Album Details

Digitally Remastered 40 Song Double Disc Collection of Ms. Faithful's Years on Decca Records. "Marianne Faithfull is a Treasure Unique in Popular Music. Long May She Remain So. Enjoy this 40 Track Overview of her Decca Years and Marvel in the Quiet Success that Faithfull Had in the Recording Studio in the Period When London was Swinging and How her Interpretive Skills which have Become More Stunning as She's Aged have their Roots in this Material..." Daryl Easlea, 2005. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

If you love Marianne Faithfull's folk early days, this is it
If you're looking for "Sister Morphine" "Eyes of Lucy Jordan" or any later remakes of Faithfull's early works this is not the place to find them! All of these are during the period of time when her voice was young, fresh and at times operatic.This includes her folk pieces for the "hard-core" folk listener but also lovely covers of things I never realized she even did that others took to more recognized heights.

Examples being "The First Time Ever I saw Your Face", "Monday Monday", "If I Never Get to Love You" (IMO a gentler version than the late great Timi Yuro's which I still do love anyhow!); "I'm a Loser" and yes, she even covered Petula's "Down Town" very sweetly!

Thoroughly enjoyable listening experience of another time in a great artist's long career!
... Read more

Amazon.com

Rising cabaret star David Campbell made his U.S. recording debut at the age of 23 with Yesterday Is Now, mixing familiar standards ("Come Rain or Come Shine") with wistful nostalgia ("On Such a Night as This," "Whatever Happened to Melody?") and gems from contemporary songwriters (Amanda McBroom's "Erroll Flynn," David Friedman's "Help Is on the Way," written for the late Nancy Lamott). Campbell's warm voice is a delight to listen to, and his understanding of lyrics belies his years. He also explores his roots with his "Australian Musical Medley" (otherwise no accent is perceptible). Campbell has made his impression on U.S. audiences, appearing in the 1999 concert revival of Babes in Arms as well as the January 2000 off-Broadway premiere of Stephen Sondheim's Saturday Night. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (11)

David Campbell, One of the Few Classy Cabaret Stars of Today
I purchased this CD about a year ago, and love it. My favorite songs are "Help Is On The Way" and the medley of "Out Of My Dreams/I Have Dreamed". I think his vocal presentation and interpretation is gorgeous! He has the same vocal presence as another one of my favorite male Pop/Cabaret vocalists, Michael Poss. In fact, David Campbell's CD listed above, and Michael Poss'new CD release 'Silver Screen Serenades', contain one of my favorite songs, "On Such A Night As This". It's always fascinating to hear the same song arranged,interpreted and presented by vocalists in a fresh, new way. Michael Poss' version is Big Band style, yet David's is done slower and more introspective. Both are excellent recordings. I think David has the same vocal quality as Broadway great, Michael Crawford. I hope he will be performing in Los Angeles in the near future. I'll also be looking for his name in a Broadway show. I know it'll be coming, soon!

Broadway fan in Japan
I had expected a lot before I listened to this CD for the first time, because it was the guy that impressed me so much in the video:"HEY MR PRODUCER!", singing "Martin Guerre" and "The Last Night of the World". But his singing in this CD is somehow unsatisfactory. His voice is, yes, beautiful, he has (probably) perfect technique of singing, but his singing in this CD lacks some 'spirit'. I purchased, at the same time, Sean McDermott's "My Broadway" which REALLY 'touched' me. The difference probably comes from the fact that Sean McDermott actually acted and sang most of the numbers on his stage. So, I hope David Campbell will also appear on the stages in NY, London or anywhere (Tokyo, too) and release his future CDs from his own numbers. I believe he can, because he is so talented and still young. But how could he perform so perfectly in "HEY MR PRODUCER!", though he had never acted in "Martin Guerre" nor "Miss Saigon" ?

Excellent singer - several interesting songs
Like many others, I first happened across David Campbell on the "Hey Mr. Producer" CD/DVD and was very impressed with his singing and acting. I'll admit I was a little concerned when I first started playing this CD - the first song just didn't seem to meet the standard I was expecting. However, by the time he started singing the poignant "Error Flynn", he had won me over. He also takes an interesting twist on Sondheim's Broadway Baby - normally sung by women - he carries it off. I'll purchase other CDs by Mr. Campbell and would love to see him on stage.

Only Heaven Knows if There's a Better Cabaret Singer Around!
The first of David Campbell's CD's is a brilliant start and will make you want to run out and by his second CD, "Taking the Wheel".

Campbell is a Cabaret singer the likes of Michael Feinstein and Brian Lane Green. Not only is his choice of music and his phrasing and interpretation impeccable, but his voice is beautiful on top.

If you have ever had the pleasure of experiencing him live (in a Cabaret, or a musical), then you know that he also has an amazing presence is.

well it left me cold
Wish I knew what the rest of the reviewers hear or feel. He is not bad, but not worth raving about. Hard for me to find outstanding male singers to compare with the talented females (Linda Eder, Liz Callaway, Stacy Sullivan, Lisa Richard etc etc). Where are the Robert Goulets, Harve Presnells of today. It may get played on a semi annual basis. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Mixed Bag
It was only with the advent of radio that people all over the nation were able to listen to the same versions of the same music by the same artists and as the record companies produced them, and with this the pop song was born.

The aptly titled History of Pop Radio traces popular music from 1920-1951 and does a good job of introducing a diverse mix of both well-known and forgotten melodies.

The sound quality is generally good and this box set includes the 15 CDs, each with around 20 songs and approximately an hour long. It also contains an 80-page booklet in lieu of liner notes, but the information contained in it isn't particularly noteworthy.

The real problem with this collection is the quality of the music. when I listened to these CDs I discovered that I don't really like the hits of yesterday any better than currently popular music. Of course there are a good number of gems by the likes of Arthur Cruddup, Louis Jordan, and Glen Miller, but these songs are greatly outnumbered by syrupy crooners like Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore.

Listening to the 15 CDs was interesting and so I recommend it as a learning experience, but there's only about 2-3 CDs worth of good music here. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Frankly, it feels a bit weird to listen to Edith Piaf perform in English. There aren't many singers so associated with a country as Piaf is with France. And yet she did record some of her hits in English in an attempt to facilitate her career in the United States. While newcomers to the singer's oeuvre should start with her French albums, this CD is fascinating for advanced Piaf listeners. Most of the sides were cut 1950 and show Piaf in fine vocal form on tracks such as "La vie en rose" (she switched from English to French for the title) and "Autumn Leaves" ("Les feuilles mortes"), a strangely compelling hybrid that alternates between French and English. Piaf was certainly more at ease singing in French, but her charismatic sense of drama could break through in just about any language. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Support Paula - This disc is great
My wife and I first saw Paula West at the Plush Room in San Francisco on Valentines Day 1998. She played a knockout set, and even though we are serious jazzers - it takes a really good female vocalist to satisfy us these days for some reason.

The arrangements are witty, sultry and they swing hard. Paula's band is tight. Pick up this and her second disc. This disc is worth the price for her interpretation of Fly Me To the Moon alone. And this is a Sinatra fan talkin`.

This album is more refined than her first disc, and is a great addition to any cabaret-jazz fan's library. Buy the disc and recommend it to someone else, but hey - see her live.

Simply stunning.
I haven't been touched this deeply by an artist in a long, long time. Her version of Waters of March is nothing short of brilliant... as is the rest of the album. She doesn't so much sing, as channel emotion.

If you can catch her live, don't hesistate. I was taken to see her show as a Valentine's Day surprise, and both my boyfriend and I were astounded. Five minutes into the show, we knew that we were witnessing an extraordinary talent.

A true heir to the tradition of the great female Jazz singer
My wife and I saw Paula live at the Firebird Cafe in New York City last spring during one of her rare swings to the East. She got a sensational review in "The New York Times" and merited every word. She opened her set with "Who Will Buy," which opens this CD, and it took only seconds for us to realize we were in the presence of a rare talent in mature command of her gifts. "Who Will Buy" is one of those songs that Streisand "did" years ago and others rarely try--now Paula has made it jazz and made it her own. "Fly Me To the Moon" swings, and "Don't Fence Me In" is a gas. After the show, we wrote in her guest book that we had grown up on Ella, Carmen, Sarah, and the other greats--and the their tradition was in her good hands (which got us a teary hug). Try Paula; you'll love her!

Great CD!
My vocal coach suggested I buy this CD...and I am not sorry. Paula West is a fantastic vocalist. One of my favorite cuts is "Why Can't You Behave". She sings it with such emotion. When you hear her sing, you can just picture yourself in a cozy lounge, sipping champagne. Enjoy!

Great interpretation, great swing!
Paula West is my favorite of the almost three dozen new jazz vocalists I've listened to in the past year or so, and this, her second album, is even better than her first CD. I've never heard "Who will buy?"(from Oliver!) swung before, and it's a complete delight. Hard swingin'?--listen to "Fly Me to the Moon" with the amazing timing she brings to bear in her third chorus. This is a disc I've listened to again and again, and my favorite cuts keep changing. More! More! More! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great smoky piano-bar jazz
If you only know Leonhart from her work with Steely Dan, get ready to be blown away! This is wonderful piano-bar jazz, simple yet melodic arrangements, and superb musicianship. The title track, "Little Man", and "Yesterday's A Dream" are standouts, but there are no weak or filler tracks here. I'm not very knowledgeable about jazz, so I don't know how to compare this to other jazz artists to give you a frame of reference. But that doesn't mean I don't know wonderful music when I hear it. Beautiful record!

steal the moon
carolyn leonhart delivers an excellent eclectic vocal performance on this cd. her style oscillates between traditional and bop, but she is always precise.

highlights include: it didn't turn out that way - with a vocal track reminiscent of early carmen mcrae and sarah vaughn; i've grown accustomed to her face - tender placement...makes you sit and weep

while this cd does not truly reflect the extensive range of carolyn's skills, it is a fine choice in a line of introductory material from this talented vocalist. i look forward to hearing her future work.

Royally Rich
It is so wonderful to have a new solo album from this magnificent artist. This is Carolyn's first state-side solo collection and it is truly beautiful. Her first two solo albums for Japanese EMI were fine, but were hampered by producer Dave Matthews synthesizers and fusion concepts. She has never sounded more sure of herself than on this collection. Her reading of "Nature Boy", which she has always performed in a complex arrangement, gets deeper and deeper. She is always in tune and her time concepts are even sharper than in previous sets. She is the hope of jazz singing of the 21st Century and is the "Princess of Jazz". While Bargad may not be the most sensitive accompanist, he doesn't get in the way too often and lets the princess shine. I can't wait for her next release.

Background vocalist for Steely Dan strikes gold on her own
I discovered Carolyn Leonhart on Steely Dan's summer 2000 tour (she's the "middle" vocalist) and enjoyed her solo on the band's "Dirty Work." When I found out she had an album of her own, I knew I had to buy it. When I found it was jazz, I REALLY knew I had to buy it.

Carolyn Leonhart is an amazing talent, and those only introduced to her through Steely Dan may be amazed at her versatility. This CD really highlights her wonderful voice and tremendous phrasing. Some highlights are the musically complex "Nature Boy" which she sings without a hitch, the straight ahead "It Didn't Turn Out That Way" - a humorous Mose Allison tune which sounds like it was written for her, and her jazz-pop duet with pianist Rob Bargad on the title track. Her sultry bass-vocal duet with her bassist father Jay Leonhart - "Moonglow" - which closes out the album, is also a fun highlight. She is supported by some amazing musicians - Bargad (who also produced the album) is a tremendous songwriter and pianist, and augments her vocals perfectly. Her father plays a smokin' bass from beginning to end, and the legendary Jimmy Cobb (Miles Davis' drummer on Kind of Blue among others) plays drums on a few tracks, while Billy Drummond covers the drums on the rest.

If you enjoy jazz vocalists, such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Diana Krall, you will enjoy this album as well. It is my personal favorite jazz album of the year and one which hopefully will expose a new talent who can only get better as time goes by. ... Read more

Album Details

18 of the Greatest Hits from One of the Legends of the Silver Screen. In her Day, Movies were the Equivalent of Today's Videos and These Recordings Reflect her Greatest Moments from the Screen. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

not so great
The last 3 or 4 songs are old, good recordings. The other songs were more recently recorded and it sounds like an old lady with a 2 pack-a-day habit of no-filter camels was singing. Yuck.

So I ripped the last few songs and burnt them onto another CD.

Where have all the flowers gone?
This is an all-German CD of Marlene's. The German version of "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" (Sag Mir Wo Die Blumen Sin) is on this CD; the French version (my favorite) and the English are on "The Essential Marlene Dietrich" CD available from Amazon.com UK.

Nostalgia in black and white
Don't think of « Lili Marlene » only as a popular song among german soldiers during World War II. It's mainly the story of a girl standing under a street lamp in front of barracks, while the fog is darkening the streets of a little town ; and who will stand with her when the night falls and the shadows are swirling around? Although there are a few « modern » songs on the CD, most of the songs recorded here are nostalgic of bygone days, of men who wan't come back, of flowers on the graves. The voice of Marlene Dietrich is a bit hard and hoarse, a voice in black and white. It reminds you of all these fascinating movies in black and white of the thirties (think of Lang, Murnau,...). Technically speaking, the rythm, here and there, is too fast, and the recording is not very good, but it's not so important. Just listen and and take a dive in the crooked and foggy (and disturbing) streets of pre-war Europe and the smoky cabarets of Berlin.

SUPERB!
This CD is absolutely awesome. Dietrich is for sure an acquired taste, but for those of you that are worldly and have exquisite taste this is for you! This CD is very mysterious and sensual. I recommend it over a candelight dinner with a lover or maybe for later on that evening with your lover-if you get my drift. The only complaint I have about this CD is that there are a few tracks that are a little out of place and ruin the continuity of the whole CD. There are 2 tracks that sound very 1960's, and then at the end of the CD there are 3 tracks from the 1920's which are fun to listen to but are totally opposite from the rest of the CD. Still I recommend this CD highly. Just forward past the tracks that are a little out of place, and you have some beautiful, distinctly European music that is extremely intimate and mysterious! The entire CD is in German, which only makes it all the more wonderful! ENJOY! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Tony Bennett at his peak!
This is another in the series of one-artist CDs produced by ASV Living Era, including "Tenderly" by Rosemary Clooney, "Again" by Vic Damone, "Moonlight in Vermont" by Margaret Whiting, and others. Like those, it concentrates on a short period, typically around 1950. (In this case, it covers a slightly later period than some of them, beginning in 1950 and ending in 1953.) While most of these CDs take their names from the title of one of the biggest hit songs included, this one gets its name from the beginning of the lyric of the song that begins the CD, "Stranger in Paradise."

Around 1953, if someone would ask me who my favorite male singer was, I'd say it was probably a tie between Perry Como and Tony Bennett. While both continued to sing, and had many hits, for many years afterward (and Bennett is singing even today!) I felt that after about 1965, Bennett's voice developed a roughness that I consider unpleasant. But the songs on this CD are all from a long time before then, ending in 1953. So this represents the Tony Bennett who was one of my top favorite male singers. And it includes his biggest hits of this period, "Stranger in Paradise" (my up-to-that-time favorite recording by any artist, and still my all-time #2 favorite hit), "Rags to Riches," and "Because of You" (a song I like almost as much as "Stranger in Paradise").

Because Bennett didn't have enough hits in that short period from 1950 to 1953 to fill a CD, ASV included Bennett's versions of a few songs that were hits for other artists (in those days it was common for several artists to record a song at one time) like Al Martino's "Here in My Heart" and Julius La Rosa's "Anywhere I Wander." There are also a number of songs that simply weren't hits for anyone. Nevertheless, they are good examples of Bennett's voice when it was really good. "Here in My Heart," in particular, shows that he could sing loud and subtly soft in the same song, and though I'd never heard his version before, I like it very much.

This is a very good sample of Tony Bennett at his peak, and I recommend it highly. ... Read more

Album Description

This collection of classic melodies by the brightest luminaries of French "chanson" brings together some of the most memorable tunes ever written about (or inspired by) Paris, City of Light. State-or-the-art remastered sound. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

PETER ALLEN = 2OTH CENTURY MASTER!!
PETER ALLEN IS BY FAR THE GREATEST OF THE SADLY OVERLOOKED ARTISTS! FOR ANYONE WHO WAS LUCKY TO EXPERIENCE THIS EXTRAORDINARY SINGER/SONGWRITER LIVE AND ENJOY HIS GREAT BODY OF RECORDED WORK,THEN YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!! FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T, THIS WONDERFUL COLLECTION IS A GREAT STARTING POINT AND WILL BE CERTAIN TO WET YOUR APPETITE FOR MORE. TWO GREAT ONE'S FROM THE CLASSIC 1980 "BI-COASTAL" OPEN THIS COLLECTION AND THESE GIVE YOU A CLUE THAT PETER IS VERY SOULFUL AND FULL OF RHYTHM. NEXT IS HIS ROOF RAISING "I GO TO RIO" FOLLOWED BY HIS PASSIONATE "DON'T CRY OUT LOUD". THESE WERE ALWAYS CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS AND SHOW HIS INCREDIBLE RANGE AND VERSATILITY. "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN" IS A FUN TRIP BACK TO THE VAUDEVILLE DAYS THAT WAS ALWAYS A JOY TO SEE IN CONCERT WITH THE AUDIENCE JOINING IN VOCALLY WITH PETER!!! "THE MORE I SEE YOU" IS MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE VERSION OF THIS STANDARD AND THE GRAMMY WINNING "I HONESTLY LOVE YOU" IS THE DEFINITIVE VERSION SUNG TENDERLY AND SOULFULLY. "I COULD HAVE BEEN A SAILOR" IS A STIRRING NUMBER SUNG WITH SO MUCH PASSION THAT NUMEROUS COVERS DON'T EVEN COME CLOSE TO THIS ORIGINAL CLASSIC!! "QUIET PLEASE, THERE'S A LADY ON STAGE" IS ONE OF PETER'S REAL TOUR-DE-FORCE EPIC CLASSICS THAT WAS SO INCREDIBLE TO WATCH IN CONCERT THAT IT LEVITATED THE AUDIENCE OUT OF THEIR SEATS EVERY TIME WITH THE OVATION LASTING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME!! "I'D RATHER LEAVE WHILE I'M IN LOVE" IS HAUNTING AND REVEALING BY PETER AND EQUALLY SO IS THE GREAT VERSION BY DUSTY SPRINGFIELD! SOME 22 YEARS AGO THEY PLAYED AT THE GREEK THEATRE ON WHAT HAD TO BE ONE OF THE BEST DOUBLE BILLS EVER!!! THEY WERE BOTH SUPERB AND I REMEMBER NUMEROUS STANDING OVATIONS!!!! THE CLOSING NUMBER IS THE STANDARD "JUST A GIGIOLO" AND PETER REALLY MAKES THIS HIS OWN. THANKFULLY IN LOS ANGELES WE NOW HAVE A STATION THAT IS PLAYING CLASSIC VOCALISTS (KSURF) SO NOW WE HAVE THE PLEASURE OF HEARING PETER ALLEN ON THE RADIO-FINALLY!!!! I GUESS IT IS BETTER LATE THAN NEVER BUT TOO BAD THIS DIN'T HAPPEN IN PETER ALLEN'S SHORT BUT VERY PROLIFIC LIFETIME. WE MISS YOU PETER...........DON'T MISS THIS WONDERFUL COLLECTION!!!

MR.ENERGY
I WAS ABLE TO SEE MR.ALLEN SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME I WALKED
AWAY WITH A WONDERFUL FEELING OF JOY, HE WAS A MASTER AT HIS
CRAFT. ALSO,WAS ABLE TO SEE HIS ALL TO SHORT BROADWAY SHOW LEGS
DIAMOND. HE IS SADLY MISSED BY MANY. AND NO ONE WILL EVER FILL
HIS SHOES. THE YOUTH OF TODAY DON'T EVEN KNOW WHO HE WAS, AND THAT IS SAD. MAYBE THEY'LL LOOK UP SOME OF HIS SONGS AND SONGS
HE WROTE FOR OTHER SINGERS I HAVE MOST OF HIS CD'S AND I PLAY
THEM ALL THE TIME TO GET MYSELF UP AND GOING.

A fine collection from an underappreciated talent
Mention the name Peter Allen to a crowd of people and you are likely to be met with a blank stare or a "who?". If the name sounds remotely familiar to some, it's usually because he is remembered as Liza Minnelli's first husband or the guy that was on the old Merv Griffin show a lot. What a shame. Allen was a truly great performer and one of the best songwriters around prior to his untimely death. Listen to "I Go to Rio" or "The More I See you" and try not to feel the infectious energy of this man. This is a great collection of songs. The only quibble I have is that my favorite Allen song "Harbour" is not on this CD. In an agewhere the word "superstar" is so overused and where talent is so fleeting, Allen truly deserves the title "master".

Some magic...but some overly sweet!
I was first introduced to Peter Allen via the brilliant movie "Dominik and Eugene" and the song on offer was "I go to Rio". The song was so good that the movie producers put it in twice!. This led me to purchasing "the best of" collection which overall is good but for me nothing quite hits the dizzy greatest of "I go to Rio". Many songs are smooth/gentle/romantic (Don't cry out loud, I honestly love you), jazzy/clowny (Just a Gigolo, Everything old) or sweet and fast-moving ("The more I see you" "I go to Rio", 'Bi-coastal).
Overall, the album shows a very talented musician and most of the songs will sound very familiar (e.g. "the more I see you" was a recent beer comercial).
Me?....I am going to buy the live album with the live version of "Rio"...its THAT good! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The best of Marlene
This cd is a combination of two albums. The Dietrich in Rio-album which is a night club act and the studio album in German. The original Dietrich in Rio album had more dialogue. The most beautiful songs on it are Look me over closely, I've grown accustomed to her face and One for my baby. There Dietrich sheds the `Lola'-image and shows what an incredible interpreter of sad songs she is. The German songs are very beautiful (if you know German, I guess). This is the grown-up Marlene. No more flirting and `look at me, I look great!'. This is an adult woman who loves and loses and suffers too. The way she sings these songs touches your heart. They touch mine. Over and over again.

Marlene singing English and German favorites
Enjoy this music from the past; you will feel as if you are in small caberet, smoke rising, glasses clinking, voices hushed and everyone having a suburb time. We have three generations in our family hooked on Marlene because of this cd! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Nina Storey is going places. The appealing mix of blues, pop, R&B, soul, and plenty of other natural ingredients on Shades is proof enough of that, as is Storey's popularity in her home state of Colorado. Check out the gospel-tinged chorus on "Let Us Walk," or the left-of-center ballad "Crown" (during which Storey's voice sounds uncannily like Tori Amos's), or the self-assured, funk-driven "False Ideas." The album's a little synth-heavy, which detracts somewhat from the main attraction: Storey's powerful, versatile, expressive voice. That's a minor quibble, though; the songs themselves--all originals--are strong and outspoken, with plenty of variety, whether it's the bittersweet entreaty of "Face" or the testimonial "No Man." Storey is someone we'll be hearing a lot more from. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (50)

NINA STOREY AND BAND - AWESOME!!
I heard "Let Us Walk" one day on the radio and was just taken aback by the amazing voice on Nina! I rushed out and bought "Shades".....that was in May and I STILL get the shivers when I listen to them and realize how very talented they all are!! You have to be amazed at the range Nina has.....and how such powerful sounds can be emitted from a little bit of a woman like her. They're all truly amazing - AND just very wonderful people!! My favorites are Left, Crown, and Shades - and one that's not on any of the CD's - A Better Man.....you have to go see her to hear that one!

Shades gives you a glimpse into the beautiful soul of Nina.
I have owned Shades by Nina Storey for a couple of years now. Nina's soulfull live performances were what drew me in but her studio recordings kept me groovin'. Shades begins with Nina's heart; which is represented by Let Us Walk. This powerful song accentuates Nina's amazing vocal range, and also gives an idea of the funk and soul Nina and her band are capable of throwing down. After Let us Walk, Nina takes us on a journey through her inner self. Coffee and Margaritas, Crown, If I were an Angel and the rest of the cd are the sound bites of Nina's experiences in life. No Man is also one of the standouts on Shades. No Man is a song that usually gets everyone's attention at the live shows, but don't mistake Nina as just another angry female vocalist (Alainis Morrisette, Liz Phair). Her presence and peace of mind are represented both in her live performances and her studio recordings, and Shades is no different. Shades ends with the title track, which raps up the album quite effectively. I highly recommend anyone to purchase Shades or Bootleg by Nina Storey. As a matter of fact I encourage all of my friends to check Nina's groove out whenever they get the chance. Rock on Nina. I am patiently waiting for the next album and hopefully a mid-west tour.

The Goddess Storey
I love her songs and her voice it brings music to my heart i love her song "No man" causei think that many woman think that and i love the way her voice goes so high i love it!...And i love yes'n no but that is not on a cd yet i guess but i cant wait untill i listen to her sing again it is like a angel in the heavens! K-Pig is a great place to listen to her sing the yplay her quite a bit thats 107.5 and on sunday she has a show called stand by and Nina has been on there quite a bit she lOves it here in Santa cruz but loves to come back to her home town Well Thanks and i hope this was helpful to you SHoregal11

Captivating
I was captivated by Nina's voice. I received a sample CD of Shades and have never let it go. I've let colleagues and friends groove to her music before letting them know her age and race. Yes, race has something to do with it... I thought she was a mature African American songstress but to my surprise she was... you know and barely a teenager. Tracks 4,5,7,12 are my favorites, yet the entire CD is worth my weight in gold. Nina is here to stay!

amazing voice, but the music...
I give this album 3 stars because I was shocked and amazed at what a beautiful voice Nina Storey has, however, the music just falls flat behind her. With her kind of energy I can only imagine her live. If you buy this CD you may be disappointed in the music and production, but you will never regret hearing Nina Storey's voice. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Comedian Harmonists
A wonderful Selection of great Harmonies and Novelty Tunes by this Relatively Unknown Group in America , This terrific German Group is a must for anyone that enjoys Good Harmony and just Plain Vocal Fun with Sounds and Lyrics. Highly Recommended and Enjoyable. ... Read more

Album Description

Torch Songs are particularly sultry ballads, named for their slow-burning, sensuous quality.In this unique collection, Six Degrees presents a new generation of songs of passion, loneliness and unrequited love from Cassandra Wilson, Roy Nathanson w/ Elvis Costello & Cyrus Chestnut, dZihan & Kamien, Mandalay, Sylk 130, David Holmes and others

The international cast of artists on Torch takes a modern approach to the Torch song, creating new smokey ballads dealing with affairs of the heart. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Sultry jazz to the max...
This cd is sultry jazz to the max from begin to end...
"You Might Say - Bugge Wesseltoft" is my fave cut, though I really like them all... If you're a downtempo/jazz/lounge DJ, then you absolutely need this... Either way, a jazz music fan or DJ - you need this cd in your collection... Peace at ya - DJ Dakini-NYC...

Buy This Now
This CD has been in my player the last three days. Sultry songs, great female vocals, it's Jazz with very contemporary, slightly alternative, arrangements. The cuts with SYLK 130 and Elvis Costello are superb. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

What? No Babs!
Everyone's bound to have quibbles with a collection such as this one. I would much prefer to have Mabel Mercer's version of "Ballad of the Sad Young Men," for instance (although Rod McKuen's is lovely), and I regret the absence of certain gay "standards" such as Mott the Hoople's "All the Young Dudes" and Dusty Springfield's "Quiet, Please, There's a Lady on Stage." But it's all fun, not mention educational, and I'm grateful to Marshall Blonstein and Richard Oliver for a magnificent effort, which is destined to take its place next to classics of the literature such as William J. Mann's "Behind the Screen" and "The Gay and Lesbian Literary Heritage"--not to mention the collected works of Barbara Streisand! To underscore their sense of history, the producers have included a near-100 page booklet with the 4-disc set that even features a bibliography of recommended reading and viewing. There are also generous notes on the songs and songsters, period essays, and some great photos. There are, as well, a few miscalculations, including a numerical listing of the songs in the booklet that doesn't correspond to the list on the box. The recording dates for some of the songs are given as "unknown" (where did these transfers come from?), and the dating itself (a "Cabaret" medley from the '20s?) is eccentric. But these are minor, well, quibbles, and I admire Blonstein and Oliver their daring in attempting such a project. If I may, I'd like to suggest that these gentlemen do a 4-CD set every year or so (how about an exerpt from Diamanda Galas' "Plague Mass" for the classical disc?), if only to demonstrate how un-Verboten gay music by gay musicians has become.

A Musical Time Capsule
starting out with a scratchy ditty from the roaring twenties, this excellent historical collection manages to span a variety of musical genres, from rousing broadway musical to intimate diva-wrung blues to classical orchestra. some may carp about choices, and some are obvious, there are rarities here among the cliches. this is an invaluable historical document as well as an entertaining collection of tunes. ... Read more

Album Description

This is the second full-length release from LA-based singer-songwriter Mia Doi Todd. Mia's music is a deceptively simple combination of voice and guitar. The lyrics are direct, yet charmingly impressionistic. Her artful approach and poised delivery subtly reveal sensual undercurrents and a keen, thoughtful determination.

Easy comparisons might include early Joni and any era of Kendra Smith, but we all know that repeated plays uncover deeper meanings, for it is here that comples shadings and passionate mixtures of inspiration and influence await discovery. And Mia's music is a many-layered thing. Come Out of Your Mine contains lilting acoustic melodies, innocent rhymes, and moments of dissonant mystery. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

postmodern pop?
something about her voice makes me think she'd fit right in at a chic art gallery.It simultaniously makes me shudder, makes me feel comforted, like being sung lullabyes, but the lullabyes are creepy and amazingly intelligent. I want to call it postmodern songwriting, or post-pop, post -folk.
this album is a shimmering star that proves songwriting isnt dead, or dying. emphasizing mood and ideas over rhyme and her complicated vocal melodys that verge on sexy whispering. I reccomend this to anyone. they recorded it in a chapel (?) and the reverb is very organic and adds to the recording. her musical accompaniment is textured and minimal. sometimes approaching acoustic math rock, especially on strawberrys, jackals, and i've got a gun.

This album is better than "golden state," but becase that album is produced more like a "pop" record, its a good introduction to her if you dont usually listen to this kind of music.
i would reccomend for fans of beth gibbons, (completely different style, but nontheless) laurie anderson (because of the postmodern art thing), v for vendetta (not the first, but my favorite math rock band) ,blossom dearie (because i assume you like your women sing songwriters whips smart clever) or rufus wainright (just because i assume you like original voices. I'd also reccomend her to anyone who likes modern folk artists like ani defranco or greg brown, and to the snobby indie kids who like the micrphones, belle and sebastion, elliot smith, and death cab for cutie

A true voice
Mia Doi Todd shares evocative details of a life carefully observed (and experienced). Heartbreaking and haunting, wonderful imagery, and intellectual, too. All the human themes are present: remembering a lost love, fear of love not lasting, powerlessness and survival.

Pure Voice-- Friendly, Sad, Beautiful and Alive
Mia's voice is extremely unusual in it's purity and depth. She seems to come from another time, a time having nothing to do with this one, except that there are human voices and singing. When I hear her sing I am purely happy, even though the songs are often sad. She gives me hope, optimism and ecstacy in a pop culture that usually makes me feel extremely cynical.

doing a lot with a little
Mia's music is amateurish, yes. And it's filled with quirky wordplay and funny juxtapositions that can sound kind of forced sometimes. But that's part of this record's charm.. it all comes with the territory when an artist dares to try making something original and personal, as she does here. While it's not for everyone, fans of Damon & Naomi & the like would do well to get this cd. Did I mention that she has a beautiful voice?

Most beautiful experience under the stars!
This is one of the best albums I've ever heard. After seeing her live I thought nothing could compare. The songs on this album bring out her creativity as well as her beauty. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It is, of course, a ridiculous notion: breathing life into a long-gone musical legend in performances and, seemingly even more outré, in the recording studio. And the subject of the tributes is not Elvis but Edith Piaf, the improbable French pop legend whose incredible life reads like seedy, over-the-top pages discarded from a Jackie Collins novel. But ludicrous or not, Raquel Bitton has tackled the task with a verve and courage worthy of the street-corner nightingale herself. And while the voice may not always be the virtually operatic vessel that Piaf possessed, Bitton's is a good deal more than "close enough for jazz," as the saying goes. More importantly, the chanteuse captures Piaf's intense emotionality and grand theatrical essence, the very elements that turn mere pop songs into hymns, confessionals and, at their best, self-contained, three-minute operettas. Bitton cannily delivers the goods in bilingual fashion, making Piaf's challenging body of work all the more inviting to unfamiliar listeners. Bob Holloway's effectively spare arrangements capture the vintage air of the originals, making the album's gimmicky scratchy phonograph record opening a bit superfluous. A sonically transparent way to (re)discover the legend that is Piaf. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (19)

She should stick with her own style.
These recordings are not well produced and sound like someone dusted off some old LPS and put them onto CD.The artist, herself, is fine (although she is no Edith Piaf!) and does a passing "imitation" of her idol, though without the heart and soul that made a legend.

Makes a good case for finding one's own signature style rather than trying to mimic someone else's...particularly someone as inimitable as Piaf.

Bitton Leads Edith Piaf Revival
Thank goodness Raquel Bitton has taken up the cause for reviving Edith Piaf's mystique and talent as a singer and a performer.Although Edith Piaf (1915-1963) is a popular name in the French music genre, her special performing talent is at risk for suffocation, especially for the generations who have grown up without knowing much about the amazing person Piaf was during her hey-day.Bitton's revival of Piaf's life and work is an accompaniment to the feature length movie of the same name now showing in artist circles and film festivals.It's Bitton's passion to keep the candle of the little sparrow's memory alive, a feat she easily takes on as her repertoire of Piaf's songs is lively, charming and portrays a deep understanding for the way Piaf would like to be remembered in her music.Raquel Bitton returns Piaf to life, as though the singer never left us prematurely in 1963.Although Piaf's hallmark La Vie en Rose is one of the selections on this CD, the sparkle in this rendition of Piaf's work comes through Bitton's selections of other highly entertaining songs, especially Mon Dieu, an invocation evocative of Piaf's painful biography.I highly recommend Bitton's portrayal of Piaf's songs, especially for those who enjoy chantons en française.

Raquel c'est magnifique!!
Raquel Bitton is a wonderful and most unique talent.On this album, she performs the very best that Edith Piaf had to offer.
When you think about the fact that Piaf recorded about 400 songs, that is a formidable statement.

What I loved about this disc is that the quality of the songs-and the musicianship is beyond reproach.

I was smitten with the first bars of the disc.I recognized immediately that the essence of Edith Piaf not only lived on, but in a voice that was individual; yet I recognized how much Raquel absolutely loved this music. She completely captures the essence that is Edith Piaf!

For those of you who are Piaf junkies, don't even hesitate.Just put it in the cart.For those of you that are borderline, I invite you to take a listen and then try to resist.

What Raquel Bitton has...is talent.Don't miss out.And remember, I told you so!

Extraordinary and magnifique
Raquel Bitton,I wish it were possible for me to express in words how much I appreciate your efforts in recording the Edith Piaf songs.
I think that even if I had not read the introduction insert wich came with the CD,it still would have been apparent it was quite a labor of love.
I'm sure that on countless occasions you have heard it described in terms beyond MAGNIFIQUE and in much more eloquent words that I am capable. What I would like to relate to you however,is that not only those of us who lack the talent stand in awe of yours,but we are also most grateful for the extraordinary effort you have put into this treasured "Objet d'art".
In hopes you "keep up the good work".
alfred Crumpton
Houston,Texas

Extraordinary and magnifique
Raquel Bitton,I wish it were possible for me to express in words how much I appreciate your efforts in recording the Edith Piaf songs.
I think that even if I had not read the introduction insert wich came with the CD,it still would have been apparent it was quite a labor of love.
I'm sure that on countless occasions you have heard it described in terms beyond MAGNIFIQUE and in much more eloquent words that I am capable. What I would like to relate to you however,is that not only those of us who lack the talent stand in awe of yours,but we are also most grateful for the extraordinary effort you have put into this treasured "Objet d'art".
In hopes you "keep up the good work".
alfred Crumpton
Houston,Texas ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Weslia is Wonderful!
Not only is Weslia wonderful but so is the Mike Greensill Trio.It's cabaret with a jazz flavor and it's delicious.I actually dreamed about her version of I Could Have Told You So.Even songs I'm bored with like MyFavorite Things are brand new on this album and just great.Weslia istruly a marvelous interpreter of songs.The story is there and the music,the best! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Vocalist Wesla Whitfield is blessed with a rich, full, bell-tone of a voice that hits each and every note perfectly in tune. On this 60-minute CD of jazz favorites, she uses her remarkable voice and clear enunciation to present the familiar lyrics in a highly accessible and musical manner. Staying true to the melody and expressively singing the words is Whitfield's forte. She seems less concerned with exploiting her pipes (no scatting or vocalistic acrobatics whatsoever) and more intent on just singing the song in an invitingly straightforward way. Her versions of "My Favorite Things" and "Don't Take Your Love from Me" are particularly striking. Special mention should certainly go to veteran sax man Gary Foster, whose fluid, Lee Konitz-like solos help maintain an authentic jazz feel amid the cabaret ambiance Whitfield so comfortably exudes. --Wally Shoup ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Standard of Reference
It's doubtful that any of Wesla's albums lives up to her own consistently high standards better than this one.Not only is she a paragon of good taste when it comes to selecting tunes but her pellucid, direct approach to melody and lyrics makes her interpretations of the American Songbook definitive and exemplary--suitable points of departure, in fact, for any young musician who may be unfamiliar with this classic material.

Take Cole Porter's "Everything I Love," for example.As personal, delicately harmonized, and ingeniously worded as it is, musicians often injure its uniqueness through overly fast or slow tempos or overly earnest or "flip" readings of the lyrics.Wesla hits it just right, not just with the tempo but the note of romantic parody on the word "everything" followed by a contrasting, utterly sinceredeclamation of the words "my haven in heaven above."If the performance falls just short of perfection, it's due to the fracturing of the moment caused by the arrangement--a key change followed by an instrumental solo and then, just when Wesla brings back the magic, a disappointing triple tag ending.Not that the support is sub-par.It's just that a vocal performance of this caliber tends to raise one's expectations of everything else on the date.

High standards indeed
Not many singers are worthy of that phrase "jazz diva", but Miss Whitfield is because she has such high standards, she delivers all of her songs(which are jazz standards), with thier original verses.She always is backed by tasteful small jazz combos as led by her husband/pianist/arranger Mike Grinsell, and she improvises lightly, and has a bell like clarity to her singing.She has a style all her own and perfect diction too, those who appriciate good caberet singers, or jazz singers will enjoy this fine set of particularly hugh standards.

Absolute perfection to the highest possible standard
This cd is wonderful in everyway.
Where do I begin?

1st of all Wesla Whitfield has a very romantic voice, she improvises but in very subtle ways.Her vocie is like a breath of fresh air on a bright spring day.

2nd her band which is basicly a trio, with her musical director/arranger/husband/pianist Mike Grinsell is a highlight.Who better than Wesla's hubby to create arrangements that fit her liek a glove.

3rd of all the songs selection in flawless, she mixes in standards and rarirties, and even makes the standards sound unique by singing the verses, that for nearly 50 years have been lest out of the songs(unless of couse they were being sung on broadway).Wesla brings out inner beauty in all of these romantic selection the way a caberet/jazz singer should.The band sounds jazzy and inspired behind her, and she sounds equally inspired by the band.

Lastly, this is a perfect cd in every way.I am sure you will love it.This is a great cd for romancin' so don't hesitate, buy one today.

Way to go Wesla

Tip:All of wesla's cd's are of this quality and she always works with the same groups(& never leaves out the verses to songs), so if you like this, chances are you can't go wrong with any Wesla cd.Though her latest ones are jazzier, they are all good.

This has got to be one of the best cabaret cd's avaialble on
This has got to be one of the best cd's of caberet singers, Wesla is more of a caberet singer than a jazz singer although, her band is trisctly jazz, she usually sings pretty striaght with subtle improvisations.wesla is one of the few singers who sings verses to standards, bringing new live to them(Banu Gibson also sings verses).This is a great cd for it features standards sung be wesla who has a bell like calrity to her voice, kind of like Margagret Whiting or Rosemary Clooney(or actually closer to Jo Stafford).The abckup jazz combo is swingin' and sizzles behind Wesla sensual readings, this is a great romanctic cd, play it when your alone with your lover.A great disc.

This is so romantic...
I'm in love wit hthese arrangements by Mike Grinsell, he really knows how to keep Wesla Whitfield o nher toes, so she keeps growing as an adventurous jazz/cabaret singer.She sings every verse to these warhorses, and together Wesla & Mike revive these and add something fresh, simply by bringing the inner beauty out of each tune. Praise God for wesla & Mike.Just listen to the samples and hear for yourself how great this cd is, it's perfect. [...] ... Read more