When Harry Met Sally: Music From The Motion Picture
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 July, 1989)
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Editorial Review

Plucked from the piano bars of New Orleans, Harry Connick Jr. was an unlikely choice to pen the soundtrack for a major Hollywood release. But everyone concerned hit the jackpot. As with the best of Connick's music, When Harry Met Sally resonates with a whimsical yet sophisticated and urbane energy. That smooth, breathy tenor, combined with some inventive arrangements, brought color and setting to the film, playing a plum supporting role for Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. Beyond the film, this collection of reworked standards stands on its own quite well. A lustrous vocal line bookends the hopping instrumental swing in the middle of "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," playing that song's central melancholy up with a Nelson Riddle-esque big-band sweep. Connick's take on "Love Is Here to Stay" puts a gentle cha-cha behind the familiar verses, slowly working in a lazily wandering tenor sax. By the time the record fades out in a hushed, tender rendition of "Where or When," Connick has managed to thoroughly charm us, whether we'd seen the movie or not. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (41)

Where are the original?
Harry Connick, Jr. did a fair job representing the musical legends that were found in the movie, but nonetheless, this soundtrack should contain the artists who created the songs and/or who were featured in the motion picture. If you are purchasing this CD because you enjoy the classics performed by musical legends, as I do, then I do not recommend this CD; instead I would buy the originals.

When Harry Met Sally movie soundtrack
This CD is NOT the music soundtrack from the movie.It's only some of the music that is in the movie.I was very disappointed.I wanted the original soundtrack of the music you hear when you watch the movie.That's why I purchased it.Is the original soundtrack NOT available or was it not produced?I wouldn't buy this CD again.

This is not the original soundtrack
This collection of music by Harry Connick, whom I normally like very much, is NOT the music we heard in the motion picture. (...) I was very disappointed by this product and would not recommend this CD to anyone. Note that I'm not a Harry basher. I saw him live this summer at the Hollywood Bowl and he was fabulous. It's just a shame that this CD is borderline (...) presenting itself as the movie music (just look at the jacket). I cannot recommend this CD. ... Read more

Asin: B0000026V6
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Soundtrack    3. Soundtracks    4. Soundtracks & Film Scores    5. Swing    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal/Standards   

We Are in Love
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 June, 1990)
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Editorial Review

Harry Connick Jr. has a rare gift for summoning the style of classic 1940s saloon singing, hinting at Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and especially Dick Haymes, without engaging in actual impersonation. What's more uncanny still is his songwriting, an idiomatic command of the standards that often summons some of the rhythmic ease of Gershwin, the tunefulness of Jerome Kern, and the wit of Cole Porter. Both his singing and songwriting talents are evident on this CD, recorded in 1990 when Connick was just 22. Its emphasis is squarely on the subject of love, both on the ballads and some harder swinging tunes, and Connick's voice shines on original songs and the standards "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" and Porter's "It's All Right with Me." Connick's voice and piano are ably supported by bassist Ben Wolfe, drummer Shannon Powell, and a string section, while there are some good jazz solos by regular associate Russell Malone on guitar and guest Branford Marsalis on tenor and soprano saxophones. --Adam Rains ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The New Standard: Harry Connick Jr.
I have been enjoying this CD for several months now and I have truly grown to love every track on it. His unique style and interpretations harkens back to a time when the songs were beautifully written and the performers were masters of there craft.Almost single-handedly Harry Connick Jr. has managed to create a new fresh awareness to jazz music as a whole, and even now in 2004 he continues to reacquaint the world to the beautiful songs from the past.

If you LOVE listening to GREAT CROONERS and are in the mood for some Bigger, Brassier, Swingin' versions of tunes from the Great American Songbook, I would also recommend MONTE PROCOPIO "SWINGIN' WITH STYLE" CD. He is also a Great Crooner that can really SWING and deserves a listen. Buy both these CDs, you can't go wrong!

the king of jazz
buy it.......
sit back and listen.............
appluade the genius of harry connick jr!!!!!!!!,.......
......enough said

the jazz god
this album is the greatest album by harry, and thats going some
it is unfortunate that this music genius is not more well known,you can listen to his music for any number of reasons because it is all so varyed,and we are in love(the single)is prob the best song i have ever heard
i want you all to buy this album now and applaud the genius that is harry connick jr!!! ... Read more

Asin: B000002743
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals   

25
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 November, 1992)
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Reviews (6)

Simplistic and complicated.
This album has the strangest selections I've heard on a single recording. It runs the gamut from Stardust to I'm An Old Cowhand to Lazybones and on and on. Why the title 25?? It was released on his 25th birth date. 'I'm an old cowhand' was included for his then future mother-in-law who hails from Texas. Harry is a competent but not distintive singer however he more than compensates with his great piano playing but one of his teachers, Ellis Marsalis plays piano on stardust. Great organ on 'Lazybones'. If you buy this album and wonder if your woofer/subwoofer took a break, the final track will assure you they're in good shape.

Total Pleasure From a Total Musician
Harry Connick Jr. is a complete musician, and for this reason everything he does deserves at least one listen. "25" contains numerous examples of his varied abilities, from the amazing piano playing on"Stardust" to the beautiful, expressive singing in the ballads.Connick does more than justice to "This Time the Dream's On Me",while the uptempo choices like "On the Atchison..." "I'm anOld Cowhand" and "Lazybones" display wit and charm alongwith formidable musicianship. One reason why Connick is such an appealingperformer is that he respects the original melodic line of a song, even ashe makes it his own. The beautiful tune in "Tangerine" is neverobscured, nor is that of "On the Street Where You Live". Only"Didn't He Ramble" disappoints as lesser piece of writing. Thebackup musicians, especially Johnny Adams, all approach Connick's league. Agreat place to start exploring Mr. Connick.

Always a great choice!
I have every one of his CD's and this by far is one of his best.This CD is like an old friend that is worth listening to over and over again.I alway's enjoy listening to Harry! ... Read more

Asin: B0000028V6
Sales Rank: 36015
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Swing    4. Traditional Pop   

When My Heart Finds Christmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 October, 1993)
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Editorial Review

New Orleans pianist, singer, and songwriter Harry Connick Jr. has done what many makers of Christmas records strive for but seldom achieve: he's made a Christmas record that sounds convincingly like a '40s period piece and rigorously like a cool, contemporary jazz disc. His powerful, self-written Christmas songs sound like polished standards, and he delivers the whole package with a sassy, vocal economy (with the occasional New Orleans accent) and an orchestral richness that is never indulgent or overwhelming. When My Heart Finds Christmas is a true classic that no lover of big-band jazz and singing (in the Sinatra style)--and Christmas music--should be without. There are so many great moments here that singling any one out would be at the expense of the others. Still, the reverential, solo-piano intro to "Ave Maria," Connick's own "(It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus," (a rousing, second-line swing tune), and his triumphant "I Pray on Christmas" (a get-happy-now gospel song) deserve mention if only because they'll earn Connick extra credit in heaven and on Earth. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (65)

ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS CDS
i remember a few years back seeing Harry on the David Letterman show performing "It must have been 'Ol Santa Claus".It was a jazzy fun new christmas song.I immediately went out and bought the CD the next day."When my Heart finds Christmas" is a collection of 14 songs that has become one of my favorites.

The songs range from the foot-tapping, big band sounds of "Sleigh Ride", "Let it Snow", and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" to the smooth croonings of the title track, "Ave Maria" and "What are you Doing New Year's Eve".There's even a very catchy gospel-like song called "I Pray On Christmas".

Conniick's Orchestra is in top form as he captures the spirit and feel fo the old 40's big band era in this great collection, and Harry's voice was never smoother.

This really is one of the best Christmas CDs to come out in years and better, I think than "Harry for the Holidays", Connicks second Christmas CD.

A classic Christmas Album
It is often said that Harry Connick Jr.'s greatest strength is his versatility. And on no other of his CDs does that come across. This album is especially careful to point out the variety of styles Connick and his piano and an voice can support. From the big band smash swing cut of "Sleigh Ride" to the stirring piano solo in "Ave Maria", to the rolling Stride of "I Pray On Christmas," the variety is endless.
To make the package better, the CD has almost unlimited replayability. Connick arranged each of these in a completely unique way-- I have yet to see any other versions which are as individual as these. Because of this, the CD is an instant classic--It's hard to replace the X-mas masters like Crosby, Perry Como, and Mannheim Steamroller, but this comes as close as any.
This CD's so good, you really do wish it was December 12 months of the year!

A New Classic
With its cozy cover photo and charming sentiment, from the very first notes, When My Heart Finds Christmas sparkles with the classic charm of Dean Martin holiday affair, with mostly successful results.Connick opts for a largely unconventional lineup instead of an album full of the same tunes on everybody else's holiday CDs; interestingly enough, most of the lesser-knownsongs fly high while a number of the standards fall flat.

The opening track, a sprightly arrangement of "Sleigh Ride" that gets things moving nicely, and "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!" crackles with insinuating joy, but "Rudolph" shows the dangers of utilizing a children's chorus, whose screechy exuberance mars an otherwise fantastic arrangement."What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" is nice enough, but it's a bit drab, especially for the last track.The very slow, dramatic "What Child is This?" may be a drag for some, and a tedious march arrangement of "Little Drummer Boy" quickly becomes grating.

Proving that not all marches are stodgy, however, "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" is a smashing success among the less popular numbers, a high-kicking, kid-friendly confection.The Rat Pack throwback is most evident in the tight cocktail swing of "Christmas Dreaming," a Sinatra cover filled with winking cheer.The disc's crown jewel is the gorgeous rendition of "Ave Maria."Tender, delicate, unpretentious and oozingly slow, this is the one where you can really hear Connick pouring his whole heart in.It begins with a solo piano statement that would be more than enough by itself...but when Connick's haunting tenor comes in, trembling with emotion, its plaintive beauty surrounds you like a blessing straight from Heaven.A true joy, and worth the price of the whole CD.

Never one to rest simply on the work of others (as displayed in the series of photos accompanying liner notes, which show Connick chopping down a pine tree and dragging it home), Connick wrote four of the tunes himself.Of the two ballads, the title song comes off like a cheesy '60s ballad, but "The Blessed Dawn of Christmas Day" teems with reverent beauty.The faster numbers really deliver.The funky, festive "(It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus" chugs with the zest of New Orleans, and you're absolutely dead if it doesn't bring a smile to your face."I Pray on Christmas" shouts like a swingin' holiday revival, complete with call-and-response verses and a delicious piano solo.These two tracks are immensely joyful and deserve to become classics.

I think of When My Heart Finds Christmas like a holiday party thrown by a good friend.I love most of the people there, but some of my favorite guests are in a mood I don't care for, and some I just plain don't like, but I avoid them without complaint because the ones I enjoy are so great.I was *not* keen on this CD and its offbeat selection the first several times I listened, but I kept it because I adored three or four tracks.For some, this one's an acquired taste that's worth the effort; for those who do appreciate it, it gets better every year. ... Read more

Asin: B0000029DL
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Holiday    4. Pop    5. Swing    6. Traditional Pop   

Star Turtle
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (02 July, 1996)
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Editorial Review

The storyline, in which an alien turtle lands in New Orleans and goes clubbing with Harry, is a lightweight device to showcase the singer's hugely ambitious desire to be all pop things to all pop people--balladeer, funkster, jazzman, rocker. This is a relaxed, highly enjoyable ramble through tracks like "Hear Me in the Harmony," the boogie "Nobody Like You to Me," and the joyous "Never Young." --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Reason to Believe
If you've read a few reviews of this album, then you'll notice it's a subject of heavy 'Love-it or Hate-it' contention.

Personally, I think both 'Star Turtle' and 'She' were excellent departures from Harry's conventional sound, and they also celebrate the sound of his beloved New Orleans.

The main challenge people have with 'Star Turtle' and 'She' is the excerpt tracks where the album goes a little left field. On She it was the 'Follow the Music' tracks and on Star Turtle it was 'Star Turtle 1 - 4'. They seem to divide the album into portions and make it more concept than straight ahead New Orleans funk.

My advice is to just skip the excerpt tracks and go for another track. If you listen to it this way, then you'll get the vibe of both these excellent albums. Everything about the songs is great - the vocals, the instrumentation and the overall vibe that comes with them.

I give it 5 stars for Harry's courage to go a little left of centre and also to celebrate his New Orleans/funk roots.

Not Big Band Harry
I bought this album because I LOVE Harry Connick, Jr.'s big band and swing sounds. This CD is not big band -- it's overly weird. All of the "Star Turtle" tracks are very strange and don't make much sense unless you see them with the video (the CD-ROM portion of the CD). I try to skip passed these songs as quickly as possible when I listen to this CD. ...and I do listen to it --it has some great songs on it (City Beneath the Sea, Hear Me in the Harmony, and Just Like Me)-- I just don't listen to it as much as some of his other CDs. It's definitely different; just know that going in and you won't be too disappointed.

Just keep coming back to this one
I have had this CD for many years, and through all of the great new stuff and the fantastic old stuff, I just keep coming back to this one. I rate it as one of the (if not THE) best of Harry's work.There can never be any question of his talent, versatility and passion, as it lives in every note played and sung on anything he has ever recorded.He is more passionate on every subsequent release and this one explodes out with all the noise and power with some funk added in, that we should continue to expect from such a legendary artist. ... Read more

Asin: B000002BIJ
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Swing    4. Traditional Pop   

To See You
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 November, 1997)
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Editorial Review

Slow and sensual, Harry Connick Jr.'s ode to love is a shock to those accustomed to the pop stylings of his best-known work. In spirit, To See You represents a return to Connick's prestardom self, reflecting the imaginative musicality of that edgier sensibility. Yet Connick shows off a matured ability for composition and arrangement, creating poignant tapestries for his love-struck protagonists. On "Heart Beyond Repair," Connick confidently backs off midway through a torch-song vocal, giving saxophonist Charles Goold room to blow seductively through to a quiet swing groove. Connick lets the song fade in and out, finding a mysterious rhythm in the quiet patches, only to bring back that croon for a final coda. Elsewhere, the inventive use of the orchestra colors "Love Me Some You" with abrupt tonal and dynamic shifts, enhancing the song's jazzy, sometimes dissonant core. In exploring the oldest subject matter known to humanity, Connick has a trustworthy muse with which to experiment. Fortunately, his exploration of the heart yields riches of tuneful discovery. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (26)

When My Heart Explodes
"To See You" is one of those discs that is so good that time does not make it fade from view.Connick as a composer and song stylist is actually quite experimental, remarkable given that he seems to be working within a fairly narrow genre of slow romantic jazz.On "Once," Charles Goold's languid tenor sax blows through the track like a gentle breeze."Heart Beyond Repair" traces similar musical terrain.Connick gives the band tremendous latitude on which he layers his aching vocals, "All the edges worn & frayed, magnifying love betrayed."Reginald Veal's bass sounds like it's inspired by Jaco Pastorius with delightful horns and strings giving "Love Me Some You" a slow swinging sound."In Love Again" likewise has some tremendously inventive arrangements, "I'll get off the road when my heart explodes.""To See You" is an inventive set that continues to wear well.Enjoy!

His Best Album.
If "Love Me Tonight" were the only song on this CD, it would be miraculous. Harry has been led astray a time or two, but this entire album is amazing. My favorite of his many albums. Moody, quiet, lush and romantic. This album is subtile, but powerful just the same. The orchestration and arrangements are some of the best on any modern jazz album. Whew!

Continues to amaze
I almost never write reviews, but I have to go out of my way to say what an amazingly warm and wonderful album this is.

I put it on again last night, having purchased it in 1997.This album continues to amaze me.The atmosphere it creates is warm, loving and comforting. But that is just the surface.The lyrics are intelligent, the musicianship inspired and it leaves the listener entirely fulfilled.

It has become a favorite of mine through the years.It has also become a favorite pre-bedtime listen for my 6 month old daughter!Well worth it. ... Read more

Asin: B000002C42
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Swing   

Come by Me
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 June, 1999)
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Editorial Review

People first smitten with Harry Connick Jr. due to his easy, timeless charm and swoon-worthy croon on the 1989 soundtrack When Harry Met Sally are in for a big treat. Come by Me, a delightful sequence of treasures both old and new, is Connick's first big-band record since 1991's Blue Light, Red Light. What's not to like?With equal precision and confidence, Connick and his 16-piece band (and at times a full symphony orchestra) move seamlessly between the boisterous self-penned title cut, the Mancini standard "Charade," and the Cole Porter gem "Love for Sale." He gives a straight and moving voice and piano take on "Danny Boy," a stepped-up freshness to "There's No Business Like Show Business," and "Cry Me a River," following his unique vision, becomes an emotionally broken Bourbon Street funereal march. Strings swell, horns wail and skronk, high hats tap time, and those magic fingers dance across the keys. All told, Come by Me is a welcome invitation. --Paige La Grone ... Read more

Reviews (106)

Great Mix of Old and New
Harry Connick Jr.'s "Come By Me" is a fabulous mix of fresh arrangements on beloved standards and refreshingly beautiful new and original songs. He uses both Orchestra and a return to the Big Band style for some wonderful variety. The more I played it, the more I loved it.

The songs he has written including "Nowhere With Love" and "Come By Me", combined with his smooth and familiar vocal tones, and the wonderful sounds of the very talented musicians, seem to have a perfect fit with songs we already love. He does it his way with such greats as Cole Porter's "Love For Sale", the soft shoe sound of Irving Berlin's "There's No Business Like Show Business" and his touching rendition of the sentimental "Danny Boy".

It's an absolute treat to hear Johnny Mercer's and Henry Mancini's "Charade" and Arthur Hamilton's "Cry Me A River" revived so wonderfully for a new generation to aprreciate. If you think they just don't make em like they used to, Harry's own "A Moment With Me" should make you happy. He puts his own heart and soul into his originals, and the fine intsrumental solos complete the package.

I love the mix and the variety(see buying info for complete list of songs) on this album. Romantic, dreamy, sentimental and nostalgic. There are 13 tracks in all that run a nice hour. The CD is a very good quality. A fold out pamphlet is enclosed with some production notes and the words to all the songs.

For Romancing and dancing, for Harry fans and lovers of the old standards(or lovers in general)...it's "best of the bill"..enjoy...Laurie

Not the Best
I think Harry Connick Jr. is a great singer and musician but this album was a major disappointment to me.The arrangements were uninspired and he seemed to be going through the motions.Others apparently love it so I will merely offer a dissenting opinion.

Harry Connick Jr.'s Back Again!
After few not very good albums (Whisper Your Name, She and Star Turtle) here it is swingin' Harry Connick!
Harry Connick Jr. is probably the first man who brought Swing back on top. Before Royal Crown Revue, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Indigo Swing... He's great!
On this album, there are only five originals (Nowhere With Love, Come by Me, Easy for You to Say,Next Door Blues [instrumental]and A Moment With Me. Big Band is backing him and arrangements are great! ... Read more

Asin: B00000J7SC
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Swing    4. Traditional Pop   

Songs I Heard
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 October, 2001)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

This album's full title should read Songs I Heard When I Was a Kid and Never Forgot, as Harry Connick covers a selection of familiar, if unlikely, chestnuts. Who can deny the appeal of classics such as "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "Spoonful of Sugar" (from Mary Poppins) and "Oompa Loompa" (from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory)? Connick proves his worth as an arranger, especially on the tracks that get the full New Orleans swing treatment. Boasting several excerpts, The Wizard of Oz must have made quite an impression on young master Harry: "Ding Dong" becomes a zippy big-band number and "Over the Rainbow" begins with a thunderous intro before segueing into the familiar melancholy tune. But the best is the obscure "The Jitterbug," a brilliantly catchy number that had been cut from the movie's final version. Still, as good as they are, Connick's arrangements don't quite match Herbert Stothart's original ones. The CD ends with The Sound of Music's "Edelweiss" and "Do Re Mi," the latter in a swell finger-snapping version. Connick's silliest record to date is also his most warmly endearing. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Reviews (66)

Gold mine!
What a fun, fantastically fresh cd! I have one of Harry's first albums which I love, but this has got old standards that everyone knows with a new twist. The arrangements on all the pieces are really, really great. Very different, very... fresh! Highly recommended for the big kid at heart - I am not sure younger children would know some of the songs on here (i.e. You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile).

I really love this cd! If you like Jazz, harry and old showtunes, put it all together and you've got the perfect cd!

Hope this helps!

Jammin to my childhood
These are songs I heard too! and Harry does a great job jazzing them up to still be interesting but not so much that you can't sing along. It is residing in my ipod as I write.

Fantastic CD
My kids and I love this cd.They ask for it every time we get in the car.I only wish Harry would put out a volume two. ... Read more

Asin: B00005QES3
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Swing    4. Traditional Pop   

30
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 October, 2001)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

After 1988's 20 and 1992's 25, Harry Connick adds another chapter to his series of pared-down piano-and-voice albums. 30 is essentially a man and his keys--you have to wait until the fifth track, "If I Were a Bell," for a bass to finally sneak in. Connick starts things off with Fats Domino's "I'm Walkin'" and continues with another low-down boogie, an instrumental version of the Mack Gordon/Harry Warren song "Chattanooga Choo Choo." The material's fairly conservative (Connick's a traditionalist through and through) and usually fulfills its relatively modest aims--which, after all, is more than can be said about many records. Cole Porter's "Don't Fence Me In," for instance, acquires a nice boogie shuffle. Wynton Marsalis adds understated trumpet to the last track, "I'll Only Miss Her (When I Think of Her)," but the Reverend James Moore's vocals on "There Is Always One More Time" are a little too overheated in this record's minimal context. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Funky and playful
I enjoyed his previous album, "25," which was a similar type of album:playful, pared-down and intimate, showcasing Connick's natural singing and piano skills.I particularly enjoyed that and also this album, "30."Connick's singing style is easy and strong, without being too processed or smooth; I particularly liked songs which showcase his imaginative and offbeat renditions on the piano, such as "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and "Somewhere My Love." These were refreshing and I wish more artists had the talent to showcase their takes on songs without "having" to sing a note. This is a thoroughly enjoyable album and I hope more listeners understand what he is doing with it -- and really "get" it.

move over frank sinatra
Harry Connick Jr. was probably the most soothing music ive heard listened to. it would make a nice present or little party music.

Love it.
I love it.I gave this CD to my husband for his birthday, but I listen to it at least twice as much as he does!!Bravo Harry!!

Keep up the excellent food for my ears and soul. ... Read more

Asin: B00005QERZ
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals   

Thou Shalt Not: Original Broadway Cast Recording (Words and Music by Harry Connick, Jr.)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 June, 2002)
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Editorial Review

Harry Connick Jr.'s Tony-nominated score for his 2001 Broadway debut, Thou Shalt Not, sounds a lot like, well, Harry Connick Jr. Transplanting Émile Zola's dark novel of passion, adultery, and murder, Thérèse Raquin, to 1940s New Orleans allows Connick to operate in his element, with songs that don't need to move the plot along among the most interesting: Debra Monk's saloon song "My Little World," a traditional funeral march ("Won't You Sanctify"), the lively ensemble numbers "Light the Way" and "Take Me to the Mardi Gras," the numerous jazzy instrumentals, and Tony nominee Norbert Leo Butz (The Last 5 Years) sounding like the crooning composer-lyricist himself on "Oh, Ain't It a Shame" and "It's Good to Be Home."

Connick plays piano but doesn't sing on this 77-minute original cast recording, but other cast members include Kate Levering (Peggy Sawyer in the 2001 revival of 42nd Street), Craig Bierko (Harold Hill in the 2000 revival of The Music Man), and Leo Burmester. Director-choreographer Susan Stroman couldn't duplicate her phenomenally successful run of Contact, The Music Man, and The Producers--Thou Shalt Not was generally panned, and the show closed after a three-month run. That makes this CD a historical document, and thus it's great to have the full lyrics, but for those not up on their Zola, a plot synopsis would have been nice. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A surprising and complex work
Unfairly overlooked -- I bought this CD as soon as it was available but didn't much enjoy it on first listen. I popped it in the CD player today and -- whoa! -- it's got lots of forboding layering, some stunning showstoppers, and great voices throughout. Highlights are "The Other Hours," and the upbeat numbers set in Mardi Gras. This is one of those CD's that pays rich dividends on repeat listenings --and Norbert Leo Butz is fantastic as always. Percolate with this CD, and you won't be disappointed -- it's a stark and suprising addition to any Broadway collector's set!

Thou Shall Listen to This ;-)
This Broadway musical is somewhat unusual, because of Harry Connick's jazz fever.
So don't wait for some childish stuff here, it's a very serious fine musical, with much enjoying jazz band and with some truly remarkable orchestral and piano music.
First, I'm astonished by Harry Connick's ability to orchestrate. I'm a big symphonies listener, and Harry's orchestral work (like his orchestrations on the album `Song I Heard') is very impressively subtle. Everything on this album proves again what a gifted composer, and lyricist he is.
Harry sort of adapted the romantic wagnerian music to jazz, with this jazzy tragedy, because of the dramatic plot which convokes some very touching chromatic harmonies throughout the musical.
Singers are enough talented, lyrics are just like french poetry and the melodies are pure Connick shiny, entertaining or darkly moving ones.
This album is a very rare and precious experience, which won't surely please every Broadway musicals fan, but which will simply content listeners wishing for some refined narrative tragic and poetic music.

Bad bad and more bad
First show on Broadway I ever left at intermission. I bought the tickets because I didn't think I could go wrong seeing a show directed by Strohman, starring Craig Bierko who was fantastic in Music Man and was flat flat flat in this show, and music by Harry Connick Jr. whom I have loved forever. It taught me that everything has it's place and Harry's place is not a Broadway stage. I hope for his sake, he does not try again. If I could rate something at zero stars, this would get that rating. ... Read more

Asin: B000068U3S

Other Hours: Connick on Piano, Vol. 1
by Marsalis Music
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 July, 2003)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

With a career that's cast him as New Orleans jazz revivalist, crooner, Actor, and Broadway composer it's enough to make one ask: Who's the real Harry Connick, Jr.? Indeed, this warm foray into neo-bop, small ensemble instrumental jazz may only complicate the question. If nothing else, its genesis alone is compelling tribute to Connick's restless creativity and seeming resistance to pigeon-holing. All the songs here were written for (though not all used in) Thou Shalt Not, the musician's ambitious 2001 Broadway adaptation of Emile Zola's Therese Raquin that scored him a Tony nomination, if not stellar box office success. This low-key recasting only underscores the material's utilitarian strengths and gives Connick a chance to display chops as polished as they are playfully reverent to their inspirations. "Dumb Luck," "My Little World," and "What a Waste" recall the angular adventures of Monk, while the lyricism of Ned Goold's sax on "Can't We Tell" and "How About Tonight" points toward the best of Brubeck/Desmond. Melancholy and low-key as it may be, it's an album that gently underscores the jazz piano stylist corner of his resume. And if this is the fruit of Connick's Broadway failure, we can only hope he stumbles so gracefully in the future. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A creative jazz set, fianlly Connick is stretching out...
This is not a Connick vocal album, this is a straight ahead jazz session, where connick finally cuts loose and shows the jazz world what he is capable of(he hasn't showed this much promise as a jazzman since 1997's To see You).Connick no longer sounds just like a Thelonious monk.Connick stretches out on these originals, it would have been mice for him to include astandard or two but this cd wil lshow there is more to Connick as a jazz improvisor than one might think.I hope he'll do another big band vocal album next m but with standards(like Come By Me).

Harry can do no wrong
I've followed Harry for years and have always enjoyed his albums because each one has a slightly different sound from the rest.This latest CD is light, has gentle compositions, and is also swingin' fun.It puts me in the mood for dancing under the stars or curling up by the fire.I think it's about time Harry did a CD like this.

It freakin' swings
First off, Ned Goold sounds like Rouse.Secondly, Harry Connick Jr., while best know for his singing, is a monster on the piano player, as evidenced on this album.This album not only showcases Connick's excellent compistion skills, it also presents a quartet with a great group concept.I think of Monks quartet everytime I hear it.It belongs on the shelf of anyone that has the ability to actually hear jazz.Branford Marsalis should be commended for releasing this album that major labels most liekly wouldn't touch because it is not accessible to the masses. ... Read more

Asin: B00009RDEM
Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Ballads    3. Mainstream Jazz    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Post-Bop   

Harry For The Holidays
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 October, 2003)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

Call him the retro Sinatra, the keeper of the big band flame, the swingin' piano man, but Harry Connick Jr., remains one of New Orleans' treasures. His second Christmas CD is as much a salute to his hometown musical roots as it is to the season.Filled with second-line arrangements and fierce horn charts that could blow all that holiday chill back to Canada, Connick's latest revisits upbeat standards such as "Frosty The Snowman," "Blue Christmas," "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," and others. Most swing and romp, but the hymns are given the reverential vocal treatment that Connick is known for on his more secular love ballads. Surprises include a quirky arrangement of "Silver Bells," in what sounds all the world like a Henry Mancini score for an action film. And there's four Connick originals that don't quite match the level of the covers, except for what must be the oddest pairing of talents all season, the duet with country singer George Jones on "Nothin' New For the New Year," an inspired tune and performance from two master stylists. There's nothing quite as lasting as the chestnut he penned on his first Christmas CD, "I Pray on Christmas," but for fans, here's a merry Harry N'awlins holiday love fest. --Martin Keller ... Read more

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Reviews (70)

horrible band
First heard this on Oprah and the band used on the show is not the same as the one on the album. Wish it had been. I haven't heard such crash and ugly lead trumpet playing in a long time.

Doesn't work on computer players!!
We use our computer to play all music, and this CD comes with its own software - so you can't direct your computer to play it through Windows Media Player or any of the common audio players like Winamp.In fact, after about 20 minutes of my computer trying to open the CD, freezing, and having to be re-started I gave up and sent this CD to the car-music box - only to be played on a dedicated CD player.Although I can understand why companies bundle software into their cd's for computer playing, its tremendously inconvenient for the listener who just wants to hear some music.So what did I think of the music?Don't know, I was so irritated I haven't listened to it yet!

LISTEN TO AMAZON SAMPLE TRACKS
Others have liked this one. I have not. The Amazon sample tracks may be your best indicator, as to whether you'll enjoy this CD. I found the arrangements ill-conceived, like having someone read from the Bible while playing Monk or Charlie Parker loudly in the background. The subdued jive gospel organ on Silent Night coupled with Connick's uninvolved singing can twist the stomach of large dogs and cause a spike in the holiday suicide rate. Connick shows no mercy on the track running it 4:52. I am not trying to be spiteful on this. It is just an album for very narrow tastes or super Harry fans (which I have been on some of his previous efforts). ... Read more

Asin: B0000DF00Z
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Holiday    4. Mainstream Jazz    5. Pop    6. Swing    7. Traditional Pop