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Even for a relatively brief (20-song) overview of Ray Charles's '60s output during the peak of his recording stardom at ABC-Paramount, Anthology covers a hell of a lot of styles. It couldn't be any other way, not when examining the period in which he hit the charts with transformed versions of half-forgotten standards ("Georgia on My Mind"), hip jazz instrumental takes on Clovers tunes ("One Mint Julep"), rocking uptempo R&B ("Hit the Road Jack") and mournful proto-countrypolitan ("I Can't Stop Loving You"). If any of those four titles means a thing to you, this primer on America's greatest singer is probably a disc you should own. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Almost perfect.......
This is the best mini-collections one can get of Ray's music. I think it's a crime that so many of our legends that are still living are virtually invisible, drowned out by the thunder-thump of some of the digital wizards that pretend to be musical artists today. There is one song I really like that wasn't included her. It's "You Don't Know Me" ("You give your hand to me....and then you say hello...."). This is the music of my early childhood, and it was played around my house along with Cannonball Adderley, Lou Rawls, Nancy Wilson, Wes Montgomery..... oh man, the list could go on and on! I find myself reminiscing every time I come to these Amazon music pages! If you are on a budjet, this CD gives you the most for the least dough. Ray Charles is part of the royalty that gave us the best music of the 20th century. He will be eulogized and all after he passes away, but it's just a shame there isn't enough room in the mainstream spotlight for those that got us here.

A SAMPLER OF BROTHER-RAY'S BEST
In 1967 I was stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga. after doing my 1 yr."tour" of Viet Nam. I needed a healthy dose of Soul to re-invent my lost spirits, so I bought a double-album by Ray called "Ray Charles, A Man And His Music", I liked that album so much I kept it, and played it quite often for over 35 yrs. Yikes am I gettin old! I finally gave it away to a friend cuz my record player went to Hell.
Anyway if you like Ray's music even a little bit I think you'll like "anthology" Here are a few of my picks in different
music styles: 1- "I Don't Need No Doctor" (blues-rock) "Unchain my Heart" (blues-rock) 2-"I Can't Stop Loving You (mournful-blues ) "Lets Go Get Stoned" (hard-day-at-work blues)
Buy This One....I am cuz I know what's on it
Later on dudes!!
Blues-eyed Bob

Rest in peace, Genius
This CD features recordings from Ray Charles' 1960s heyday. (I have a first pressing of this CD, which features "Sticks and Stones" instead of "America the Beautiful".) This is all prime Ray Charles. He had (for the most part) stopped writing his own material at this point, and instead became an interpreter of any song that struck his fancy. He could take a song from any musical genre and make it his own. People said he was crazy when he decided to record an album of country songs, but it went on to become his best selling LP. This anthology is by no means complete, (it doesn't include his Number Two hit "You Don't Know Me"), but it is a solid hour-plus of Ray Charles at his best. Highly recommended.

Blues God
I own this CD and The Genius of Ray Charles. Both excellent, but between the two, I have to give my thumbs up to the Anthology. "Busted" is enough of a reason to own this album and the entire CD is just as good. Buy it, you won't be disappointed.

A Great Collection
If you're looking for one CD that has the best of Ray Charles on it, this is it. There are more complete collections, but this is the best overall. ... Read more

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Years after the '90s, the decade will be remembered for the rise of pianist-vocalist Diana Krall. Simply put, this British Columbian-born artist is one of the most engaging musicians to emerge from the heap of scat-happy singers high on pyrotechnics, but short on poetry. Stamped with the imprimatur of the Nat King Cole trio and blessed by her apprenticeship with the late West Coast piano giant Jimmy Rowles, Krall simply sings songs the way they're supposed to be sung: with devotion to the lyric and with attention to the groove. This CD finds Krall in familiar company with compatriots Russell Malone (on guitar), bassist John Clayton, drummers Lewis Nash and Jeff Hamilton, and vibraphonist (and former Bill Evans associate) Larry Bunker--all supported by Johnny Mandel's svelte string arrangements. Krall and crew take Irving Berlin's chestnut "Let's Face the Music and Dance" and the Sinatra-signatured "I've Got You Under My Skin" south to Brazil via a sexy bossa nova. Malone's lush guitar accompaniment complements Krall's heartfelt delivery on "When I Look in Your Eyes," and Michael Franks's "Popsicle Toes" dances courtesy of Hamilton's drum work. "Devil May Care," "East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)," The Best Thing for You," and the stridish "I Can't Give You Anything but Love" groove with a minimum of waste, while Mandel's simpatico strings steal the show on "I'll String Along with You," "Pick Yourself Up," and "Do It Again." All of which further illuminate the cool fire from this fine gift from North of the Border. --Eugene Holley Jr. ... Read more

Reviews (352)

East of the Sun,but Soaring Higher than the Moon..oh Diana
When I first heard this CD ,I had a very limited knowledge and appreciation of Diana Krall.The exposure was limited to a couple of tracks on her tribute to the Nat King Cole trio,and her version of Danny Boy with the Chieftains,on the 1999 offering,Tears of Stone,but even then something attracted my interest...it was well placed.Diana's interpretations of these standards,showcases her rich and husky voice,and seems to marry her jazz vocalist roots with a more mainstream appeal.Lets face it when you have it ,you have it,talent will always stand out. From the opening track,Lets Face the Music and Dance with its bosanova rythms through to the mischievious Do It Again,this is a delight.To see such classics by Cole Porter,Irving Berlin and George Gershwin delivered with such emotion whilst relying upon the jazz tradition is a pure delight to listen to. I have taken the opportunity to listen to previous CDs by Ms Krall,and the performance on this recording really should not come as a surprise. What really caught my attention,and are the strengths of this CD,is the talent and ability of Diana Krall as a jazz pianist,and her ability to meld her trio /quartet to complement her delvery of the songs.In an age when production and studio musicians cover a glaring limitation or lack of talent of many artists,Ms Krall has it all and caresses the keys with a skill and emotion that belies her years.If her talent as a vocalist and pianist werent enough,she has some credits on arrangements as well. My admiration for some excellent guitar work from Russell Malone and the bass credits shared between John Clayton and Ben Wolfe.The atmosphere that is generated on this recording is owed to a large extent to the talent of these gentlemen. The production on this recording is excellent as you would expect from Tommy LiPuma and Johnny Mandel.The overall feel of this recording just simply oozes class that is not a readily available quality these days. The string arrangements beautifully compliment the mood,and I think the purists can forgive me in saying,loosen up live a little,let the jazz be accessible to everybody. A real delight for me was to hear the Michael Franks track Popsicle Toes,delivered with such sensual humour,it offers a new dimension to an artist so unfairly labelled bland,thank you Ms Krall,from an old Michael Franks fan. Whether you listen to this at dinner,when the sun rises or sets,alone or with the one you love you are in for a rare treat.I could not help but think of The Fabulous Baker Boys and wonder what Ms Krall could have delivered in the vocal department!!! Above all this is an adult,smooth and flawless performance...I had no regrets in parting with my money for this one,and I have become a fan of this artist.I give it five stars,and highly recommend that you listen to this with a good red wine,and a sense of adventure.

Stunningly beautiful, a great work of art.
While I'm a new fan of Diana Krall, I have to say that she's such a great talent, and I'm so glad that there's an artist like her out there making music. In this day of "Mainstream Pop", hearing someone who has real musicianship is a much needed change of pace.

The first time I saw Diana was when I was watching Jazz Central on BET a few years ago, and I was truly impressed, but I never really tried to find out anything more about her, until this year. I was searching on the Internet and I found her rendition of "Christmas time is here". I was totally blown away, and I had to find more.

From the very first song, "Let's face the music and dance", with its steamy bossa nova, smokey delivery from Diana, and smooth string accompaniment, it's really hard to put this album down. All of the arrangements are extremely well done, and Diana brings out all of the emotions of each song like she's lived through them all. Especially the title track. I couldn't stop listening to it. I just hit the replay button, and fell into the lush sounds of the strings, the warm guitar, while I fell in love with Diana's soothing, comforting voice. VERY few albums have ever done that to me before, and I can't wait for her next effort so she can do it to me again.

Now I can understand that people are mad that Diana doesn't show off her great piano chops, and those who claim that she's selling out, but I have to totally disagree. Diana doesn't have to go the route of so many artists and use their albums to display how great they are; she just wants the music to show for itself. As for the selling out thing, she is more popular, yes. Being nominated for Album of the year proves that, but can't an artist be allowed to grow, and even expand out of their genre ever so slightly? This album is NOT Pop and ESPECIALLY NOT elevator music. Having strings on a jazz album is also not a sign of selling out either. While the strings were certainly not needed, as she sounds just as great with just her trio, the strings just added a whole other dimension to the songs. I'm glad that she went that route, as it made for a wonderfully splendid album.

It couldn't come any more highly recommended. Go get it now. And while you're at it, newcomers should go and get her other albums as well, so you can see that her talent isn't just a one-album affair; it's the real deal.

classy as usual
diana krall is the definition of class.

i checked out all her clips at http://www.vervemusicgroup.com and then grabbed this right away.
worth checking out.

Can't ask for more..
I've had this album for a while now.. and still love it! "When I Look In Your Eyes" proves to have no weak song, it's a perfect CD to listen to relax and unwind with red wine by the fire place. Diana Krall has this very sultry sound..very soothing, Absolutely cozy! My favourites are "Let's Face The Music And Dance", "I've Got You Under My Skin", "When I look in your eyes". Diana Krall also brings all the emotions in "Why Should I care"...very touching. Whether you consider Diana Krall's music as Jazz or not, this album is one of her best work, worth to have in everyone's collection.

"DOING WHAT SHE DOES BEST"
JAZZ COMES IN MANY SHAPES AND MANY DIFFERENT FORMS. SOME MIGHT TRY TO LABEL OR CATAGORIZE HER, BUT WHEN IT COMES RIGHT DOWN TO IT SHE'S NOT TRYING TO BE ANYONE BUT DIANA. SMOOTH AND SUAVE, HER VOCAL STYLINGS TOUCH ALL THE COLOR'S OF THE RAINBOW. THAT COMBINED WITH HER ARTISTRY OF THE KEYBOARDS MAKES FOR A LOVELY MARRIGE. DONT TRY TO COMPARE HER TO ALL THE PAST GREATS OR SAY THAT HER MUSIC IS NOT JAZZ. GIVE HER CREDIT FOR WHAT SHE DOES BEST. SHE IS TOTALLY JAZZ REGARDLESS OF WHAT BM. PRAISWATER OF PASO ROBLES CA, OR B. BIGGS OF TOLUCA LAKE CA. MIGHT SAY. SHE'S DOING HER THING. AND I MIGHT ADD QUITE WELL! ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Get Ready to be Blown Away! Amazing!
I stumbled upon this collection by accident and was totally blown away. I don't think a better ever singer ever lived than Ella, and these songs are one amazing performance after another. A lot of fun!

She opens with the swinging "Mack The Knife" and moves on to one amazing performance after another. Her version of "Misty" is unbelievable. You have to hear it.

Listen to her completely destroy any other contenders to "best singer of all time" with astonishing scatting on "How High The Moon." It's almost unreal, but actually recorded live in Berlin.

You have to hear this CD!!

Amazing!

A Good Taste Of Ella
Ella's recording library is immense and one CD cannot begin to paint a picture of this lady's talent. But this album will give you a very good taste of Ella. The album begins with "Mack The Knife", not one of my favorite songs. But Ella gives a great performance, enhanced greatly, by forgetting the words and ad-libbing. She sings that she can't remember the words to the second verse and just starts making up something and it results in a very good time for the listener. A great way to start off this album, it's fun and enjoyable. That was, indeed, pure Ella.

"Blue Skies", "They Can't Take That Away From Me", "The Boy From Ipanema", and "Over the Rainbow" will take your breath away. Ella's smooth, singing always melts me. And if it's scat you want, "You'll Have To Swing It (Mr. Paganini)", "Take The A-Train", and the classic "Lady Be Good" will leave you wanting more.

This is a great collection and I prefer the collections that mix up the variety of her recordings rather than showcase only one style.

It's a must if you want a taste of pure Ella.

The Best.
Ella is without question the greatest American singer of all time. Buy this one, buy any of them, buy them all. She never made a bad album. She opens her mouth and heaven flows. I would also suggest any of the biographies, including some on dvd with performances. This diva was, IS, the real thing - with a heart to match the voice.

This Fella Loves Ella
Ella is an extraordinary and refreshing exception to most Jazz vocalists. Many Jazz singers have a very bad technique, producing their sound from their throats in an unhealthy manner. Ella, however, has the technique and stamina of a classical singer. This why her career peaked in her 40's and was able to sing until very late in her life.

Her singing is pure joy. She never strains or manipulates her vocal chords to produce that gorgeous, rich voice that just melts your heart out. The ease and beauty with which she sings, frankly, makes me question her humanity.

If you want the best of Ella Fitzgerald, THIS CD is it. It is the premiere comprehensive single-CD sampling of her career. The recording features some of her best collaborations with arrangers (Nelson Riddle, Billy May, etc.) and performers (Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie.)

The musical selections are excellent. The Verve label has chosen a balance of 9 high-energy swing numbers and 9 romantic ballads.

Some remarkable swingers are MACK THE KNIFE, a live recording in Berlin (1960) where she blanks out on a verse and has to improvise. I'm smiling thinking about it. Another is HOW HIGH THE MOON, in which she scats incredibly for about 6 minutes. Throughout the rendition she adds (and revises) brief tidbits of random American standard songs, like SMOKE GETS IN YOU EYES: "They ask me how I knew my true love was true/ I have course replied, 'Something here inside...SWEAT gets in my eyes!" Ella enjoys entertaining while she sings, and her infectious interpretations pull the listener in; especially on the 5 live recordings on this CD, where one finds himself laughing along with the audience at times.

Stunning ballads include MISTY (with her musically sensitive accompanist Paul Smith). Wow! Her lyricism, intonations, and diction are impeccable. Here she sings in a hushed soft fashion that is like she's whispering in your ear. SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW features its great, not often-heard verse, and such sincere, expressive singing.

Buy this now. Ella will really impress you!

Now this is the yummiest.
Ella is so truly talented and her voice is so lovey...I can't get enough of you Ella! I pray that God himself will loan me your voice long enough to satisfy my hearts wish to sing like the Queen, her Majesty, Ella Fitzgella. Alright, I'll settle for the CD. ... Read more

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For anyone who suspects that record companies will soon be releasing EvaCassidy's voice mail messages, it's extraordinarily pleasing to note thatImagine is more than just a bottom-of-the-barrel-scraping exercise. Allof these tracks are previously unreleased and most are live recordings, butlisteners who already own Live atBlues Alley know just how refreshing Cassidy's live performances were.Check out her take on SandyDenny's "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" to feel a shiver of delight atanother effortlessly ideal cover, or listen to her laid-back "You've Changed"from the Blues Alley sessions to experience more of her soulful jazz.Elsewhere, the solo acoustic reading ofGordon Lightfoot's "EarlyMorning Rain" shows off her guitar skills, and if "Imagine" doesn't ever scalethe heights of Songbird's"Over the Rainbow" it still demonstrates how she always had something new anduniquely compelling to say when performing a familiar standard. Studiorecordings "Still Not Ready" and "I Can Only Be Me" are, oddly perhaps, theleast successful cuts. Happily, the album concludes with another lovely solostandard, "Danny Boy." The recording quality varies noticeably from track totrack, and there are a few awkward fade-outs--presumably to remove audiencenoise--but still the sparkling music comes across quite vividly. Imaginemay not be the best way to discover Eva Cassidy for the first time, butestablished fans will warmly welcome this new collection. --Mark Walker ... Read more

Reviews (67)

Imagine---A Spiritual Awakening
I knew nothing of Eva Cassidy until I heard the first track to "Imagine" in an antique store. I had chills from head to toe and demanded to know who the singer was. After purchasing the CD, I could not stop listening, and immediately got online to purchase more CD's via Amazon. Eva Cassidy's voice is so riveting, so original, so stellar, that I can think of no one who even comes close to her. She ranges from folk in "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" to traditional in "Danny Boy," and every note in between is a work or wonder. Though her life was brief, there is something of her very present in her CD's. And though some would think her story tragic, it seems to be exactly as she would have had it. The beauty, the spirit, the musical magnificance---is all captured in this CD by this beautiful soul.
I would buy it 1000 times!

Imagine will take you away on the Wings of an Angel
Eva Cassidy is a song stylist.
She made every song she sang her own.
All her songs were originally made popular by famous recording artists such as Judy Garland, Sting, Paul Simon, Cyndi Lauper, Joni Mitchell, Paul Anka, Sandy Denny, and John Lennon, to name a few.
When she redesigned the song's pacing and melody to suit her own beautiful voice, she topped them all, and made each song her own!
She is a songstress of unmatched quality, and that is why
5 million Eva Cassidy CD's have been sold after she left this world in 1996. This CD is my favorite. It has golden songs, sung by an Angel.
Hear Eva Cassidy sing EVERY song from the samples, and once you're hooked, buy it and play the complete CD, you won't stop playing it! "Danny Boy," may make you cry a little, but that's alright. Just start it over again from the beginning, then later ask everyone you meet, "Do you know the Eva Cassidy story?"
Turn them on to the songs you love the most, and why Eva Cassidy, is the best singer ever.

Imagine Mott
Obviously Mott the Dog does not know how Angels sound like, but he would not be disappointed if Angels sounded like Eva Cassidy. Without doubt, she is the female vocalist of our time.

It is one of the cruelest tragedies that Eva Cassidy never lived to enjoy her success. In fact, with Cassidy's natural shy personality (yet strong character) that kept her from rocketing to superstardom in her short life, she was never sure of her stage presence. She shunned the spotlight till it was nearly too late, or preferred to sing backup vocals or duets as she did on Chuck Brown's wonderful album 'The Other Side', released in 1995, which although is a Brown album, it is the wonderful voice of Eva Cassidy that grabs your attention. Eva Cassidy refused to limit herself to one style, taking on jazz, funk, blues, rock, pop, and folk, all with that ethereal voice, turning each song into something magical.

Eva Cassidy released only one solo album in her lifetime, the wonderful 'Live at Blues Alley' (1996). It was recorded in Washington's most famous blues club after which it was named, and then it only got a local release.

It was one of the cruelest blows that by the end of that year the dreaded cancer had whisked this beautiful girl with the heavenly voice away from us. Fortunately for those of us left here on our very mortal planet, Eva Cassidy left many recordings behind which are now being released to great critical and commercial acclaim internationally. All of Eva Cassidy's recordings are lovingly managed by the Eva Cassidy estate. So far we had 'Eva By Heart' (1998); 'Songbird' (1998); 'Time After Time' (2000); 'Imagine' (2002); and 'American Tune' (2003). These albums have sold over three million copies worldwide and still counting.

It has to be remembered that Eva Cassidy did not write songs herself, but was able to take other people's great skills and twist them into something even greater. At the moment (although I admit it does vary) 'Imagine' is my favorite Eva Cassidy collection.

The album opens with a solo version of 'It Doesn't Matter Anymore' by Paul Anka (who also wrote 'My Way', made famous by Frank Sinatra, Sid Vicious, and then Nigel of the Bastards). This is followed by a version of Little Willie John's 'Fever', not done as Peggy Lee did it in 1958, but as it was originally intended to be, when written in 1956, with Eva's brother joining her, adding violin to Eva's scratch vocal.

You also get a track that has been salvaged from the Blues Alley sessions 'You've Changed', and when you hear this, you realize how high the quality of music was on that particular album. Eva Cassidy's voice sends shivers up and down your spine. She would surely get a nod of approval from the person who first recorded this song, the great Billie Holiday.

Sandy Denny's 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes' gets redefined here, giving the song a whole new lease of life. Eva even gets a little bit country with her true to the roots version of Patti Page's hit 'Tennessee Waltz', which in its days in the 1950's was one of the first cross over country/pop hits.

To finish the album is one of those "enough to make a grown man cry" moments as Eva Cassidy breaks into an emotional solo version of 'Danny Boy'. Still, with all these moments of magic, I think the stand-out track is the title track, a tribute to John Lennon in a touching version of his masterpiece 'Imagine'. Play this song in any room and in seconds it will reduce people to silence as they listen to Eva Cassidy's voice caress the air.

(...)

Add some beauty to your life
I first heard Eva's rendition of "Early Morning Rain" at work, listening to a jazz internet station. It absolutely stopped me dead in my tracks. I immediately bought the Imagine album, and I'm very happy I did. It's wonderful.

Eva's voice has a haunting quality that seems to reach into your soul. I'm here at Amazon again buying more Eva Cassidy CDs.

I commend this album to you. It has added some beauty to my life.

Nope
I never heard of Eva Cassidy before, and picked this CD up blind. Ms. Cassidy sings in a smokey, lounge-singer sort of way that works wonders with "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" (the first track). The second track is "Fever", which is a real lounge-classic, and she does it very well but I have heard that song at least 1,000,000 times. After that, the songs seem to alternate between sleepy/forgettable and some sort of country music gone lounge thing.

Worse, some of the songs picked for this album just don't fit in with the lounge-singer style. John Lennon's classic "Imagine" is ***PAINFUL*** to listen to and seems to drag on for 4 hours rather than 4 minutes, and "Danny Boy" brings tears to your eyes as you wish that Danny was buried and long forgotten.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this album is really not a good album. The first song is great, but the album crashes right after that. Skip this one, folks! ... Read more

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Inside the CD jacket for Knowing You, John Pizzarelli is pictured barefoot in a summery suit, his shirt untucked. The image nicely captures his unbuttoned approach to popular song. He doesn't have the strongest voice (his scat threatens to vaporize) and doesn't pin back your ears on guitar, but he gets inside the songs with such knowing ease and is so attuned to the demands of cabaret and jazz, he's difficult to resist. This time out, he goes beyond the constraints of his working group--which frequently includes his legendary father, rhythm guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli--to feature tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, clarinetist Ken Peplowski and pianist-organist Larry Goldings. Allen's Getzian solo helps transform the Beach Boys' "God Only Knows" into a surprisingly effective vehicle. Pizzarelli and his wife, Broadway singer Jessica Molaskey, make Dave Frishberg's "Quality Time" a workaholic's delight. And there are first-rate renditions of Loesser and Kern, Cahn and Gershwin, making this one of Pizzarelli's best albums. --Lloyd Sachs ... Read more

Reviews (4)

What a Delight
I recently purchased this album from John Pizzarelli.I found it through some radio promotion and the nudging of some friends, and let me tell you I was pleasantly surprised.I know what I like, and this album has it all!Great guitar, vocals, rhythms, everything...purely great music!!!I truly enjoy this album every time I put it on, and have a hard time even taking it out of my CD player.I would recommend to anybody who enjoys great music!

Another Pizarelli gem
He's done it again.What an enjoyable album.Full of humor and a lot of suprises, expecially on lesser known songs.He somewhat manages to make theme his own.The additional vocals of his wife is pure pleasure. Can't wait for more from Mr. Pizzarelli

John Pizzarelli - theCrown Prince of Jazz
From his very first release on vinyl (I'm Hip) to this exciting new CD, Pizzarelli is a master at what he does. "Coffee, Black" is a brilliant discovery, perfectly suited to his off-the-cuff delivery of the trickiest lyrics. Even his own compositions are maturing; on this album, "The First Hint of Autumn" evokes the arrangements of jazz great, Pat Methaney. For those who say his voice is light, I say phooey!He picks repertoire that showcases his large range and masterful command of words; these days we forget that ennunciation is an important skill for a singer!His guest artists perfectly compliment Pizzarelli's own style; particuularly the tenor sax and the vocal interplays with his wife, Jessica. All around, a gorgeous collection.

solid jazz
For all you naysayers and skeptics john Pizzarelli and his band (Martin Pizzarellli, Ray Kennedy) are the real deal. This isn't watered down vocal jazz that tries to pass itself off as something its not. Every one takes great (all be it short....) solos. Big thumbs up for Ray Kennedy here (piano). I usually prefer the more upbeat tunes and the swingers... "Knowing you" has far more of those then on John's previous disks. This disk also sounds much cleaner then other telarc recordings ( good production value )... Throw in a bunch of great guests like the virtuoso and terribly underrated clarinetist Ken Peplowski and Larry Goldings (organ) and you have a disk that's worth the cash done in a style that is all too scarce in this day and age of jazz that tends to over intellectualize. ... Read more

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A New Standard builds on the popularity of Steve Tyrell's appearances in the Father of the Bride movies. In addition to "The Way You Look Tonight" (from the Father of the Bride soundtrack) and "Give Me the Simple Life" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street" (from Father of the Bride, Part II), the album features Tyrell singing 14 more standards in a casual, gravel-throated style. A New Standard includes the final recorded performances of trumpet great Harry "Sweets" Edison, who solos on "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and "I've Got the World on a String." Other notable guests include Clark Terry, Plas Johnson, Joe Sample, and Toots Thielemans. But the real keys to the album's success are the impeccably crafted arrangements of rhythm guitarist Bob Mann and Tyrell's unpretentious, warm-hearted vocal delivery. In contrast to so many neoswing wannabes, Tyrell approaches these timeless tunes with the R&B-bred soul of a gray-haired baby boomer who's just discovered his parents' record collection. In the jazzbo tradition of Louis Armstrong and Jack Sheldon, he doesn't try to blow anyone away with his chops. He just sings the songs with an infectious enthusiasm and easy swing that's impossible to dislike. --Rick Mitchell ... Read more

Reviews (121)

Truley Sets A New Standard!
I am a mother of two girls in their 20's and a daughter of a 75 year old woman. We are now all new fans of Steve Tyrell and absolutely love this CD. A NEW STANDARD has bridged the generations as nothing has before, we listen as a family at dinner and and whenever possible. This man has the sexy romantic approach that all women love, no matter their age. He is bound to be the next Tony Bennet and then some!! I love the song choices, the arrangements are unique and fresh and his voice makes it all come together, it seems so modern and not retro at all even though he respects the origins of this material greatly. I can't wait for the next one. Thank You Mr Tyrell for bringing romance, joy and fabulous sounds into our home.

Tyrell recreates the Standard.
If we have the movie "The Father of the Bride" to thank for this truly inexplicable disc, then please, make the sequels ad infinitum. "A New Standard" is built around popular classic titles that Steve belts out in the well-known movie. In addition, the listener receives a bonus of two tracks from "Father of the Bride, Part II..."Give Me the Simple Life" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street." Steve's gravelly voice gives these "old" standards new punch. Tyrell, a producer by trade, has previously missed his calling as he is an incredibly gifted artist. Regardless how late in the game it may be, the addition of Tyrell as a recording artist will ultimately be considered timeless.

In addition to creating a "New Standard," this disc is also monumental. The disc features the final recorded performances of trumpet god Harry "Sweets" Edison. Sweets solos on "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and "I've Got the World on a String." Sweets was a prime player with Sinatra in his glory days. He passed on shortly after these recordings. If you haven't heard Sweets before, you're in for a treat. Quite a bonus, I'd say.

The best endorsement of this disc I can offer is that I own 3 copies: 1 for my office, 1 for my car, and 1 at home. And, while I can't vouch for it yet, Steve is releasing a new disc on or about October 2 entitled "Standard Time." I've already pre-ordered 3 copies.

Forget Rod Stewart!!!
Why are people buying Rod Stewart's recordings of the American songbook when they can buy this (and Standard Time). Stewart neither knows nor understands the material. Steve Tyrell fully understands the material and interprets it beautifully. This is no easy task. Anyone attempting this material must compete with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Steve Tyrell pulls it off magnificently. But don't take my word for it. Just consider this: the late, great Harry "Sweets" Edison worked on this session. Sinatra and Fitzgerald always wanted Sweets on their albums. So did Billie Holiday. Sweets was Basie's lead trumpet player, and through their work with Basie, he also became a favorite of Joe Williams. If Sweets was willing to work with Steve Tyrell, then Steve Tyrell must be good.

Steve Tyrell: A Man On A Musical Mission!
I recently purchased this CD and have really enjoyed listening to it. Steve Tyrell is a man on a musical mission. He seems determined to acquaint a whole new generation of listeners to the beautiful songs from the Great American Songbook. His unique interpretations of these classic songs brings them back to life, and proves once more that these perfectly crafted tunes are truly timeless. This CD is great for dancing, listening, and especially when you want to be romantic.

If you are in the mood for some Bigger, Brassier, Swingin' versions of tunes from the Great American Songbook, I would recommend Monte Procopio "Swingin' With Style" CD. He is a great crooner that can really SWING and deserves a listen. Buy both these CDs, you can't go wrong!

Must have CD
Steve Tyrell is the best jazz musician that I've ever come across. He's amazing. His music makes me feel happy and alive! I own all of his CDs and have met him as well. He's gracious and charming. Definitely recommend all of his albums! ... Read more

Reviews (60)

A Beautiful Collaboration
This cd makes a great soundtrack to any road-trip, to be sure. Norah's enchanting vocals compliment PMG's groovy tunes, creating a feel-good, head-nodding album. More up-tempo than Norah's debut, but trust me, this is a great thing. Faint echos of Bonnie Rait or *early* Sheryl Crow...

1) New York City - Title track. Begging to be stolen by some cheezy sitcom and ruined forever, that good. :)

2) Strange Transmissions - Slow, sensual build up, with a catchy musical hook that just makes you want to smile. This is a perfect mix between Mrs. Jones and Mr. Malick...hopefully shades of this will appear on Norah's next cd...

3) Deceptively Yours - Light rockin' song with a lot of soul. Think coctail lounge rock and you'll be closer. Blues-y and beautiful.

4) All Your Love - I heard a friend play this on his stereo and swore it was a young Bonnie Raitt. Traditional blues, with a *slight* modern distortion added in to the guitars. Seductive and sassy.

5) Heart of Mine - A Bob Dylan cover to slow things down a bit. Once more, Norah nails a classic song, while PMG's instrumentation drives her on, note for note.

6) Things You Don't Have to Do - The loudest song on the cd. This one will make you want to get up and dance, for sure. Don't be suprised if you find yourself smiling by the end of the song; It just has a feel-good vibe.

7) New York City (Radio Edit)

Overall - One of the best new cd's of the year...I find myself listening to it more and more every day...maybe now that it's hit the radio, it will encourage more people to experience this shining gem. One negative comment - at a running time of 30:04, it's too short! Though better to end it on a high note than to ruin the cd with a bunch of rushed renditions. Short 'n sweet. A must buy for any jazz/Norah/light rock fan. Expect to be hearing more of this on the airwaves.

Not the whole album
I can't give it a bad review as these are good songs well performed but this is only a subset of Peter Malick's 'Chance and Circumstance', an album that is so infectious it is almost never off my car stereo.

If you're only interested in the Norah Jones songs then fine, this is the one for you but for me 'Chance and Circumstance' is such a beautifully crafted work that anything less would feel like walking out halfway through the show.

Other people can review the musical style, I just wanted to let folks know.

bE
Bad album. Don't listen what other people is saing to you! Shakira is better! Don't buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good mix
I really enjoy the mix of Norah Jones voice with Peter Malick's guitar work. Good music to have in the background to hum along to.

NYC is a Disappointment
I borrowed this CD from my library in the hopes that since Norah Jones was featured on it, I would enjoy this album immensely.

I never imagined I'd listen to an entire recording with Norah Jones' voice and dislike it. Fans of Norah Jones' Come Away With Me probably wouldn't like this CD. I suppose a die-hard blues fan would like it, but I don't like the blues, therefore, this CD was a HUGE letdown for me. I liked New York City, but the entire album was enough of a disappointment for me to return to my library and forget about buying for myself. I would recommend Norah Jones' sophomore album before I would EVER recommend New York City.

P.S. This album really does not accurately capture the emotions of New York City. Really, it doesn't. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Entertaining for young and old alike!
I remember watching schoolhouse rock when I was a child and I use to sing those songs constantly. I bought this CD for my daughter who, although is only 5 years old now, is singing the songs too. She will learn the meaning of each song as she gets older. I plan on buying every one of the videos as well.

I love Schoolhouse Rock!
I can't believe I found this. Almost everyday in math class, I find myself using my 3s timestable and thinking of the Multiplication Rock song. And in Lit, I am constantly humming Conjunction Junction. I thought I'd never hear my favourites from Schoolhouse Rock again...forget that. I'm so getting this CD!!!

Great choice, along with the new SCRIPTURE Rock
This disc is indispensable for children's education.
Also, I just found exactly what I was looking for - a disc called *Scripture* Rock. They still have the magic!

Excellent
As A teacher, I believe that each and every student in my 3rd grade class benifits from this video. I have seen child after child humming the tunes to, "unpack your adjectives" and "I'm just a Bill". Even As A teacher I learn from these videos. I love the music mixed with the wit and humor of it. I think that we could all learn a little by watching "SchoolHouse Rock!"

CD is good, but the box set is better!!!
I love schoolhouse Rock, I love the songs and I love the videos. So I only giving this 3 stars because some of the better songs are not included here. "A Noun Is A Person Place Or Thing", "Elementary My Dear", "Lolly Lolly Lolly (Get Your Adverbs Here)" and others are all missing. Here is some advise... if you are a fan, spend a few extra dollars and buy the box set. It has EVERY song ever made for Schoolhouse Rock. You wont be dissapointed. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A misunderstood and underappreciated national treasure
One of this country's most renowned singers is also one of the most misunderstood. And no, this is not a cheesy segway into her great version of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." Nina Simone was never as popular as she should have been due her strength of refusal to be a puppet for neither record company executives, racism, and even the audience's refusal to support a talent who refused to be pegged as either solely a jazz, soul, blues, gospel, standards, or Broadway artist. Her story in a way is similar to Tina Turner's in that she eventually got fed up and felt she needed to leave the US to make the most of her life and not to suffer some of the hardships/prejudices that some would like to sweep under the rug for people.

But what about the music? Well one listen to this remastered 2 CD collection will give any fan or future convert an overview of a versatile treasure who could sing the most tender and elegant of songs and immediately display her anger and frustration, especially when it came to issues surrounding the Civil Rights Movement. The common denominator that I found in hearing all these treasures was a certain elegance, soulfulness, and pride that left do doubt about her feelings regarding any song she was singing. On the other hand, she never resorted to the histrionics of other singers and both her pain and joy were tempered and best appreciated by listening very carefully to the way she uses silence as much as her voice to interpret any given song.

It's amazing that Simone sounds equally good in both studio productions and live performances, and this collection is peppered with many of both. In a nutshell, I think that this is a must have collection and that with the exception of a few covers towards the end of the second CD (Here Comes The Sun and Rich Girl), is perfect. Since I was not around during her most productive period, I am not sure if any of her essential songs are missing, so if you've been are a hard-core fan, consult the song list to make sure that none of your favorites are missing.

Although not relevant to this review, I think that those who love some of the artists thoughtlessly clumped as "neo-soul" artists, owe themselves the pleasure of listening to some of the masters to get a better un understanding and perspective to the music that they listen to. I am amazed by how great treasures like Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Etta James, and Stevie Wonder (just to name a few) still sound fresher than much of what is hailed as the cream of the crop these days. If for example, you were one of the millions that thought that Usher's latest CD was good, give the masters a listen and you may find that it would not sound odd to burn a mix that may have Prince, Lena Horne, Van Hunt, Nina Simone, Seal, and ______ (fill in with your favorite(s)) sitting side by side and the result would be more cohesive than those alleged best of compilations that records companies love to release. One listen to "Mississippi Goddam" and you may never be the same. Nina Simone died in the South of France in 2003, but her music makes her sound more alive than many of the lesser singers who self-pen themselves as "divas." Simone may have been misunderstood but with time we are all catching up to all the singers who matter and she stands at the front of that line.

Masterful
Fantastic compilation. However, I was very upset that my favorite Nina Simone song was excluded, the wonderful "Wild is the Wind". Why that song is not in her anthology is beyond my understanding.

Astonishing
Nina Simone. This collection of her work might just be the best 2 disk compilation of music ever made. There is not a song on here that can be called anything but outstanding. Ms. Simone makes even the most standard of torch songs huanting and compleatly new... she takes classic blues ideal and makes them complex works of classical philosophy....

as a guy raised on indie rock and folk nina simone early on became and important break from the norm. It is impossible for anyone to not like her.... i just cant see how there could be a single human alive that would not appriciate this collection of her work in their library..... FOR THE BETTERMENT OF HUMAN TASTE PLEASE BUY THIS!!!!!

good
This woman sings and you believe every word she is singing. She sings from her heart. She sings deep and from her gut. I feel transformed into a dark smoky lounge room when she sings. I really like her even though she sounds so sad when she sings.

Social activist's career neatly summarized
Young, gifted and black, Nina Simone had a lot of things she needed to get off her chest. Racial conflict, social inequality, political aversion - the passionate subject matter of her songs is as gritty as the voice that sings them. This anthology gathers a collection of material from a variety of labels and demonstrates Simone's two-sided mentality; namely, that of musician and poet. Guided by a subjective introspection, her songs dive head first into a political pathos with an unapologetic disregard for sweetness and simplicity. Their messages are harsh and candid, brutally confrontational; their titles are explicit labels of what issues are contained inside ("I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free"; "Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair"; "Strange Fruit").

But that's only half the appeal. Simone's vocal delivery - often unfathomably overcooked - produces a dark, smoky and undulating quality to the proceedings that, curiously, travels further than the material often permits. The blues-cum-gospel musical arrangements are mostly uncluttered to lend a more engaged sound as Simone protests, dismays, and wrestles to establish her communal identity in the foreground, and tinkers away brazenly on piano in the background.

Yet her delivery is just as convincing in her love songs. "I Loves You, Porgy", the album's opening track, adopts a relaxed, almost sleepy, disposition, and whose bittersweet content is perfectly reflected in Simone's beseeching voice: "Don't let him take me/don't let him handle me/and drive me mad." In addition, her talents also extended to good humor, as some of the live recordings reveal; her ability to make the audience laugh through on-stage banter is quite moving. Ultimately, Nina Simone left this earth with a much clearer chest. This compilation stows her lifetime's worth of encumbrance. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Splendid experience
I used these songs to play at my parents' recent 50th anniversay party. I synchronized it with silent home movies from over the decades. Friends and relatives were in tears with joy and emotion. Special emphasis to tracks 1, 6, and 12....very touching songs performed by a man gifted with an exceptional voice. My highest recommendation.

A Beautiful Gift That Lives On
A very special gift my mother gave me was having Nat King Cole's music playing in the house as I grew up. I can't say that there's ever been a time in my life when I didn't crave to hear his voice. I was ecstatic when I saw this CD and the songs that were included. It's a vacation for the mind, body and spirit to play this CD and melt into a chair. Nat King Cole has blessed us with beautiful music that wakes the heart and will live on as does the beauty of spring.

If you are an old fan of Nat or yet introduced
If you enjoy songs of love and warmth Please, please new or old fan of Nat purchase this album you will cherish it. That's a promise !

He's the man
I never heard an album from him that I did not like, except from the "old" sound-like his "Greatest Hits". The sound on this album is excellent, you will love it!

Words fail me...
There is really nothing more I could say about this man, his voice and the music -- it's all been said before. But I will say this: to have all these songs on one CD is something that is long overdue. You get 24 gorgeous, timeless classics sung as only Nat King Cole can sing them..."There Goes My Heart"..."Stardust"..."Let There Be Love"..."More"..."The More I See You"..."Stay As Sweet As You Are"..."Autumn Leaves"...WOW!! And that's only the beginning! Instead of me shuffling through my HUGE collection of NKC material to hear all these tunes, I can put on this one CD and let it play all the way through. These are REAL love songs, not the sorry, imitation excuses for love songs that you'll hear on the radio these days. Creates a perfect mood for relaxing with that special someone, or when you want to unwind after a hard day on the job. Nat does the job everytime! Highly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Having long been unfairly dismissed as an ingenious Sinatra impersonator in some critical quarters, it's easy to see why Harry Connick, Jr., has been reluctant to record the sort of pop standards cover album that's become the career refuge of rock artists as diverse as Bryan Ferry and Rod Stewart. But that's exactly what the New Orleans pop revivalist has done here on a slate of familiar chestnuts from the 1950s and '60s. But there's a notable conflict at work here between Connick the arranger/conductor and Harry the pop crooner. The former seems eager to infuse his charts with the sort of restless, reinventive musicality he's displayed on recent works as diverse as the stage foray Thou Shalt Notand the neo-bop jazz instrumental collectionit inspired, Other Hours,bringing to bear arranging influences as diverse as Ray Charles and Nelson Riddle. But the oft Sinatra-smitten vocalist cruising over those masterfully stripped-down arrangements and bluesy, laconic tempos still seems sometimes reluctant to step out of The Chairman's long shadows--and occasionally basks in them, as on the repeated "Jilly" references in "My Blue Heaven." Still, it's artistically head and shoulders above most marketing-driven retro collections, an album that should delight the Connick faithful with its jazzy arrangements and bittersweet takes on the title track and "I Only Have Eyes For You"--and maybe win a few new converts willing to forgive the periodic genuflection to Sinatra. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (79)

Harry's "Only You" -- Truly Special!!
I was so happy to learn that Harry released his new "Only You" CD so soon after the magical "Harry for the Holidays" Christmas album. From Christmas songs to love songs, Harry really knows how to please. The songs on this new CD... "For Once In My Life", "You Don't Know Me", "More," may have been recorded before but no one has ever made them sound so fresh, up to date, and romantic as Harry has. I am completely captivated by his musical arrangements and can't stop listening to this CD. The song "All Of These Things" hypnotizes me! Thanks Harry for giving us this special gift so soon after the gift of your Christmas album.

"great choice of love songs ~ Harry Connick Jr"
Columbia Records presents a long awaited album "Only You", featuring a pleasant surprise and very good performance by Mr. Harry Connick Jr. ~ it's simple, first rate and the majority of the release is very good. This twelve track album is an enjoyable collection of romantic standards, some over six decades of timeless classics.

Whatever the mood "SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME", Harry is truly warm of heart ~ "YOU DON'T KNOW ME" also enjoyed the way Jerry Vale and Ray Charles performed this one ~ "GOOD NIGHT MY LOVE (PLESANT DREAMS)", doesn't get any better than this one ~ "ONLY YOU" and "MY PRAYER", two songs from the past recorded by The Platters, but our crooner has bridged the gap of generations and what comes out is really a great interpreation.

Connick conveys an atmosphere of awe, much as we feel when he or she has fallen in love with someone ~ but there are a few cues that drag on and on. Connick needs to move on with his arrangements, just give a listen to Michael Buble's latest album. Buble's style is crystal clear with sparkling arrangements as the ballads send a happy positive message and mood. Remember Connick gave us this impression...gotta love it!

Total Time: 58:27 on 12 Tracks ~ Sony 90551 ~ (2/03/2004)

Off key
What was HCJ thinking? Looking at the titles of these songs, they are great, but the arrangements are all wrong and his voice just cannot hit the right key. You will find yourself actually saying, "come on, hit it, Harry". But he just can't get it right. This is overall a terrible effort. Hopefully the REAL Harry Connick Jr will be back.

Alabama Fan
Harry Connick does what only Harry can do using creative orchestration, inspired arrangements, and haunting jazz melodies to bring the golden years new glory. This is an album for all ages. The old will reminisce and the young will find a new venue. Timeless, ageless and cutting edge all in one.

Only You
This is one of the best albums I have heard in a long time. The songs are timeless. Mr. Connick's voice is timeless. A great CD all around. ... Read more

Album Description

The ultimate 2-CD collection of late-nite, mood-settingjazz, featuring classic performances by Miles Davis, JohnColtrane, Diana Krall, Tony Bennett, Duke Ellington, EllaFitzgerald and Billie Holiday! Playboy Jazz label. 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

This is an exellent jazz sampler... for late night romance
Weather you want to relax after a long day at work, and get into your cumfy chair and read, or you want to romance that special someone with great jazz and a roaring fire, and a bottle of pink champaigne, this is the 2 cd set to do it with(sure there are cd's like "John Coltrane+Johnny Hartman" and "Charlie Parker With Strings", but this gives you a variety). This cd is not like msot hophodged cd jazz compilations(which I normally despise), this is not a sampler for your average bozo who doesn't know the difference between Kenny G & Eric Dolphy, this cd gives a difinitive overview of good jazz singers and solosits, and the songs flow and create a beautiful and at times exotic mood. Such great yet obscure singer like Ernestine Anderson and Miss Mary Stallings are featured here as well as great intrumentalists like Joe Pass and Gene Harris, and the newer but great Ken Keplowski. This 2 cd set will introduce you to not only yhe popular singers and soloitst but the greater obscure ones too. A great set of jazz, for any occasion waether in be a sophistocated cocktail party or a romantic date for two, or just you, a great cd, buy one for yourself and get one for a friend... A truly wonderful buy.

A wonderful romantic and moody album
This 2 cd set is essential for all hep cats! Normally I skip compilations, however this cd creates a perfect mood for an intimate evening of dinner and who knows what else... This cd combines vintage retro jazz with newer artists, but the music blends well and has high artistic quality thuoghout. This cd is recomended even if you already have these songs on other cd's or by other artists, because they flow so nicely on this exellent and well thought thru two cd set. Hugh Heffner must have personally selected these himself, this cd is worthy of the almight Bunny logo that adorns the cover. Another plus is taht such unknown but great singers liek Mary Stallings, and Ernestine Anderson are included in this great set. This is a cool , hip and swingin' cd, for lovers in a romantic mood, a great addition to anyone's cd collection with any clas or taste at all.

Smoooooooth Jazz, with extra oooooo.
This set deserves 7 out of 5 stars. I really couldn't praise this two disk collection enough. It has been described as a sampler, and that's accurate enough. If you like (lounge) jazz enough to start a collection, but don't know WHO you like, this is an excellent place to start. As a musical genre, jazz is as diverse, if not more, than any other type. It contains Blues, Swing, Dixieland, Lounge, Ragtime, and a throng of others. These disks are primarily what I would call Lounge Jazz - the type you'd hear played on an ebony baby grand piano, from across a dark room, sewn with swirls of grey-blue smoke and perfume, as the redhead in the sparkling rhinestone gown, sitting next to you at the bar, orders a dry martini, and winks at you playfully. Got the picture? The first CD is all instrumental. Deep base, sultry horns / reeds, and a tickling of the ivories. I was almost afraid to put the second CD in, for fear that I'd be disappointed. Number two blew me away. I couldn't believe I liked it better than the first. My favorite track was 13. Solitude - Billie Holiday. I would recommend this set to anyone who wants to start a jazz collection, but doesn't know where to begin.

JAZZ-JUNKIE's delight!!!
For all you JAZZ-JUNKIES like me,(that doesn't sound so irregular), you will want this cd, especailly for the late night hours with that special someone. Yes all of us jazz junkies, already have this stuff in it's original context, but it's nice to have a variety at your fingertips, and this will introduce the novices to new artists liek Miss Ernestine Anderson(not too many people know about her), so buy this and if you love it, you may be a future "JAZZ JUNKIE", and there's nothing wrong with being a JAZZ-JUNKIE. So buy this cd you'll love it(& I love the "Beach house" humor, whoever wrote that original review must feel dumb). Just get this cd it's AWESOME. And one more thing... Jazz junkie, jazz junkie, jazz junkie, jazz junkie, jazz junkie, jazz junkie, jazz junie
J-A-Z-Z J-U-N-K-I-E!!! That's for the guy who wrote never say Jazz junkie(we exhist and you can't shush us up). You wil llvoe this cd, jazz junkie or not.

I keep a dozen of these at each of my Texas beach condos
Hi I'm erin, the Zillionaire stousee. I gave 20 of these away to all of my lovers, they all loved it. Just give this and an expensive bottle of wine to any jazz lover, or any lover(HAHAHA HAHA HAHAHA !!!!!!, nothing like rich person beach house humor). I love this cd and I have been searching for the perfect jazz CD with everything on it, and this is it! I have one at my beach condo and one at home, and I recommend it highly! Thansk for reading my review. Did i mention I'm a bragging annoying rich person, who has to mention my beach house. Wait a minute did I say beach condo(I'm from Texas?), oh well. Buy the cd you'll love it. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Band leader and lounge kingpin Louis Prima will be best be known for the classic, "Just a Gigolo," immortalized by David Lee Roth for a whole new generation of swingers. But Prima's output went much further: in his day he recorded for Capitol, acted in a movie or two, even owned a golf course. Prima's genius is infectious: lounge, swing, and Dixieland all fuse together into medleys that are fun, dance-worthy, and upbeat. Prima's duets with Keely Smith are the obvious highlights here: "That Ol' Black Magic," "Hey Boy! Hey Girl!," and "I've Got You Under My Skin" are essential Prima tracks. Sure, the cheese factor occasionally runs high, but it is a fun trip. --Jason Verlinde ... Read more

Reviews (59)

The joy of life!
This disk rocks, and is packed with great, upbeat music. It brims with humor and spirit. Even though it runs for well over an hour, I feel let down when it's over.

Unlike many of the people who have posted here before me, I have no particular interest in the swing revival, and I did not come across Louis Prima via Brian Setzer. Brian Setzer is, however, as good a link to Louis Prima as any. Prima was a mysterious figure who played heavily in the otherwise fictional 50's period Italian food film "Big Night" (1996). Intrigued, I bought this disk after seeing "Big Night" in the theatre.

True, the song "Beep Beep" is dated and corny, but it differs from the rest of the disk only in its space-age subject matter and "otherworldly" slide-guitar sound effects. It was topical during the late-50's space race. Everything else holds up perfectly well over 40-plus years.

Prima's band is tight, yet spontaneous and not sterile. He has a great onstage comic rapport with cohort Sam Butera, and also with his then-wife and straight-woman Keely Smith.

Example on "Won't You Please Come Home" --

Keely: (singing) "Won't you come get your baby..."

Louis: (stage whisper aside to audience) "Call from 'The Point'."

This disk is a must for any non-classical music lover with a pulse. This is in my top 5 CD's, out of perhaps 300 I own, and is certainly a "desert island disk." Deservedly, almost everyone on this page has given it 5 stars. It doesn't get any better than this, kids.

AN ALBUM YOU WILL TREASURE FOREVER!
Long before Brian Setzer did "Jump Jive N' Wail," and David Lee Roth did "Just A Gigolo," there was Louis Prima. He is one of the most underated and unappreciated American musicians of the 20th century! Just listen to Setzer's and Roth's (but don't waste your money buying their CD's) versions of those songs, and then listen to Prima's. Not only did Roth and Setzer literally rip off Prima (because they did little to embellish on what Prima had already done), but Prima was making this music 40 years before them! However, this is a testament to Prima's immense talent because his music is as hip today as it was 40 years ago when he was one of the greatest shows in Vegas. Prima was also a gifted songwriter and trumpet player. His voice is unique and no one else has a style like him. The music on this CD covers Prima in his prime and the sound qaulity is excellent. There is a remarkable timelessness to this album because the recordings sound so spontaneous. This album will kick any party into high-gear and will always put a smile on your face. If you really want the real Mcoy when it comes to swing, then Prima's music can't be beat. Prima was a pioneer in swing/jazz who's time has come. He deserves more than just Gap commercials and soundtracks to movies. His place in American music needs to be redefined as one of the greats whose genius was just as immense as Sir Duke's and Dizzy's. Get this album and you'll see what I'm talking about and then tell your friends where the real Swing comes from.

The Music Goes 'Round and Around
Songs are performed between 1956 and 1962 by Sam Butera and The Witnesses and by Luigi's wife Keely Smith. All the classics are here "Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody" gave Dave Lee Roth a hit, "Jump, Jive, An' Wail" was a big hit for "The Brian Setzer Orchestra", "Sing, Sing, Sing" for Benny Goodman Orchestra. This is goddamn great Jump Blues!

BOOM!
If California has another power outage, just hook the generators up to this Louis Prima CD and pow!-- no energy crisis here! Louis is like that other Louis-- Satch of course-- juiced up on rocket fuel. Then you've got Sam Butera blowing the living daylights out of that howling sax. Keely Smith's clear smooth voice mellows it out a bit, but this thing jumps, jives, and wails all the way.

With that crazy New Orleans-- or is it Neapolitan?-- rhythm going on behind him, and Butera growling for a few bars, it doesn't matter if this is jazz, lounge, or whatever, it's just infectious as can be. Oh, and by the way, Prima plays a mean trumpet himself. And he wrote "Sing, Sing, Sing"

So for some screaming, super-hyped music, you simply can't pass this disc up.

so much fun
Louie Prima was a true original. He's been copied but no one has quite matched this level of joyous lunacy. Buy this and have a blast. And catch his wife Keely in concert if you have a chance. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

All for You is a tribute to the Nat "King" Cole Trio of the 1940s, when Cole performed as both a singer and a pianist. Krall, like her heroes Lena Horne and Carmen McRae, is also a singer-pianist, and she plays both roles on most of the songs here. She's able to link her singing to her piano playing in sympathetic ways and projects tremendous feeling through both. Like Cole in the '40s, Krall plays with a drummerless trio--here with guitarist Russell Malone and bassist Paul Keller. Their sense of intimate rapport is especially valuable on ballads such as "You Call It Madness" and "I'm Thru with Love," but also allows such uptempo tunes as "Hit That Jive Jack" to swing with surprising lightness. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (78)

Surprised That I Bought This First
All For You is the best representative of Diana's gift for jazz and swing music at its best, whether bouncy or intimate. You may think you're listening to a live recording. Even Boulevard of Broken Dreams or You're Looking at Me remain sophisticated without the addition of strings. Played just as the Nat Cole Trio might have down at Smokey Joe's.

For someone raised on the pop and rock sounds that came out of the 60's hearing a trio play mostly without percussion was a revelation. When I clicked the local FM station back on after several hours with All For You as music while I worked, the incessant snare of the rock beat pounded in my head like waking up to a jack-hammer on the street below. I have _not_ been listening to jazz for decades. That's the point. I learned a lot about Nat Cole's early career that was unkown to me from the CD notes. If I hand't been able to listen to samples of this album, I would have considered it last because of the Nat Cole connection. I am in debt to Diana Krall for bringing to my attention music I would have never listened to without experiencing her love for it.

I am in agreement with the other reviewers here that this is a great CD to unwind to, with its spare arrangements and quiet presence, not sleepy or mushy with strings. I love the playful Frim Fram Sauce, which Diana makes her own on this performance. Errand Girl for Rhythm is exactly what Diana becomes on this CD, supplying us with a steady telegraphing of her gifted jazz piano. You're Looking at Me is delivered with knowing sophistication the lyric deserves. I enjoy the simpler arrangements and intuitive playing of All For You more than any of her later CD's containing lush string arrangements that just sound studied and distant to me. The guitar work of Russell Malone is very tasteful, blending well with Diana's piano.

This CD has a very intimate and immediate sound. The recoding mikes each player very close, making for the intimate sound of this performance. You feel as if you're right in the middle of Krall, Malone and Keller as they play. Each instrument (including her voice) can be heard distinctly. There is no "wall of sound" or distant miking and mushy strings to come between you and the artist.

The production on Diana's early efforts, such as her first CD and Love Scenes, is uneven and less polished in comparison to the effort lavished on All For You. That is partly why I chose this as the first Diana Krall CD I bought. Unlike the other CD's the mike level and quality does not vary wildly from song to song, which I find annoying.

If you have a strong liking for this recording you will probably have a strong dislike for Diana's later recordings made in lush string settings that place her and the band at a sonically distant location, as we are listening to the band at the back tables of a smoky nightclub in the '50s. The kind of stuff you'd expect to be playing on a penthouse hi-fi in an old movie. Diana does a solid job with the standards on When I Look in Your Eyes and continues the evolution on her new recording The Look of Love. But I can't help but think marketing forces are behind this transformation to the kind of sentimental, mushy sound that Nat Cole was doing by the time of hits like The Christmas Song. I'd like to think it's just Diana's changing sensibility, but could the same process be at work? I say this because I think if you're put off by her latest effort, then by all means try one of her earlier recordings.

five stars aren't enough...
I discovered this album because a friend of mine in the music industry (who doesn't know all that much about jazz vocalists) wanted to know if Diana Krall was as good as all the hype about her said she was. After a quick scan of the song list I replied that it would be easy to tell because she had a version of "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" and that was one of my favorite pieces -- not only one of my favorites, I said, but I have a recording on a mix tape at home by some woman (who's name escaped me) that I considered the definitive version of " Boulevard Of Broken Dreams".

Two seconds into the song I realized that this was the woman. I said, " she's better".

Diana Krall's ability to interpret standards is truly amazing. I have a fairly extensive collection of jazz vocal albums and I place this one right up there at the top with singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Hartman, Nat Cole & Billy Holiday -- not necessarily because they sound alike, but more because all of these artists can sing a song and make you hear it differently than you've ever heard it before.

Now I'm not going to try to convince you that all of her recording are flawless, but this one is a pure winner. There's not a bad track on here. Some of the stand outs are 'You Call It Madness', 'You're Looking At Me', 'A Blossom Fell', and of course my favorite 'Boulevard Of Broken Dreams'.

I can't wait for Diana to outgrow this label. They spend way too much time trying to promote her image. It's not an insult to say that her image is the least of her qualities.

HOT MUSICIANS & MONOTONE VOCALS
Sorry but Nat would not be thrilled with vocals that would be more fitting to a Julie London tribute. If you really want to be blown away by a JAZZ DIVA tribute to Nat, then sample the tracks on Carmen McRae's brilliant "You're Lookin' At Me" tribute and you will hear a tribute collection that is classic and would get a big nod of approval from Nat himself! Diana does some excellent keyboard playing and I love the guitar work and rhythm but these vocals don't take you away like Carmen's or many other Jazz Diva's who are not getting the acclaim they deserve. I guess the music industry thinks that a pretty face is what sells in a well produced setting but you cannot build alone on this for too long. The character and soul in the Carmen McRae tribute is so strong and one can go to the Liza Minnelli "Minnelli On Minnelli-Live at the Palace" and sample "If I Had You" and hear how a rich soulful voice can turn this song into a really satisfying listening experience!!

The Diva's Best to Date
Diana Krall is the consensus Diva of Jazz these days. While I don't necessarily agree, there's no denying her talent, and if you're curious about her artistry, this is a good place to start. This, her tribute to Nat King Cole, along with the ensuing "Love Scenes", are her best works to date. Highlights include the rollicking "Hit That Jive, Jack" and the haunting "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" (the latter proving that Krall is capable of doing something memorable that isn't necessarily "cool.") Highly recommended, whether you're a big fan or not.

My favorite Krall CD !
This is my favorite Krall CD as she swings much more on this Nat King Cole Trio tribute (not just sultry singing like her newer Cds) . Also she plays the piano more. I would buy her CDs just to listen to here play the piano as she is one the best jazz pianist on the scene today. I like her song selection which includes Hit that Jive Jack, Frim Fram Sauce, Deed I Do. Baby baby all the time, Gee Baby ain't I good to you . Her trio (like the Nat King Cole Trio)with no drums - Russel Malone on guitar and Paul Keller on bass really sound good together. ... Read more