songbook" albums - where he takes one composer's work and does it to death - which is what generally comes to mind with Michael's work , here there is a more eclectic style that gives you a truer sense of the great range and talent he posesses.

This MOONDANCE is the Best Version!
All the songs on this album are fabulous, but Michael's version of MOONDANCE can't be beat by any other artist in any venue. He is sincere in his vocalizing and a "pro" who simply can't be beat by anyone alive today! His phrasing is as good as Sinatra's but Michael Feinstein is in a class all his own -- he's on a pinnacle, but not an "ivory tower." He is one of a kind -- the best in his field.

THIS CD COULD'VE BEEN BETTER, BUT........
When i bought this cd, i had high hopes for it. After playing it several times, i realized that it was not the cd for me. It had some good songs, but not enough of them. It had a few outstanding arrangements. This cd could have been better with more selective song selection and better arranging. Maybe in the future we can have some of both. I love you Michael, but this cd doesn't work.

I'm not a Michael Feinstein fan, but....
I'm not a Michael Feinstein fan. I think the work he's done with the Gershwin catalogues is incredible but I've always found Feinstein to come off as sounding arrogant. Perhaps he isn't in real life, but that's how he brushes off on me.

However, I'm able to put my personal prejudices aside to say that I really enjoy this particular album. No matter what your mood may be at any given time, there's something here for you. There's the beautiful soaring melody in "My Romance" and the dreamy "Soon". The mischevious "Moondance" is how I always thought this song should be performed. Add in the energetic "Too Marvelous For Words" and the thought provoking "What Ever Happened to Melody" and you've got a quite enjoyable collection.

As another reviewer mentioned, this pairs very nicely with Feinstein's "Isn't It Romantic" compilation.

So long as Mr. Feinstein continues to produce cds like this one, I'll continue to buy them. It doesn't mean I'll like Michael Feinstein, but I do like his album! ... Read more

Amazon.com

On Steel Guitar Rodeo and its 2002 predecessor, Steel Guitar Air Show, pedal steel guitarist Jon Rauhouse and his band of rootsifying Chicago regulars create a dreamy generic blend that froths its basic shots of country with tinges of Western swing and jazz and Hawaiian music--and the "Theme from Perry Mason." As you might expect from titles like "Hamma Hamma Hula" and "Swingin' Elephant Graveyard," this is happy music, even when guest singer Kelly Hogan is aching beautifully through "Prisoner of Love" and the estimable leader, in his rancher guise, is "wishin' and hopin' in vain" for rain.A keenly (and cleanly) melodic affair, the album also features vocals by New Pornographer Neko Case, Mekon Sally Timms and Giant Sand man Howe Gelb and a mess of ace accompaniment by featured guitarist Tommy Connell. So cohesive are the effects, the early jazz experimentation of Raymond Scott's zippy "Powerhouse" and the thick British nostalgia of the Vera Lynn tearjerker, "(There'll Be Blue Birds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover," sound right at home together. --Lloyd Sachs ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Swingin' Fun
I heard a piece on Rauhouse on NPR and had to give the album a try. What fun! A breezy retro collection with no irony, just pure enjoyment of true 'feel good' (How I hate that phrase but here it fits) music. The vocals complement the music so well: no "American Idol" screeching here--they know how to sing. His other album, "Steel Guitar Air Show" is also excellent, and in this vein, Los Straitjackets' "Supersonic Guitars in 3D" and "Viva Los Straijackets" are worth a listen. Don't forget Ry Cooder's "Mambo Sinuendo" to complete your guitar fest.

Amazing lineup, great tunes
Besides being an awesome pedal steel player, Jon Rauhouse knows how to make a fun record. The instrumentals on Rodeo are awesome (Raymond Scott's "Powerhouse" is incredible!). And he somehow assembled a great cast of vocalists on this disc, too--Neko Case, Carolyn Mark, Kelly Hogan, and Sally Timms all take turns on songs. Rauhouse sounds like the missing link between Speedy West and Calexico. It's retro-sounding, but not a pastiche. His songs span a bunch of eras (from Raymond Scott to alt-country), but they're all played really really really well. Guitar virtuosos can get pretty boring, but not these guys. There are a ton of different styles here, but they all somehow work together. This is one of those rare CDs that would appeal to guitar geeks or anyone who just likes to hear fun music. I could listen to this CD every day.

Jon Rauhouse's Steel Guitar Rodeo
On NPR, All Songs Considered, Steel Guitar Rodeo was featured as one of "the most anticipated albums of 2004." www.npr.org/programs/asc/archives/yearahead04/

"Jon Rauhouse's second solo work is a diverse and eclectic mix destined to land on 'Best Of' lists for 2004. Rauhouse is a guitar wizard with masterful grace and elegance." http://umbrellamusic.com/cdreview.php?id=574 ... Read more

Album Description

The arch-duchess of cabaret, Marlene Dietrich is the quintessential glamour girl of the twentieth century. Two parts ice-queen and one part vamp, her voice -- shown-off in this state-of-the-art remastered classic collection of hits displaying Marlene at her best -- was an instrument she used to tease, seduce, and mock. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A taste of Dietrich at budget price
Most of the songs here are older recordings with poor to decent sound quality (with the exception of 'Mein Blondes Baby,' which sounds great)--but let me tell you, it matters very little. The English version of 'Lili Marlene' on here is a better performance than the English version on 'The Cosmopolitan Marlene' CD, though not as good as the magnificent German version on the same CD. Some of the songs have only novelty value but the performances of 'Symphonie,' 'Illusions,''I've been in Love Before,''Black Market' and 'Mein Blondes Baby' aren't just classic, they're immortal (nothing else can even approximate their romantic atmosphere). All in all, quite a lot of value for the five dollars you pay.

Wonderful Voice!
Marlene Dietrich undoubtedly has a spectacular and lovely voice. This CD can appeal to so many. I am fourteen, and even I can appreciate the time of Marlene Dietrich. Her beauty survives. She has a voice that surely can enchant eveyone. This CD has a perfectly reasonable price and a short biography of Marlene Dietrich inside the cover in which it tells some of her accomplishments. It is not a brilliant bio or anything, but it was helpful for me because I knew practically nothing about the woman. I also have to note, though, that the quality of the songs is not great, but this CD is worth it. "Lili Marlene," "Black Market," "Falling in Love Again," and "Near You" are surely the best songs. Dietich's voice is beatiful, though a little deep and masculine. It is a pleasing gift.

Great voice, great songs...
Dietrich has a great voice; unfortunately this CD is lacking in technical quality. Many of the recordings are pre-tape and don't sound that great. Her voice, however is exquisite, and well worth the cost of the CD.

It's a matter of personal taste.
If Marlene Dietrich is your cup of tea then this is her best. If not,.......... Incidentally, one of the songs is mislabeled: it should be The Boys in the Back Room, not Background.

Fabulous
The sultry, siren-esque sounds of Marlene's lyrics are unparalelled in the whole sphere of music. From the delicacy of falling in love again to the raunch of Jonny, each provides a seamingly aphrodisiac quality. Although no recording can do her justice, this one makes a vallant attempt. Bravo Marlene! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The best ladies of the 1940's in one package
This double-CD contains 51 songs from the late 1930's to the early 1950's, all beautifully sung by some of the finest ladies of their generation, all mastered to the high quality that is expected of Jasmine. Of course, there are limits to what even Jasmine can do with such old recordings, but anybody who buys such material has to allow for that. As far as I'm concerned, the sound is as good as it could be expected to be.

I'm not sure that it was necessary to include as many as four songs by my favorite lady of the era, Doris Day, but they are good ones. Three of them are famous, while My dreams are getting better all the time - every bit as good as the others - was an American number one hit.

Three of Peggy Lee's big hits of the forties are also included, my favorite among them being Its a good day. Also represented by three songs each are Billie Holiday, Kitty Kallen, Helen Forrest, Anita O'Day and Jo Stafford. Just two songs each for June Christy, Marjorie Hughes, Martha Tilton, Helen Ward, Patti Page, Margaret Whiting, the Andrews sisters and Dinah Shore. Some of the singers represented by just one song are obscure, but it is surprising that Judy Garland, Ivie Anderson, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne and Vera Lynn only get one song each.

My particular favorite tracks here include Loch Lomond (Martha Tilton - a very under-rated singer), A tree in the meadow (my favorite Margaret Whiting song), I had the craziest dream (Helen Forrest) and Powder your face with sunshine (Evelyn Knight - a lady with a bubbly personality who always sang happy songs and deserved more success than she had) - but there are so many great songs here. And, most importantly, there's no rubbish.

A compilation like this will never completely satisfy anybody. For example, some will wonder why Margaret Whiting's signature song, Moonlight in Vermont, was omitted. Nevertheless, this is as good an introduction to the great ladies of the forties as you are likely to find. After hearing this a few times, you may decide to collect their individual compilations. That could be an expensive exercise, but the ladies will be well worth the money.

Track listing

1 Sentimental journey - Doris Day
2 My dreams are getting better all the time - Doris Day
3 It's magic - Doris Day
4 Bewitched - Doris Day
5 Trolley song - Judy Garland
6 Shoo fly pie and apple pan dowdy - June Christy
7 Willow weep for me - June Christy
8 Rumour are flying - Marjorie Hughes
9 Oh what it seemed to be - Marjorie Hughes
10 It's a good day - Peggy Lee
11 Manana (is soon enough for me) - Peggy Lee
12 Golden earrings - Peggy Lee
13 Loch Lomond - Martha Tilton
14 And the angels sing - Martha Tilton
15 You turned the tables on me - Helen Ward
16 Goody goody - Helen Ward
17 All my love - Patti Page
18 Tennessee waltz - Patti Page
19 Two sleepy people - Ginny Simms and Harry Babbitt
20 Any old time - Billie Holiday
21 Man I love - Billie Holiday
22 Travellin' light - Billie Holiday
23 My ideal - Margaret Whiting
24 Tree in a meadow - Margaret Whiting
25 I got it bad and that ain't good - Ivie Anderson
26 I can't give you anything but love - Rose Murphy
27 It's been a long long time - Kitty Kallen
28 I'll buy that dream - Kitty Kallen
29 Waitin' for the train to come in - Kitty Kallen
30 I had the craziest dream - Helen Forrest
31 I don't want to walk without you - Helen Forrest
32 Time waits for no one - Helen Forrest
33 I wanna be loved - Andrews sisters
34 I can dream can't I - Andrews sisters
35 All of me - Helen O'Connell
36 Into each life some rain must fall - Ella Fitzgerald an the Ink spots
37 A Sunday kind of love - Fran Warren
38 Blues in the night - Dinah Shore
39 You'd be so nice to come home to - Dinah Shore
40 Opus one - Anita O'Day
41 Boogie blues - Anita O'Day
42 And her tears flowed like wine - Anita O'Day
43 Yes indeed - Jo Stafford and Sy Oliver
44 It could happen to you - Jo Stafford and Sy Oliver
45 Shrimp boats - Jo Stafford and Sy Oliver
46 Stormy weather - Lena Horne
47 How high the moon - Les Paul and Mary Ford
48 When the lights go on again - Vera Lynn
49 At last - Connie Haines
50 Powder your face with sunshine - Evelyn Knight
51 Hurry on down - Nellie Lutcher ... Read more