Editorial Review

The first of many artistic milestones in the long and illustriouscollaboration of Frank Sinatra and arranger Nelson Riddle that began at CapitolRecords, Read more

Reviews (68)

"That's when you miss her most of all"
A concept album inspired by Frank's crumbling relationship with Ava Gardner, In the Wee Small Hours is the musical equivilant of pacing your darkened house at three in the morning, unable to sleep because you can't get your mind off of that special someone, a love that you may have just lost for good. The album consists of a series of ballads, many of which are standards from the Great American Songbook, whose lyrics deal with lost love, obsession, biterness, and denial. Sinatra's voice fits these songs like a glove; throughout the album, he sounds like a lonely, broken man, and it's hard not to believe that he's lived every last word of these songs. Just listen to the heartbreakingly optimistic quiver in his phrasing during "Deep in a Dream," which recreates a scene that anyone going through a personal crisis will be framiliar with: Dreaming that everything's alright, only to wake up, dissapointed. Elsewhere, there's the self-deprecating "Glad To Be Unhappy," and a deeply soulful take on "Mood Indigo." Even the most hopeful tracks take on a dark tint here; "I'll Be Around" explores the vain, nervy hope that someday, your love will realize their mistake and take you back. "Last Night When We Were Young" and "It Never Entered My Mind" regret the foolish optimism of the past.
A CD all music lovers should own
I have known of this album for many years, but only purchased it recently. It immediately became a desert island classic for me.It, along with Sintra Sings for Only the Lonely, definitively prove that Sinatra was the real deal--he was more than the swagger and the Rat Pack.He was the greatest pop singer of the 20th century.He was a true musician who understood the songs he was singing.This is a music-have CD.

Wee Small Hours
These classic Sinatra recordings were partly responsible for Sinatra's "comeback" after his stint with Columbia.The recordings are the definitive Sinatra styling with Nelson Riddle arrangements.The quality of this CD is top rate and should be included in any Sinatra collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Torch Songs    5. Traditional Pop    6. United States of America    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Jazz    9. Vocal Pop   

Features

• Live
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (2)

Caberet at its Best
This is a live recording of a Noel Coward performance in the 1950's at the Desert Inn.The songs are quite a bit racier than his usual studio recordings from the 1920's and 30's; all very witty and very fun.A stand out performance of Cole Porter's "Let's Do It" features references to everyone from Somerset Maugham to Senator Joe McCarthy.Unique.

witty, classic genius
My old LP was lost in a recent move! I have loved this album along with "Noel and Gertie" since I first heard it at the age of twelve. Sir Noel Coward is not to be missed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. Miscellaneous    3. Miscellaneous Music    4. Music Hall    5. Music Theater    6. Musical Theater    7. Pop    8. Pop Vocals    9. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    10. Soundtrack    11. Vocal    12. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

Michael Feinstein steps out from behind his piano to front a big band, and not just any band, but Maynard Ferguson's.Extending the jazzy course he started in his first Concord album, Read more

Reviews (17)

A treasure for every generation
A grand collection which evokes many emotions in this elder fan Jazz at its best -- Feinstein at his best!
With his melodious voice and phrasing and that trumpet of Maynard Ferguson, this music can't be topped! It is just so tremendous and rewarding to hear. The band is marvelous and such a "fab" complement to Michael's emotional interpretation of these wonderful songs. And to think he wrote the music for a couple of them!! Is he SOMETHING or what?!

Seduced by the sound
I don't know when I have been so captivated and entranced by the sound of a CD that I just could not turn it off.The seductive voice and lush harmonies just sent me "over the edge".This recording will touch your heart. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Big Bands    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Nostalgia    5. Pop    6. Show Tunes    7. Traditional Pop    8. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Holiday recorded for Decca between 1944 and 1950, a period in which she was at the heights of both her popularity and her vocal powers. The music is less jazz-oriented in its backing than were the earlier Columbia and Commodore or later Verve recordings, but these are superb vocal performances, including matchless renderings of "Lover Man," "Don't Explain," and "Solitude." Holiday achieved the highest level that torch singing has ever known, creating consummately expressive, almost etched renditions that are richly nuanced, often enhanced by tasteful string arrangements. Holiday's deepest musical sources are strongly evident in songs associated with Bessie Smith, including the earthy "Gimme a Pigfoot (and a Bottle of Beer)," and two spirited duets with Louis Armstrong. Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (15)

Peak Perfection!
This is Lady Day at her peak and is probably the definitive collection showcasing how phenomenal a talent she was as a vocalist.As the title implies these are pretty much all her surviving tracks cut for the Decca label from 1944 to 1950 when she was in her peak vocal form and the songs here are a white-knuckle rollercoaster ride of emotions.There weren't many other vocalists anywhere near Billie's prowess at this time and her delivery runs the gamut of emotions from wistful sadness, to savage beauty, to a warm embrace.Many of her signature songs are here: "Lover Man,""Don't Explain," "'Taint Nobody's Business If I Do," "God Bless The Child," and "Good Morning Heartache."Some have complained that it is not a truly "complete" recordings package, but many of the original recordings were lost or destroyed years ago.If I had to chose a starting point for Billie Holiday you'd be hard pressed to pick a better choice than this set.

Wonderful music, but wish for atrack sequencing change
Billie Holiday's great talent and music has been adequately reviewed elsewhere. My comments are directed at the packaging of the songs.First, I give the music and performances 5 stars.The sound quality is excellent considering the vintage, especially on the originally released tracks.However, I have a suggestion for track sequencing and disc packagaging, thus the 4 star rating.My preference is that this set be repackaged as a 3 disc set, but remain priced as a 2 disc set with the 3rd disc listed as a bonus disc. I'd rather have a3rd disc that comprises the early and unreleased versions of the songs.
INSUPERABLE
What more can be said about this box-set that other reviewers haven't said yet? Lady Day at her best, with an absolute control of her voice; marvelous performances; unsurpassable sound quality; a booklet with all the information that you'll ever need... If any release deserves six stars, is this one. Don't doubt it, buy it and prepare to enjoy Billie Holiday at her most brilliant moment!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Box Sets (Audio Only)    3. Classic Female Blues    4. Jazz    5. Jazz Music    6. Jazz Vocals    7. Pop    8. Standards    9. Swing    10. Torch Songs    11. Traditional Pop    12. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (3)

Not really the best
Great songs and great singers, but really not the best recordings in a lot of cases.This will make you wish for the better recordings you know you've heard, and not really increase your respect for some of the singers. Love Songs from the Best Female Singers
A torch song is a senitmental love song, usually about an unrequited love.The 18 songs on this album offer some of the best examples of this beautiful type of music with a wide range of female singers, from Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Lena Horne and Peggy Lee to Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Carly Simon.All the songs are classics, including Dinah Washington's "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes," Lena Horne's "Stormy Weather," Patsy Cline's "Crazy," Linda Ronstadt's "My Old Flame" and some signature songs, as well, such as "La Vie en Rose" by Edith Piaf and "Over the Rainbow" by an older Judy Garland.When these ladies sing, you can feel the love and the pain in their voices.A truly wonderful CD that is highly recommended to all music fans!!

Torch Songs ~ Various Artists
If you love Nora Jones & torch music, then you will love this one and want to add it to your collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Popular Music    3. Rock/Pop Collections    4. Torch Songs    5. Traditional Pop    6. V/A Compilations    7. Vocal Jazz    8. Vocal Pop   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (1)

Perfect Introduction
Rockin' Chair. Lazy River. Bread and Gravy. Hoagy Carmichael evoked the blissfully relaxed lifestyle of a rural America that no longer exists. (Sometimes I wonder if it ever did.) His musical world is among the most distinctive and influential in 20th century jazz and pop, and for that reason you should give him a listen. There's no better start than this CD. I'm no expert on remastering, but the sound quality here appears to be excellent.Read more

Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Jazz Music    3. Pop    4. Vocal   

Features

• Limited Edition
• Original recording remastered
• Import

Reviews (1)

One of Nina's Best
This edition of 'Here Comes The Sun' is a newly remastered import, that sounds great!, Nina here gives some very soulful and emotional readings of some well known classics. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Vocals    4. Pop    5. Standards    6. Torch Songs    7. United States of America    8. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Given that Paris is one of the great international hubs, it's not surprising that Paris Combo's music applies imported influences like Manouche (Gypsy) swing Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (6)

Brilliant!
Paris Combo Live album is a refreshing fusion of eclectic influences that results in a brilliant and energetic production!This is the first album of Paris Combo's that I have acquired, and I believe their originality of sound distinguishes them from the sometimes homogeneous popular music world.I am particularly fond of the second CD in this 2-CD set.
very pretty ...
album, that sounds live even more attractive, especially 'Irenee'. But there's another Live version in 2 CD's where twice more such a beautiful compositions. hihgly recommended juzzy funky french-driven music

Great Live Band
This is an excellent recording of an excellent performance by an excellent band.The musicians get to stretch out, making the songs even more compelling than on their studio albums.My only complaint is that the album is too short.Having seen them live several times, I was disappointed that more of their energy didn't come through on this CD.However...Read more

Subjects:  1. France    2. French    3. Int'l & World Music    4. Pop    5. World Music   

Reviews (1)

The Lady's Got the Blues...
If you've never heard anything by Nina Simone, then it isn't humanly possibly for me to express to you what you're missing.Nina is perhaps the most emotive singer who has ever lived.She was also a classically trained pianist, melding blues, jazz, soul, and pop with the likes of Mozart and Bach throughout her legendary career.She was a civil rights activist who, after fighting as hard as she knew how for social change in the United States, left her native land forlorn, spending her remaining years traveling across the Caribbean, Africa, Switzerland, and finally settling down in the home where she would die in southern France.The easiest way to offend her and unleash her hot temper was to call her a blues artist or a jazz or artist, or confine her to any genre under the sun.Much like her personal life, she had no set home in music either.She was the eternal wanderer.She openly admitted that some of her albums and cuts were absolute train-wrecks.And yes, Nina's soul was so deep that sometimes she could be difficult, her music almost too powerful and hard on the ears.Yet still, it never lacked beauty.But when she got it right, boy did she get it right.And believe me, on Nina Simone Sings the Blues, her landmark 1967 album, she got it all right.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Vocals    4. Pop    5. Standards    6. Torch Songs    7. Vocal Jazz   

Features

• DualDisc
• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (8)

Great singer, glad she left her label
A beautiful voice with some interesting nonstandard formats. Nellie is very refreshing and I would refer her to anybody in a second. BUT!!! this lousy label she recorded this wonderful music on limits me from hearing her on all my listening devices. This is a locked (anti-theft) CD so I can't import to my iPod (thanks SO very much). It plays only on my main stereo equipment, not my Mac or car stereo. In other words, it's an event if I want to listen to her music. I can't casually listen to Nellie. I say, Nellie, Get Away From THEM! I'm glad you left that label! Good luck to you! I hope all recording artists wake up and free themselves from this horrible, limiting "locked" format! Nellie gets 5 stars. Recording label, a negative 100000000. By the way, just download this from the iTunes store.

Get away, get here
Nellie McKay shows in her charmingly-titled debut "Get Away From Me" that she is definitely one of the fresher musical voices out there. She has the energy and voice nailed down -- what her songs need is further maturity and a bit of songwriting polish. (Not to mention a rhyming dictionary)
A promising start
I like this album. I've listened to it a lot since I bought it. That being said, Ms. McKay has emerged onto the scene with this album as a promising talent, not as a brilliant fully-formed artist.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Arranger    3. Cabaret    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter    8. Songwriter    9. Traditional Pop    10. Vocal Jazz   

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Vocals    4. Pop    5. Soul    6. Soul-Jazz    7. Standards    8. Torch Songs    9. Vocal Jazz   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (2)

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

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

Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. Classic Female Blues    3. Disco    4. Folk-Rock    5. Gay    6. Nostalgia    7. Pop    8. Popular Music    9. Rock    10. Rock/Pop Collections    11. Show Tunes    12. Singer/Songwriter    13. Torch Songs    14. Traditional Pop    15. Vocal Jazz    16. Vocal Pop   

Features

• Box set
• Original recording reissued

Reviews (7)

Wonderful music at a bargan price!
I didn't expect the quality of the music to be so good, but I have no complaints (very clear with no static, etc). You get around 99 songs for a fraction of what they would cost on iTunes.I have always loved her music and was delighted to see so many songs in one collection.

Billie Holiday Box Set
The music is great, but I was VERY disappointed to receive the set because the box that holds all of the CDs is smashed on one side. It is VERY unattractive.

Better appreciated now than in her lifetime
Nobody sings the blues quite like Billie Holiday. This boxed set represents the best value for money, not only for the quantity of music and the extensive liner notes, but also for the sound quality and the fact that this contains music recorded for several different record labels (Brunswick, Vocalion, Commodore, Okeh, Columbia, Capitol, Decca) between 1935 and 1949. Billie continued to record great music in the fifties (for Verve, Clef and Norgran) but that music is not represented here.Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Jazz Vocals    5. Pop    6. Standards    7. Swing    8. Torch Songs    9. Traditional Pop    10. Vocal Jazz   

Features

• SACD

Reviews (4)

SACD is worth the price.
This is a great CD and I love Patricia Barber but I think that she trys to hard to be hip and cool. More than once I wanted to yell at my speakers, " Aptly titled future Jazz Classic!
This is chill to the max.Mellow, but mournful. Easy but DEEP. Listen, really listen
I can't tell what I like best: the vocals, the audio quality or the songs.So where's that leave things?Simply put, this is an altogether splendid CD.SACD is, of course worth the additional cost if sonics mean anything to you.Not to take anything from Ms. Barber's fine songwriting, but her intrepretation of The Doors's classic "Light My Fire" really does just that for me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. Contemporary Jazz    3. Jazz    4. Pop    5. Post-Bop    6. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (3)

Class and Talent that transports you to another place and time
This two-CD set is a true gem.The second features songs with lyrics written by Andy Razaf--familiar tunes such as "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Ain't Misbehavin'"--for such luminaries as Fats Waller and Eubie Blake.Fantastic liner notes taken from the original album.
What Living in NY Was All About
I, too, treasure the 2-disc vinyl set of "Bobby Short Loves Cole Porter." This particular issue of the CD is a bargain...it was originally issued a few years ago at, if I recall correctly, over $30. More years ago than I want to remember, while living in New York, I had the pleasure of spending my 30th birthday at the Carlyle and Mr. Short with my first wife...who also later became my second! But I digress...This disc set is one I treaure, and one who anyone with a sense of musical style [which invariably means a keen sense of personal style, I find] will enjoy. So, my STRONG advice: mix an ice-cold Manhattan or martini [stir it...don't shake!], settle down over some terrific hor d'oevres, and let the nuances that can define love and life overtake you. Nothing better.

He's The Top
I've been waiting 20 years for "Bobby Short Loves Cole Porter" to be released on CD. I don't know what the problem might have been, but the Atlantic vinly two-disc set from the seventies is perhaps my favorite jazz vocal recording of all time. This album features Bobby with his two longtime sidemen - Robby Scott on drums and the late, great Beverly Peer bowing the double bass. About Cole Porter nothing more need be said. And the whole shebang is cheaper than two drinks at the Cafe Carlyle bar. Buy it and treasure it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Cabaret    3. Jazz    4. Jazz Blues    5. Jazz Music    6. Jazz Vocals    7. Pop    8. Show Tunes    9. Swing    10. Traditional Pop    11. Vocal Pop   

Reviews (10)

Fabulous Ute. Buy both German and English versions!!!
`Berlin Cabaret Songs' by Ute Lemper are issued as part of London recording company's `Entartete Musik' series or music suppressed by the Third Reich. One of the very best things about this issue is the fact that Ms. Lemper and London have issued the album in two versions. One is in the original German and one is sung entirely in English.
Eine Schoene Album!
Wow! This beautiful and immensely talented dame knows how to thrill.The album is absolutely superb.And auf Deutsch!There are many jazzy and big band type numbers and some that are a little more folky.But the satire, the humour, the depth of the lyrics, along with the pure artistry and sophistication Ute Lemper brings to the material is quite refreshing, despite the fact that some uncomfortable and depressing topics are covered. What a relief, a modern artist that encourages her audience actually to think!Thank you so much Ute for such a treasure and bringing these important songs to our attention; with all that is going on in our politics and the world these Berlin songs are even more poignant for our times than one may suppose.

English version available?
I recieved this disc for review when I was a radio station DJ about three years ago.However the disc I got, which was on Polygram, was in English.So try to get the English disc if you don't speak German - the translations are great, you'd think the songs were written in English.It has the same title I think, if it is still available. One other reviewer here said that he found the album more relevant to his life than the entire top 40 and I say 'hear, hear' to that. And Ms. Lemper's heffy Cherman eccent is delightful! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Cabaret    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Classical Vocals    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    11. Vocal    12. Vocal Music    13. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

This entertaining live show from New York's Rainbow & Stars club in 1995 joins singing sisters Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway. The former is a suave jazz singer with a darker tone and sensational versatility; the latter is a clear-as-a-bell soprano best known for her late-'90s stint as Broadway's Grizabella in Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (12)

Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves...
Ann Hampton and Liz Callaway have been well-known by Broadway and Cabaret afficionados for years.This CD, recorded live at the Rainbow & Stars in 1995 is a wonderful showcase for older sister Ann's deep jazz-tinged crooning and younger sister Liz's clear-bell Broadway soprano. Together or apart, their singing is definitely top notch. Never Such Devoted Sisters
I listened to Liz Callaway's album The Story Goes On, also on here, in a store and wondered where I had heard her voice.I remembered hearing her as the singing voice of Anastacia in the animated musical and liked her voice then.I fell in love with her voice and purchased that cd.I checked on Amazon for other recordings and saw this one so I ordered it.I loved it. The best song by Ann Hampton Callaway is My Buddy, My Old Friend. It is sure to make you cry and I play it over and over.I already had Liz Callaway's album and one of her songs is on this album as well as The Story Goes On, "Meadowlark"which she does with such a clear voice and this is a great arrangement of the song.I am partial to Liz's voice although they blend well together and as I stated earlier, "My Buddy... is a 3 hankee weeper song with a gorgeous piano and vocal arrangement.The duets including "The Nanny" and "Friendship" are fun to listen to.I was a big fan of The Nanny show so I enjoyed hearing that again and remember Friendship mostly from I Love Lucy episode. I enjoy the banter between the two sisters with cracks on age and who has won the most awards and The Big Medley is fun and has great vocals as well.It has many familiar songs from Broadway and elsewhere including Enough is Enough( Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer, Sisters from White Christmas, Happy Days are Here Again/Get Happy that Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland sang.I don't know what else to say to sell you on this album. This album and Liz Callaway's solo are probably two of the best cds I ever owned and I own hundreds so that is saying a lot.I am sure you won't be disappointed in this cd!

A Must-Have for any self-respecting theatre-goer!
Ann and Liz really shine on this one.Their mix of Broadway and jazz styles, along with their great senses of humor, make this one of my all-time favorite cd's.Sorry Alice & Emily, these "real" sisters have you beat! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Easy Listening    2. Jazz Music    3. Jazz Vocals    4. Pop    5. Standards    6. Traditional Pop   

Editorial Review

This is a considerably expanded version of the soundtrack album to Vincente Minnelli's Oscar-winning film. With two discs and 100 minutes of music (much of which is presented for the first time), these original session masters are highlighted by the MGM Studio Orchestra, Oscar Levant, Benny Carter, and Gene Kelly, all of whom perform such memorable Gershwin tunes as "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Love Is Here to Stay," and "S'Wonderful." Just about all of the material has a monotonously mono sound, but Levant's version of "Concerto in F" is included here for the first time in true stereo. Along with several Levant improvisational piano solos based on Gershwin's music, there are also some outtakes as well as extensive production and historical notes. Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (9)

Filled with musical gems
This comprehensive edition is a must have for fans of the movie and of the Gershwins.The outtakes, contrary to the first review above, are excellent.Gene Kelly offers a wonderful vocal of "I've Got a Crush on You" and his short riff on "'S Wonderful" is almost like an acoustic version, much different than the over-the-top duet in the movie.And the Oscar Levant piano pieces are as close to George sitting down at the keys as we're going to get.

TOO LONG !!!!!!!!!!!
I would not suggest buying this version of this sondtrack!!! The underscores and the extra tracks that are not featured in the film are not neccesary. Rhino records puts the extras out to jack up the price of the CD (making one LP into 2 CDs). GERSHWIN'S TALENT
Many agree that the talented George Gershwin is a fabulous pianist, and alongside Ira, he helped to create some of the most beloved music ever. After viewing the movie that was filled with song and dance, I was pleased to discover that the soundtrack was readily available. The plot of An American in Paris mainly focuses on the lives of three friends and their dreams in addition to the romance that they encounter in the most popular European city. Gene Kelley is a struggling artist who soon falls in love, and the many songs in this cd express his emotions. Who wouldn't want to dance to Gershwin's spectacular tunes such as "Embraceable You?" These original songs included in this two cd set are well worth the price. Furthermore, "I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise" is a true favorite with unique lyrics. Don't miss out on this must have cd collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. Concerto    3. Film    4. Film Music    5. Keyboard    6. Music Theater    7. Musical Theater    8. Musicals    9. Piano Concerto    10. Pop    11. Prelude for Keyboard    12. Show Tunes    13. Soundtrack    14. Soundtracks & Film Scores    15. Traditional Pop   

Editorial Review

Chicago pianist and vocalist Patricia Barber is making lots of ears burn. Her torch song touch speaks volumes to jazz vocal fanatics, but she has an adventuresome side that speaks likewise to fans of woollier jazz. Barber's vocal delivery is swaggering and burnished, always angling against oddball time signatures and often dropping weird lyrical science. From e.e. cummings poems, Barber moves into prescient observations on our society: "For company in the 21st century," she sings, "I go to the club, talk through the show / I'm so hip there's nothing about jazz / That I don't know." Trumpeter Dave Douglas and guitarist John McLean add a sharp edge, and the Choral Thunder Vocal Choir give Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (43)

No elevator jazz
Why do we love Patricia so much?Well, playing table knives on strings would be a start.This ain't no disco, this ain't no country club either, this is Chicago.Not much to add to most reviews already here, but...
Exceptional recording and performance.
Very enjoyable material. The recording label has done an outstanding job. The performer really has something to say. You will not be bored from track 1 to the end. I was introduced to her music at an audio dealer when auditioning some equipment at Hi-Q Audio in Thousand Oaks, CA. Ms. Barber sings with lot of conviction. The lyrics are first rate and excellent base work. This CD can be very helpful if you are testing or auditioning for a sub-woofer.

Love it in 2 bars; keep learning it for 2 decades!
This album is incredible!Give it a spin--just try the on-line samples here at Amazon.You'll be hooked in within two bars of "Touch of Trash."The poetry's inventive, the music sensuous, ambiguous, always dancing from admiration to competition.Then spin another track--it'll be totally different, equally compelling, addictive.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. Contemporary Jazz    3. Jazz    4. Jazz Music    5. Pop    6. Post-Bop    7. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (2)

Sophie is wonderful!
There will never be another Sophie Tucker but there IS a great entertainer named SHARON McNIGHT who does a one woman show in which she practically CHANNELS Sophie to us, the audience.
A real entertainer
Who remembers Sophie Tucker anymore?
Read more

Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Cabaret    3. Classic Female Blues    4. Jazz Vocals    5. Nostalgia    6. Pop    7. Pop Vocals    8. Show Tunes    9. Tin Pan Alley Pop    10. Torch Songs    11. United States of America    12. Vaudeville