Reviews (2)

Fab!
What a sexy album capturing everything the REAL Betty's about - It's a fantastic CD with Peggy Lee, et al. and the real Betty Boop singing. What is great about this title is that animation lovers and general listenersboth get a good deal. For those who love these classic songs, you get awell rounded album. For Betty Boop fans you get songs that you'll rememberfrom the cartoons and shorts - EXACTLY as they were but with CD qualitysound. All we need now is a good Betty Boop DVD to come out. No signs yetthough.:( In summary, a great album worth every penny!

Betty Boop's Musical Cabaret
This a very nice album, a little on the old side but still sounds good.I like the song "Fever" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Big Bands    2. Oldies Collections    3. Pop    4. Pop Vocals    5. Popular Music    6. Show Tunes    7. Torch Songs    8. Traditional Pop    9. Vocal Jazz    10. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

North Carolina-born, classically-trained pianist/singer/composer Nina Simone beautifully blended gospel, blues, jazz, soul, and r&b into her own spellbinding, sepia-tinged artistry. This four-CD box set was in production before her untimely death on April 21, 2003. It covers Simone's seven albums for the Philips label from 1964 to 1966, and it's a good synopsis of her wide-ranging material. Mostly backed by trios and orchestras, Simone's rich and regal contralto rings with authority, whether she's singing George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Jacques Brel's "Ne Me Quitte Pas," or Bob Dylan's "The Ballad of Hollis Brown." Simone makes them all their own. In fact, this project should cause new generations to reevaluate Simon's own compositions beyond her African-American civil rights anthem, "Mississippi Goddam." Her song "Come Ye" and the title track--a four-part, mini-opus which pays tribute to four black women who embody slavery, mixed race heritage, prostitution, and black militancy--are excellent sneak previews of today's Afrocentric movement. Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (5)

Extensive Book Alone Is Worth the Price, Absolutely ESSENTIAL and HISTORICAL
Like many of Nina's Fans, I already own just about every CD /LP issued on Nina, including her work for the Philips label.At first I thought plunking down $35 on this 4-CD box set was redundant, especially when I have the songs.Then I heard about the extensive project and digital sound remastering Verve/Universal was undergoing for this collection, and it seemed worth the price.By the way, some have accused Verve/Universal of "Cashing In" on Nina's sudden passing in 2003 with this collection since it was released only weeks after her death in April 2003.Actually this project was commissioned by Universal in October 2002.The box set was a work in progress six months BEFORE Nina died.
Four Women: Nina Simone Philips Recordings Box Set
One cannot think of jazz in the 1960's without thinking of Nina Simone; a dignified and talented singer, pianist and songwriter.This box set includes all 7 albums recorded with the Philips label.From "Don't Smoke In Bed", "Mood Indigo", "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" to "I Loves You, Porgy" you will enjoy taking a stroll down memory lane with all of your favorites by Nina Simone.This is a definate 'must have' for all Nina fans.

essential collection
This is Nina Simone at her consistent best.There are other definitive tunes,ones that she made her own, here and there on other anthologies but no other collection really represents her as well as this.Her piano playing and vocals and the material covered reveal the artist at her most adventurous and at the peak of her powers.This collection shows her probing the boundaries and succeeding more often than not.A great collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Jazz Vocals    5. Pop   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (4)

What a pleasure listening !
"Simon's Theme" - One of the best compositions ever heard ! A must have cd, a must hear theme !

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

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

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop-Soul    3. R&B    4. Soul    5. Soundtrack    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores    7. Torch Songs    8. Uptown Soul   

Reviews (47)

A few gems in a well-intentioned mess
It seems crazy to even attempt to cover the songs of Patsy Cline and yet if I were a singer I think I'd want to try as well. The trouble is, not many singers can really pull this catalog off as this collection bears out. Only two tracks are outstanding, some are ok, some are depressing for all the wrong reasons.
Patsy was one of a kind ...
... and that's why, with a couple of exceptions, I think this CD works. No one else could bring Patsy Cline's combination of soulful emotion and richly textured vocal quality to these songs, so why try? A case in point: Jessi Alexander's rendition of "So Wrong," wherein she tries mightily to imitate Patsy phrase for phrase - and fails.
"Sweet Dreams" Are Made Of This
I love Patsy Cline's music as much as I love her voice. She was an artist who took a song and made it her own. I never thought I could appreciate a Cline song by another artist, that is until now. From Natalie Cole's interpretation of "I Fall To Pieces," Norah Jones' gorgeous vocals on "Why Can't He Be You," to Diana Krall's brilliant take on "Crazy" and the finale of all finales, an acapella rendition of "Sweet Dreams (Of You)" recorded impeccably by Martina McBride with Take 6. This CD has something for every Cline fan and anyone a fan of beautiful songs that are brilliantly recorded and arranged. Other artists include, Michelle Branch, Amy Grant, Lee Ann Womack, and the incomparable k.d. lang singing her idols praises on "Leavin' On Your Mind." If you're in the mood for love, or memories of love, this one's for you. What a remarkable tribute to a remarkable artist. Sweet Dreams indeed!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative    2. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Adult Contemporary    4. Contemporary Country    5. Contemporary Jazz    6. Country    7. Country & Western    8. Country Collections    9. Jazz-Pop    10. Latin Folk    11. Neo-Traditionalist Country    12. New Traditionalist    13. Pop    14. Progressive Big Band    15. Swing    16. Torch Songs    17. V/A Compilations    18. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (3)

a great album!
Charles Aznavour, album "You and Me," is wonderful.In my opinion, it's one of his best.The songs are beautiful and he sings better then ever.Charles Aznavour, really nows how to sings so beautuful llike an an angel, and convey so many emotions, sadness, joy.Most of his songs are romantic and sentimental.

THE MUSIC OF LOVE
Remember time - the music chime, Charles Aznavour!!International Great Artist!
I am in awe of the great artistry of Charles Aznavour!!His songs are wonderful and Aznavour sings from the heart!He is so charming and romantic and I love so many of his songs! There is one song "Toi et Moi" which of course in English is"You and Me".However, there is a word or two, I don't understand and I am wondering if you can send me the words to this song in English!! It would mean so much to me... merci!!So many of his songs are great hits all over the world!Read more

Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. Classical    3. French    4. Int'l & World Music    5. Popular Music   

Features

• Live

Reviews (13)

Mix up the Martinis
On the liner notes to the CD, Ms. Naylor thanks the Plush Room for giving her the opportunity "..to show the world how much I love to sing."It's clear that she does, and enjoys every minute of it.Lots of Jazz standards we have all heard hundreds of times before, but she makes them well worth another listen.She is backed by an excellent band; there are several exquisite piano solos throughout the record.This is a well-recorded live CD; it puts you right in the middle of the proverbial smoky jazz club.If you are a straight-ahead Jazz fan, this is the CD for you.Mix up the martinis, sit back, and enjoy.

Sultry vocals
This is an enjoyable CD, Jacqui Naylor has a great sultry sound, not unlike the great Billie Holiday. The reason for the four stars is that the recording is very heavy in the bass. I find to enjoy this disk fully, I have to lower the bass way down. I imagine the issue is related to this being a live recording. I urge jazz fans to buy this disk and enjoy this young talent.

Outstanding performer and artist
I was fortunate enough to have caught Jacqui Naylor live just weeks ago. This album captures the almost indescribable, intimately magic touch that she obviously commands with audiences. I enthusiastically recommend this album, along with "Shelter", which shows off her range of compositional skills and a different, non-traditional jazz, (at times almost trip-hoppy/new rock) sound and fascinating reworkings of popular rock songs. She is a genuine artist who has earned all the accolades. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Jazz Music    3. Pop    4. Standards    5. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

The German-accented vocals of Marlene Dietrich are an acquired taste, for sure, but Read more

Reviews (8)

Some old favorites
These selections cover her English language recordings made after she came to America, with some old favorites represented. Maybe this should have been a two-disc album, to include her earlier work in German.

Great start, uneven finish
Dietrich's heavily accented vocals definitely require some getting used to, but they're also what make her performances so unique and evocative of their era.Whatever her shortcomings in English and French pronunciations, Dietrich could purr sensuous lines like "My past that makes you hate me/makes you love me too" or "I gently untie the past" like no one else, and she offers up dozens of them here.The first eleven songs on this album sound like the ultimate romantic World War II movie soundtrack, from the joyous nihilism of "The Boys in the Backroom" to more bittersweet ballads like "Illusions" and the title track, and straight up love songs like "You've Got That Look" and "Symphonie."Tucked neatly into the mix is the more subversive "Black Market," which is open to interpretation and then some, and the classic "Lili Marlene," with which Dietrich reportedly brought soldiers on both sides of the lines to tears in her USO shows during the war.The fuzzy but surprisingly consistent sound quality (the recording dates range from 1939-1957) and distinctive orchestration add to the sense of atmosphere, to the point where you can almost imagine being in the audience in a battle-scarred nightclub in wartime Berlin, with Marlene and the band on stage just a few feet away. The best one
The best one to buy if you must have only one. I own many but love this compilation because the emotion of the originals is there and the sound quality is very good, which is something that cannot be said for all Dietrich CDs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. Germany    3. Nostalgia    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Popular Music    7. Torch Songs    8. Traditional Pop    9. Vocal Pop   

Features

• Enhanced
• Hybrid SACD

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

Editorial Review

A master of American popular song, Michael Feinstein turns to children's music for Read more

Reviews (16)

Our favorite children's CD
Michael Feinstein captures the perfect balance of whimsy, fun, and songs that teach. He has a beautifully trained voice and he is backed up with wonderful arrangements and musicians. My 2 year old daughter and I listen to it over and over and never get tired of it.

Gorgeous Children's Music For Us Grown Up Kids.
I have to confess to shedding a few tears over this album, especially with the title and opening song Pure Imagination. As I grow older I find it harder and harder to feel the pluck of heartstrings, but Michael Feinstein does it with his rendition of the Anthony Newley classic. He takes me back to an innocent time with his infectious joy in this music. You can hear the smile on his face, hear the love he feels for the melody and lyrics. Most of the songs are happy and silly, but curiously there is one that every parent should listen to and take to heart. If you have heard this album, you'll know the song: Because We're Kids, from that amazing and surrealist movie The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T (From which the crazy Dressing Song also came.) This album is a true gem for all ages.

A Hot Fudge Sundae for the Senses
What a charming and magical interpretation of song.I have never heard such wonderful and unique stylings.My favorites are "The Teddy Bears' Picnic" and "The Mole People."Anyone who is young or "young at heart" will adore this collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's    2. Childrens    3. Nostalgia    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Show Tunes    7. Traditional Pop   

Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. French Pop    3. Int'l & World Music    4. Jazz Collections    5. Nostalgia    6. Pop    7. Vocal Pop    8. World Music   

Editorial Review

Whereas Paris Combo's self-titled debut leaned heavily on cabaret chic, Read more

Reviews (18)

Totally good!
This wonderful album should be considered by all kinds of music lovers - from Classical music lovers to Jazz buffs to those who have started to become a little bored with Pop/Rock music!
Fun at a party or alone
I really enjoy this CD for a fun loungy sound when I'm not in the mood for mainstream music. I would say if you like Pink Martini, you could well like this one.

Living Room
Adult music!That's what Paris Combo is.It's music for adults.It's sophisticated, it's refined, it has history, it has mystery.It's good, it's interesting.there's absolutely nothing juvenile about it and that's why I like it!Although I would love it if it had a good, strong base beat that made it easy to dance to. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Avant-Garde    2. Cabaret    3. Classic Jazz    4. France    5. French    6. French Pop    7. Int'l & World Music    8. Pop    9. World Music   

Editorial Review

Largely unknown in this country, Gainsbourg has become the toast of the rock underground in recent years, with hipsters ranging from Beck to the Bad Seeds readily dropping his name. The son of Russian Jewish immigrants, Gainsbourg dabbled as a painter and pianist in the mid-'50s while sipping Pernod in the seedy nightclubs and cafes of Pigalle. He finally found his true calling in 1958 at the age of 30 when he launched his recording career by delivering romantic and risqué monologues about the Bohemian arts scene with a distinctive voice best described as a mix of Lou Reed and Maurice Chevalier.Mercury Records has compiled two albums from Gainsbourg's early career, each presenting his French-language raps over very different musical backings. Du Jazz dans le Ravin collects jazz tracks released between 1958 and 1964. A fan of Monk, Miles, and Dizzy, Gainsbourg had great taste even if his own playing wasn't extraordinary. Coleur Cafe chronicles the same period, but it focuses on Gainsbourg's attempts to introduce France to various "ethnic musics," including Latin American rhythms and what today would be called Afro-pop. Tunes such as "Erotico Tico" and "New York USA" reek of novelty, but they're still better than most of what fellow world-beaters David Byrne and Paul Simon deliver.Sadly, Gainsbourg isn't around to enjoy his big comeback: He died of a heart attack in 1991. But he was consistent to the end. "For me provocation is oxygen," he said, and he caused an international scandal months before his death by voicing his explicit carnal desire for Whitney Houston on live TV. Let's see if Marilyn Manson can top that one. Read more

Reviews (8)

My favorite Serge Gainsbourg compilation album
This CD showcases the best of Serge, in my opinion. Loungey French withAfrican & Latin thrown in
Serge Gainsbourg put his extraordinary talent to merging Euro-Pop music with Latin and African rhythms on this album, and comes up with the most hip & happening lounge music you'll find. I gave my Esquivel away because after getting hooked on this, it just fell short. Couleur Cafe never fails to make everyone feel like having a party and transports one to an easy state of mind. At first listen, I smiled and laughed. At the second listen, I was chilling out in my own space and at the third, I realized Serge is an extremely sensitive, deeply philosophical man who can extract the very elements of an eclectic range of styles that, when combined, lightly uplift the soul.

Say this with an accent..."Oh my goodness"!Tres Tres Bon
Escargot........Croissant.......Jaques Cousteau.Before I get going I just want to give you all my extensive french knowledge...that's it.Just so you don't think I'm some Sartre Reading Left Banker eating my comfit...this is fabulous without the language thing.I don't know what Serge is saying but this is just the greatest compilation of french beat/ ethnic beat music.You can see the ambiance as you listen to this.Go to Pauvre Lola and give it a listen.The use of girls voices in the pieces is just so sexy and brilliant. Serge himself is a brilliant composer.His melodic lines are always shifting the moment you think you have them.And with all it's frenchness and innovation it is immediately accessible.It is brimming with kitsch.One day I had it in my walkman.I fell asleep and started dreaming of men in berets being followed by models in New York.When I woke up Serge was saying "Rockfeller Center, Empire State Building".It was this song about New York...This is a pretty obscure recommendation but If you want a very european 60's feel, give this a shotYou will love it beyondbelief. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Pop    2. Cabaret    3. Foreign Language Rock    4. France    5. French    6. French Pop    7. Int'l & World Music    8. Jazz-Pop    9. Latin Music    10. Pop   

Editorial Review

More comedy monologue than musical performance, Bea Arthur's one-woman show Read more

Features

• Cast Recording
• Live

Reviews (29)

Golden Girl Shines Brightly
For anyone who has ever laughed as Bea Arthur deftly put people in their place with her lightning quick wit as Dorothy on the "Golden Girls", they will not be disappointed with this CD.Arthur, some 9 years after leaving the small screen, returns triumphantly to her professional roots, the stage, and does not disappoint.Mixing antedotal stories with classic songs, all to the accompianment of Billy Goldenburg, Arthur weaves her life in a brillant 90 minute tapestry so that the listener regrets ever reaching the end.Anyone who has ever seen Arthur perform on stage, or as Maude or Dorothy, they will not regret purchasing this CD.For that rare minority of people who have not have the privilage of seeing Arthur previously should find out what they have been missing of this American icon.

Alive and Unforgettable
Bea Arthur. Nearing 80. And yet, her continuing vitality is blatantly obvious in this live recording. I will tell you this--I bought this disc with no expectations whatsoever. I like Golden Girls as much as the next chap, and I was slightly curious about what Bea had become.
A trip down memory lane...
Bea Arthur, one of the finest performers of her time. Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. American Popular Song    3. Cabaret    4. Miscellaneous    5. Miscellaneous Music    6. Music Theater    7. Musical Theater    8. Pop    9. Show Tunes    10. Showtunes / B'way    11. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    12. Soundtrack    13. Vocal    14. Vocal Music   

Reviews (5)

Could not have been easier.
The CD came in no time and in perfect shape. Thank you.

Berlin would be proud.
This tribute to Irving Berlin is wonderful. This CD is one of Mr. Feinstein's earlier works, and the youthful enthusiasm of his vocals are as vibrant as the work of Berlin himself.Berlin would have loved Feinstein's interpretations and performance.

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

Subjects:  1. Nostalgia    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Popular Music    5. Show Tunes    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Recording for more than 30 years, Maria Muldaur has moved from jug-band music to Tin Pan Alley pop, blues, and jazz. It is the latter two genres that have most defined her output since the 1980s. Read more

Reviews (3)

Sensuous, smart and sexy...WOW!
I bought this CD after hearing 'Baby, you're my destiny'- I'm in love and you know how that is, every love song makes sense and appears to be written just for you.. This is such a great collection of songs- she is alternately exuberant, wistful, sexy and rueful.This CD showcases this womans fantastic voice- the quality of the musicians on all the tracks to me are flawless. A great big wonderful CD.

In the Mood
Maria Muldaur's creative streak continues with "Love Wants to Dance."The incredible thing that Muldaur makes seem so effortless is making this diverse set of songs sound like theybelong together.She sets the mood and draws us into the mood with her.From the opener, "The Lies of Handsome Men," her sultry wistful vocals pulse the emotions out of the lyric, "Somewhere in the corner of my mind, I'm not a fool completely blind.Even though he's hooked me on his line, I find the pleasure's been mine."Benny Goodman's "If Dreams Come True" begins to sound bluegrass with Joe Craven's violin before its uptempo swing gets our feet to tapping.The 7-minute "Love Dance" is as soft and swaying as any torch song that has been lit in the last century."Come share your secret dreams with me," Muldaur invites on the sparse "Isn't That the Thing to Do?"Bob Dylan's "Moonlight" is remade so completely that one could swear he must have been one of the 1940's best composers.Taj Mahal's "Baby You're My Destiny" is an upbeat thrill as Muldaur croons, "You really mess with me."Harold Arlen's "I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues" is drenched with Jim Rothermel's sexy sax swagger as Muldaur's vocal interplays with the sax in a flirtatious sadness."I found a shirt you left behind, hidden between some clothes of mine," she again croons with more sad sax weeping gently on "The Strong Stand Alone."Sheila Smith's bright upbeat "Everyday's A New Day" concludes the set.Muldaur continues to push the boundaries by discovering and reinventing excellent material that is enhanced by the singer's vocal embrace.Enjoy!

Muldaur Delivers Another Winner!
Maria Muldaur's latest offering, "Love Wants Dance," follows in the footsteps of her wonderful Peggy Lee tribute "A Woman Alone With The Blues."Here we find Muldaur as seductive and sultry as ever. She sings with an ease and carefree quality that reminds one of her earlier works, in particular "Sweet and Slow."Here we find the artist moving in a territory where at this point in her career she excels and cannot be mimicked or really outdone by any other singer.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Blues    3. Pop    4. Swing    5. Tin Pan Alley Pop    6. Torch Songs    7. Traditional Pop    8. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (15)

IMAGES OFRAINBOW AND STARS
Shortly before this CD was published, I had the pleasure to see Mr. Feinstein perform on a snowy April evening at RAINBOW AND STARS in New York City.The night was magic, his performance flawless, his charm contagious, and the memory is fixed into my "hard-drive" for the rest of my life.This CD is the closest I have been able to replicate that evening's performance.It captures the beauty of the night, and more importantly, the scope and magnificence of the Gershwin songbook.IF YOU ONLY OWN ONE FEINSTEIN CD, this should be the one.

"For You, For Me, Forevermore"
The brilliance of George Gershwin in composing music, the ingenuity of Ira Gershwin in writing the lyrics and the artistry of Michael Feinstein in interpreting these timeless classics make this album one of the best recordings of all-time.It's a common knowledge among Gershwin fans that Mr. Feinstein has worked for Ira Gershwin for years until the songwriter's death in 1983. He's one lucky guy to have worked with one of the greatest songwriters of all-time.
Nobody does it like Feinstein...
If you get only one Feinstein CD, make it this one.Each lovingly presented track stands on its own.Most of the songs are accompanied with lush and imaginative orchestrations, some with Michael at the piano.Those are the ones whose sweet simplicity will stay with you the longest.My two favorites are "For You, For Me, Forevermore", and the very obscure "Will You Remember Me?" both of which are hauntingly beautiful.Michael has the rare gift of making you feel that he is singing only to you.If you ever have the opportunity to see him perform live, grab it.He is funny, charming, and loves his audiences. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Nostalgia    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Popular Music    5. Show Tunes    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Despite her roles in mainstream musicals such as Read more

Reviews (28)

A guilty pleasure...
Is this woman awesome, or what?
Oh so very good
I fell in love with Ute Lemper when I heard a recording of her singing Kurt Weill's "Bilbao Song."I know she has her detractors, all of whom argue that other people are better at performing Kurt Weill.These people are idiots. The Best CD of All
Simply stunning performance of unusual new songs written expressly for her, entirely captivating, imaginatively written and performed.May not appear to be a 'hit' first time round but you will play it again and again, hear more, find new meanings and so much depth.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Cabaret    4. Classical Music    5. Pop    6. Pop Vocals    7. Pop/Rock    8. Show Tunes    9. Vocal    10. Vocal Music    11. Vocal Pop   

Reviews (1)

AZNAVOUR AT HIS PEAK
All of AZNAVOUR's early records are now available: two originals in 1 cd, and those 1964-1965 lps are among the good ones from his peak period.Few songs here appear in the 2 cd collection, but it doesn't mean that they are less good, on the contrary ,since JE TE RECHAUFFERAI one of his best song could have been in it easily.But there are other good songs like LE TOREADOR,LES FILLES D'AUJOURD'HUI and even a gospel tune and a feminist one in a time when the word was scarcely mentionned.If you like AZNAVOUR, it's worth getting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. Classical    3. Classical Music    4. Int'l & World Music    5. World Music   

Reviews (11)

Superb
Mark Murphy is the greatest living jazz vocalist and he sounds better than ever on this beautiful recording.This CD of ballads is exquisite.The arrangements sublime, the strings are beautifully understated, in fact all the musicianship on this recording is first rate.Mark's ability to paint a picture with his voice is unique.He tells a story like no one else. Listening to this CD is a wonderful experience - expect goosebumps! Aspiring jazz musicians and particularly vocalists have much to learn from him.Mark Murphy should get a Grammy for this one, he deserves it.

The Ultimate
Yes, to me Once to Every Heart is the ultimate in good taste.Mark and his superb co-artists bring an emotional depth to these ballads that is seldom heard.Every nuance tugged on my heart strings.Just love it!

"In the Area" of 5 Stars
I used to have this "rule"--any c.d. with nothing but slow ballads gets 4 stars from me, no matter what.But then I heard John Coltrane-Johnny Hartman's album, Sinatra's "Sings for Only the Lonely" and Shirley Horn's "Here's To Life."How can anyone with ears not give each of those 5 stars?And I was reminded of Bill Murray's classic linefrom "Ghostbusters":"As a rule, I never get intimate with possessed women"; and then, as the haunted Sigourney Weaver sends out obvious signals of her intentions, adds, "Well, it's not really a rule; it's an 'area'".
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Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Vocals    4. Pop    5. Standards    6. Torch Songs    7. Vocal Jazz   

Features

• Import

Subjects:  1. Easy Listening/Vocal    2. Torch Songs    3. Vocal