Features

• Import

Reviews (2)

Wonderful, evocative music.
An excellent sampler of Herr Karas' music.
A Classic
Apart from the music of "the third man" one can imagine of sitting in an old world coffee house in Vienna listening to favorites on the zither ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Austria    2. Film Music    3. Jazz    4. Jazz Vocals   

Reviews (1)

Sinatra + Ralph Brewster Singers + Gordon Jenkins = fantastic Christmas CD.,
Digitally remastered and released again in 2005, this Christmas album, arranged and directed by Gordon Jenkins, is one of the very best musical celebrations of the holiday season.Throughout, Sinatra's sounds are accompanied and enhanced by the Ralph Brewster Singers, whose unusually sweet voices and wonderful soprano high notes add warmth and holiday cheer as they echo Sinatra, provide choral variations between stanzas, and sometimes even harmonize with him.
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Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Holiday    4. Pop    5. Traditional Pop    6. Vocal Jazz    7. Xmas Vocal   

Reviews (32)

Stacey Kent
Stacey Kent is well-known to audio manias in Japan.
Set the mood
This is the first album of hers I've heard and it is very good. If you want something to wind down to after a nice evening out on the town, pour your lover and yourself a glass of wine, kick back and relax. I really like the elegant flair and delivery in her voice. A few of the tracks I could do without ("You've Got A Friend" - yuck; "Ooh-Shoo-Be-Doo-Bee" - cringe), but overall a good selection.

Boring, kewpie doll stuff
I just don't understand how performers like this maintain careers. She's not really a jazz singer, maybe closer to cabaret. Her voice is sugary and kittenish, so I guess if you like that kind of adolescent style...definitely not a woman singing.There's not much real feeling, mostly manufactured. And I don't know why anyone would bother comparing her to anyone else. Diana Krall is not a great singer, but she's got a viewpoint and she can play. Norah Jones is just dullsville all the way around. How sad that the business has come to this settling for really mediocre talent. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Underrated, at least in comparison with the better-known Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (14)

Avoid this with your heart broken.
During the fifties Sinatra released a series of concept albums. Many of those albums are truly excellent. Where Are You is among the best of those releases. Gordon Jenkins is responsible for most of the arrangements here. Where Nelson Riddle's arrangement were often downbeat and somewhat tongue in the cheek, Jenkins' arrangement tend to be very Lush affairs. Tears seem to be poring out of every string arrangement without ever drawing away to much attention from Sinatra's voice. Even though this voice has been immensely popular over the years, ironically it has also been one of the most underestimated. Mainly because Sinatra has an image of the suave showman, the ladies man. His appearance was one of the main factors in his success, cool and nonchalant. This album shows how deceptively nonchalant he actually was. Although his singing always sounds loose his timing is almost perfect. Classics as Autumn Leaves a delivered with care and great respect for the material. His deliverance ofI'm A Fool To Want You manage to choke me up every time. This album is not to be approached with your heart broken if you want to keep your eyes dry. This truly is a deserving classic. One of Sinatra's many.

Sinatra as You Want to Hear Him
If you have any appreciation of Frank Sinatra, buy this album.It's hard to imagine he could ever have been in better voice. As stated by other reviewers, the selection of songs is melancholy and Sinatra's delivery creates the impression he's been through all the experiences they suggest. His range is unstrained, his phrasing incomparable and his breath control more than adequate.I do believe few singers could have sung some of the songs at such a slow pace while maintaining musicality.One can enjoy the album on several levels. Listening is such a pleasing experience, though, one soon wonders just what elements are at work here and this leads to more analytical listening.In that regard, the selected songs comprise a cohesive whole.One is not bounced around adjusting to a variety of moods. Sinatra's phrasing in itself is worth a listen-through--the delay in ending a word, his choice of separating or closely linking words, etc. I found a striking difference between the Gordon Jenkins tracks and those with Nelson Riddle.Jenkins' arrangements were works of art.The introductions and interludes were truly musical experiences in their own right.When Frank was singing, though, the orchestra became unobtrusive and the arrangement seemed to encourage him to sing the song as he chose.I'm sure some will disagree but I found Riddle's arrangements less imaginative and more workmanlike.Moreover, Sinatra seemed more constrained by the Riddle arrangements, not as free to do it his way as he was on the Jenkins tracks.This is not to imply that there are four bad tracks on this album---there are none.It's simply that the Jenkins tracks were magic---masterful orchestration and Frank at the top of his form.This CD is certainly one of my most satisfying musical purchases.

One Of My Personal Favorites
Sinatra singing, Gordon Jenkins conducting : that's an excellent association! Here, Jenkins's music truly emphasises Frank's deep voice. The songs, all very good, are sung with style and grace. The mood is sad and melancholic and will, without a doubt, bring tears to your eyes.
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Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Torch Songs    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (7)

Dear Mr. Pizzarelli, Your Tribute To Mr. Cole Is Too Marvelous!
What do you expect when you put a trio of great musicians and a collection of timeless songs popularized by the unforgettable Nat King Cole? This fantastic CD! It's one of the jazziest and the best John Pizzarelli recordings of all-time. The creative trio is composed of bassist Christian McBride, pianist Benny Green and John Pizzarelli, a fine guitarist/vocalist. On the first track, "Style Is Coming Back In Style" Mr. Pizzarelli's equally talented back-up musicians are his brother, Martin on bass, Ray Kennedy on piano and John Guerin on drums.
another great one from John Pizzarelli
there are no bad John Pizzarelli CD's.this one focuses ont he music of Nat King Cole, and it's a really enjoyable listen.He doesn't try to "copy" Cole's style, but puts his own stamp on the music.Laid back, and swings easy.Nice.

A nice tribute by a fabulous guitar player..
John Pizzarelli is a really, really good guitarist in the Herb Ellis/Barney Kessel mold; he plays that 'Freddie Green' style of rhythm superbly, when he's not soloing with grace, finesse, and fire at times. His voice...well, it grows on you - and in order to do this kind of a tribute, you gotta sing. Luckily, he knows the limitations of his voice and uses 'Colesque' phrasing in order to make his vocal point. Some of his vocals are outstanding, though - as on "Route 66". His playing is, however what makes this a 4-star effort. Along with Benny Green and Christian McBride, his non-vocal Trio version of "Sweet Georgia Brown" is truly 5-star, and at times even sounds like the old Oscar Peterson Trio. That's the highest compliment I can think of for Green, McBride, and Pizzarelli. Nobody ever solo-ed as well as John on guitar in Peterson's Trio. Fans of Cole, and stylish jazz trios, will dig this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Jazz Music    3. Neo-Bop    4. Pop    5. Swing    6. Traditional Pop   

Editorial Review

If Natalie Cole didn't have a famous father, would anyone listen to her stylish but safe renditions of 40-year-old standards? Well, the devotees of the genre would, for Cole has a light, satiny voice with marvelous fluidity. What she doesn't have is much of a bottom range or a hard edge, and she lacks the boldness to radically alter famous songs. Read more

Reviews (8)

Gotta Love It
Had the CD several years ago, lost it, and had to buy it again.Love Unforgettable with Natalie and Nat.

STARDUST MELODIES SHINE FOR NATALIE
Natalie Cole knows the there is poetry in music which suits her voice well, but it is more than understanding the lilt of a phrase to make a song great.Many song-stylists are able to smooth over old songs and pass them off as "their own".But it's her way of introducing and exploring these songs very substance and heart that makes this release so very good.These are great love songs of the highest order and Natalie does them greater justice.The music, not ordinarily heard on other CDs, was chosen with care.The first song, "There's A Lull In My Life" was from a long forgotten 1937 film called "Wake Up and Live", a beautifully crafted song which Natalie put her own rich vocal style on and makes it shine, even after 60 years of obsurity.Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust" has been recorded so often by others, yet Natalie's version became the title song of the CD.In 1936, Irving Berlin penned a song for a film called "Follow That Fleet", entitled "Let's Face The Music and Dance" with none other than Fred Astaire.Natalie used the organ introduction to cover this song."Teach Me Tonight" and "What A Difference A Day Makes" and "Love Letters" are all sung with honesty that makes the song even better after many years of use by others.But it is "When I Fall In Love" that harkens back to Natalie's dad Nat King Cole...a great song that would be difficult for anyone else to sing but Natalie proves that the song is timeless and she does indeed makes it her own song.The up-beat jazz piece "If You Could See Me Now" (recorded by Carmen McRae and Sarah Vaughan in the '60s) is a demanding song but Natalie gives it a new "twist" and sings it softer and with great feeling.There are so many great songs in this CD.I highly recommend it to those who want to update their "easy listening" catalog of music.Natalie Cole gives new meaning to love songs best heard under a full moon and stardust.I do like this CD and play it often.

Natalie Cole's Shining Moments
"You wander down the lane and far away
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Contemporary Jazz    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Quiet Storm    6. R&B    7. Soul/R & B    8. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (16)

Proto hip hop and jazz protest music with soul
Soulful, melodic and biting social commentary circa 1974 is what you'll find on "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised."Gil Scott-Heron pulls no punches in his assessment of America.This is not some feel good R&B or cartoonish gansta rap.Social protest and commentary are the order on this album.Kind of like the Public Enemy of his day, Gil Scott-Heron stays grounded in the real and the here and now.Musically I'd say that this is insightful and swinging proto hip hop with definite jazz influences.Conga and flute driven funk.Lyrically some of this stuff is funny yet caustic social comment and satire, and some is a bit more seriously political, sad and heartfelt.The song "Lady Day and John Coltrane" celebrates two powerfully emotive and creative musicians. Gil was influenced by The Last Poets with whom he played on his first album (I think), arguably the first rap group, and in turn influenced modern artists such as the Roots.Protest music rarely gets as soulful, funky and emotional as this.I still get as much of a kick from Whitey On The Moon now as I did when I first heard it back in the seventies.The ghetto is crumbling and people don't have enough to eat, and we'll spend millions to put a man on the moon.Talk about getting your priorities straight.Scott-Heron was putting a magnifying glass on black american society and experiences that were largely ignored by white majority America.This is one of Gil Scott-Heron's best works and not for those easily offended.Sometimes the truth hurts.He's out to wake people up, not put them to sleep.

This Might Not Be the Album You Want
I purchased this album because I am a fan of the Last Poets.Upon listening to the samples provided by Amazon.com, I thought I was getting an album that would contain very similar content to the Last Poets: some great politically charged poetry, perhaps accompanied by some funky beats.However, when I listened to the whole CD, I was disappointed to find out that the vast majority of the tracks sound the most like "Get Out of the Ghetto Blues."If more of the tracks had the sound of the title track, this would be a five-star album, in my opinion.True, Scott-Heron has a lot of great social commentary throughout the album, but not in the form I had hoped for.I would take the Last Poets' album "This Is Madness" over this particular Scott-Heron album.

Great CD.
I love this CD. Gil Scott Heron is brilliant. I particularly like "Whitey on the Moon" and "The Revolution Will Not be Televised." The message is still socially relevant today. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Folk-Jazz    2. Fusion    3. Jazz    4. Jazz Music    5. Jazz Vocals    6. Poetry    7. Political Rap    8. Pop    9. Social Commentary   

Editorial Review

This is the album that transformed Tony Bennett from crooner to hipster, a run that culminated in his 1994 MTV appearance. Read more

Reviews (14)

Perfectly Fred
Unlike some of Tony Bennett's numerous other "tribute" records, there is little about the packaging of STEPPIN' OUT that screams "dedicated to Fred Astaire!"In fact,not having glanced at the self-penned liner notes before playing this CD, it took me `til the medley that is track 15 (and which makes two overt references to the dancing legend) to realize that,hey, this must be a Fred Astaire tribute!As the kids say, d'oh!
The Epitome of Cool.
This cd is down right cool.While his voice doesn't match what it was in the 50's and 60's... who really wants that?People grow older and their voices change.His voice is in fine shape on this cd however.This cd really swings.He comes across as the epitome of cool.The Fred Astaire songs are fantastic.The Ralph Sharon Trio a wonderful choice to accompany him.Like the best of his cd's which honor others (Perfectly Frank), he doesn't try to copy the singer, he doesn't copy the arrangements, he just comes across as Tony Bennett being Tony Bennett.

This Disc Swings!
I have rarely heard performances swing like this. Tony Bennett and the Ralph Sharon Trio click perfectly. I want more like this. You don't have to have the chops of a 20 year old to swing and swingin's the thing as these guys show. I have an embarassingly large and varied CD collection and I count this among my favorites. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Popular Music    4. Show Tunes    5. Traditional Pop    6. Vocal    7. Vocal Jazz    8. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

Cole Porter's songs have a unique charm. Whether conveying the bantering, urbane wit of "I Get a Kick out of You" or the affecting depths of sentiment in "Every Time We Say Goodbye," his lyrics are matched to his melodies with a conversational ease. No matter how hard Porter might have worked at those effects, his efforts are invisible. That seeming nonchalance is conveyed magnificently here by a complement of wonderful singers, including Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter, and Shirley Horn. Drawn largely from Verve's immense store of 1950s and 1960s recordings, the CD presents some ideal matches of singer and song, from the rhythmic vitality of Louis Armstrong's "Let's Do It" to the glorious depths of Billy Eckstine's "In the Still of the Night." Read more

Reviews (14)

Ooh-la-la.
I challenge anyone to listen to Louis Armstrong's take on Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love) from this collection and not fall in love with the singer, the song, the musicians, Cole Porter, and anyone who happens to be in the room with you at the time.
Great Listen
Night and Day: The Cole Porter Songbook is a wonderful collection of Cole Porter songs that delight each and every time.
Simply a must...
This is simply a must for any anthology of Cole Porter.Excellent, if not the best recordings of each song in the collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 50's    2. 60's    3. 70's    4. 80's    5. Ballads    6. Big Band    7. Bop    8. Cool    9. Crossover Jazz    10. Hard Bop    11. Jazz    12. Jazz Music    13. Pop    14. Post-Bop    15. Standards    16. Swing    17. Traditional Pop    18. Vocal    19. Vocal Collections    20. Vocal Jazz   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (15)

Point of No Return
The songs are great.The incidental music from the soundtrack is a little bland.

I have to rave. Sorry
Note: I usually review Selena items, but...well, just read this, okay? You'll understand why I had to recommend this to anyone who looks up this CD on Amazon.com. Discover Nina Simone
This movie soundtrack I fell in love with the first time I had seen the film.I wanted to find out why Maggie was so moved by this woman's voice.It has since turned me onto Nina Simone myself, she is everything from soulful to gospel to blues and more.Discover her yourself, you won't be disppointed!This is one of my favorite soundtracks.Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie Themes    2. Pop    3. Soul-Jazz    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores    7. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Lila Downs's sophomore U.S. release sees her take a much more folkloric tack than her debut, delving into the mystical codices of the Mexican Mixtec natives (her ancestry on her mother's side)--not that the entire album is made up of ancestral songs. There's also "Nueve Viento," a bolero Read more

Reviews (7)

The folksy folks
This is Lila's most folksy album ever. And also one of her most beautiful, intense and probably long lasting ones. This music will be still as great as it is today, in, say, twenty years from now.
The Jazzier side of Lila
TREE OF LIFE is quieter all around: Downs' songs present more of her jazzy side, tend towards less passionate riffs and displays, yet are smoothly evocative of her Mexican roots and heritage.
Back to roots
To the anonymous music fan from Seattle....shame on you.You have no idea what traditional Mexican music is...you must be one of those people that think burritos & "combinations" are traditional Mexican cuisine and that waltzes performed by misguided sell out mariachi bands are traditional Mexican music.Just as there is infinitely more to Mexican cuisine than is available in the U.S., consciousness about Mexican music is very superficial.Are southern gospel tunes or appalachian jigs any less American than Glenn Miller or Elvis Presley just because they were never discovered by mainstream audiences?While it is true that Lila fuses foreign influences with indigenous doesn't invalidate it...because Mexico's essence is one of mestizaje (fusion...racial, idiomatic, visual, and musical). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Int'l & World Music    2. Latin Pop/Rock    3. Mexican    4. Native American    5. Pop    6. Vocal Jazz    7. World Music    8. Worldbeat   

Reviews (4)

This CD is the best!
Whatever style of music you like or whatever mood you are in, this CD compilation has it all. It is soothing, consoling, inspiring and just plain encouraging. Another Solid Capitol Issue
These "Capitol Sings" CDs are terrific surveys of the works of the great American songwriters, and the Irving Berlin disc is one of the best.Standout performances include Kay Starr's "You're Just In Love," Betty Hutton's up-tempo "Blue Skies," and Peggy Lee's "Cheek To Cheek."There are also some lovely Nat King Cole numbers, and a seldom-heard Bobby Darrin swinger ("All By Myself").A great addition to any collection of 20th-century standards.

All you need to know: "All songs written by Irving Berlin"
As soon as album begins with Mary Martin and John Raitt doing "There's No Business Like Show Business" from the 1957 television soundtrack of "Annie Get Your Gun," you know that this Capitol Sings collection of Irving Berlin songs is going to be a winner.As with this entire series you have quite a collection of tracks from the Capitol vaults, with a little something of interesting for every Berlin fan.This time around I especially like the female vocalist and backup numbers: Margaret Whiting with the Crew Chiefs doing "Heat Wave" and then the Pied Pipers on "God Bless America," and Jo Stafford with the Starlighters singing "Play A Simple Melody" and then the Lyn Murray Singers on "White Christmas."Stafford is the singer I have rediscovered through this series, and for every song by Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee or Dean Martin you are going to find Sue Raney, Kay Starr and Dick Haymes.I should make special mention of the Nat King Cole Trio doing "What'll I Do" and Judy Garland on the title track.There is also a previously unreleased track of Dinah Shore doing "The Song is Ended (But The Melody Lingers On).But let's face it.If you like Irving Berlin's music it really does not matter who is singing "Always" or "Steppin' Out With My Baby" (both Gordon Macrae in fact).These tracks, taken from two decades worth of recordings, show how adaptable Berlin's songs were to a variety of musical styles.The Capitol Sings series is one of the better ones I have stumbled across in buidling my music library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 40's    2. 50's    3. 60's    4. Ballads    5. Big Band    6. Instrumental Pop    7. Pop    8. Popular Music    9. Show Tunes    10. Showtunes / B'way    11. Standards    12. Swing    13. Traditional Pop    14. V/a Compilations    15. Vocal Collections    16. Vocal Jazz    17. Vocal Pop   

Features

• Live
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (8)

LOU RAWLS
I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS CD FOR 8 YEARS AND FINALLY FOUND IT ON AMAZON.THANK YOU AMAZON.THIS CD IS WONDERFUL.I RECEIVED IT IN PERFECT CONDITION

Lou Rawls Live
This is the oldest, but the best collection of Lou Rawls. Later collections include great studio performances, but any fan of Lou Rawls knows his voice is best heard live on stage. I made me a CD of Lou Rawls live, and added my selections of studio performances for my personal satisfaction. I still have the LP's.

Lou Rawls at his best ! ! ! !
We have listened to the wonderful music made by Lou Rawls for many years. Listening to him live not only gives you the feeling of being there, it gives you a full impression of his talent and pressence. He fills the room with not only music and mood but the substance of a singer who has been around and is singing deeply from his soul. There is no song on this CD that does not belong to Lou Rawls after he has sung it. If you are a Lou Rawls fan, you will NOT be disappointed. If you are not a Lou Rawls fan you will soon be one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop-Soul    3. R&B    4. United States of America    5. Vocal    6. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Susannah McCorkle picked the 14 tracks on this 2001 compilation of previous recordings by considering the requests from her cabaret audiences. The selections fit into three general categories: great standards by the likes of Gershwin and Porter ("They Can't Take That Away from Me," "Easy to Love"); Brazilian pop (including the hypnotic "Waters of March," which became her signature song); and those quirky little songs that capture the listener with their intelligence and heart ("Quality Time").Read more

Reviews (17)

Beautiful lady; tragic story
I just heard "Quality Time" on the radio last night and was so curious about the identity of this fantastic singer. That her life came to such a tragic and untimely end is heartbreaking; it's surreal to say "hello" and "goodbye" all at the same time. At least there's all this great music through which I can get to know her. Bittersweet indeed.

Quality Time is a joke people!
I'm surprised at how many people are busting on Quality Time.If you read the liner notes, you'll find the song was written to make fun of the people described in the song.It's sarcastic, it's a joke... a joke many of you failed to get apparently.

I wish this CD were a write-off
After searching high and low for the soundtrack for "Comedian" where I first heard "Waters of March" I had to break down and buy this album, which is yet another reason why I like the anonymity of Amazon.The first song is indeed very unusual, and should have you humming its verses for days, but the rest of the album had me wondering exactly what mental hospital these people who request these songs escaped from.I imagine Ms. McCorkle performing these hits at an overly-pretentious upscale hotel, as evidenced by the song "Quality Time" which plays on the challenges of love and career.One gets a mental picture of McCorkle cocking her head toward the band conductor at each of these embarassingly cliche lines that only the most tasteless yuppies could appreciate.She is clearly trying to put "The Girl From Ipanema" and "People Who Need People" into a blender and then pour her audience a nice fruit smoothie.But the result is undoubtedly chucky and will most likely have you vomiting little frozen bits of strawberry all over the place. ... Read more

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

Reviews (12)

Best Swingles Ever
If you know the Swingle Singers, you may expect jazzed-up Bach with a rhythm section.Now, don't get me wrong, i like that stuff, too, but that is just clean fun, while this is just Bach.No percussion, no jazzy rythym, just straight unaccompanied Bach. AND IT IS WONDERFUL.
Amazing arrangements, mediocre singing voices
I agree very much with the other reviewer who thought these singers do not hit their notes on pitch.The transcriptions to a capella voice are astounding, and I wanted very much to fall in love with this album, but the voices simply are not beautiful enough to deserve the material.I'm not a classical music snob; I prefer simpler, more personal arrangements like Modern Mandolin Quartet, L.A. Guitar Quartet, Trevor Pinnock & English Concert to a full orchestra.String sections put me to sleep.A beautiful vocal arrangement of Bach, probably the most melodic classical composer, should be delightful, but the off notes and slide-ons are distracting enough that this album is only good for one or two listens before it becomes more irritating than enjoyable.For pop-ified Bach "cover versions" I'd rather listen to Switched-On Bach.
Interesting selections, performance unbelieveable
The selections by Bach and Mozart are first rate, arranged only for voices.Words are used sometimes, but the best is the vocal as orchestra methods. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acappella    2. Classical    3. Classical Music    4. Classical Pop    5. Classical Vocals    6. Harmony Vocal Group    7. Jazz Vocals    8. Vocal Pop   

Features

• Hybrid SACD

Reviews (15)

This version should be pulled.
One of the requirements of SACD releases, as set forth by Sony and Phillips, is that there be at least an SACD (DSD) stereo layer.The surround DSD and hybrid Red Book PCM CD compatible layers are optional.As the previous reviewer mentioned, the stereo DSD layer on this release was taken from the Red Book 16/44.1 PCM master used to make the CD layer.So Blue Note skirted a basic requirement of the format they were releasing on by deceptively scamming consumers into thinking they were getting a true SACD.As far as anyone knows, however, the surround SACD layer was taken directly from the 2 inch multitrack and sampled to DSD, then remixed and mastered to the SACD surround layer.I haven't heard anything to the contrary.As it stands right now, I agree with Fremer that Blue Note should simply apologize, pull the current release, rerelease a proper SACD, and give past purchasers a free exchange.I listened to the surround layer at my parents house in Oregon and was pleased at the music and sound quality.I do think it is overall a bit emotionally monotonal and placid though, as the recent SNL (or was it Mad TV) spoof parodied.But I think people who buy it are looking for that.Still enjoyable.
Poor Example of SACD
My rating of 2 stars applies to the SACD version of this record and not the CD.I consider the CD to be a 5 star recording.After carefully listening to both the two channel SACD mix and the CD stereo versions I could not discern an audible difference.I enjoyed the 5.1 mix and found the rear surround to be tasteful and subtle, not at all distracting, but, again, no significant improvement in detail except that created by spreading the sound around to five channels.A recent article on the "Stereophile" website suggests that the SACD mix in fact shares the same 16 bit lineage as the CD, which would explain why the two channel mix and the CD mix sound identical.Norah's label has cheated its customers with this one and should go back and do an actual DSD mix and replace these "CDs" for free or give us our money back.There is no reason to purchase this SACD in addition to or in lieu of the CD unless you are interested in listening to a standard resolution 5.1 mix.

I love this young lady...
I have to agree with the others - the SACD analog mix in 5.1 was a blunder(4 stars).I borrowed this from a friend for a test run.I have the same content on DVD/video - Very nice... - When I choose to listen only - I just turn off the TV and listen to a very good 5.1 DD/EX version.I admit it is not quite the quality of SACD but very good nonetheless.Spyro Gyra has 2 SACD's available and they are the standard for SACD comparison - absolutely flawless...Waiting for 2 of my all-time favorites on SACD - Eat a Peach and Live at the Fillmore from the ABB...SACD is just a small notch above DVD-Audio - although with DVD-Audio you can also listen on most any DVD player that supports DTS, DD-5.1 and DD-Stereo.SACD's are more dicriminating - I bought the Onkyo DVSP-800 specifically because of the SACD and DVD-Audio discrete analog and outstanding DVD-progressive scan video capabilities... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Bass (Upright)    3. Contemporary Jazz    4. Drums    5. Guitar (Acoustic)    6. Guitar (Electric)    7. Guitar (Steel)    8. Jazz Blues    9. Percussion    10. Piano    11. Pop    12. Rock    13. Rock/Pop    14. Slide Guitar    15. Torch Songs    16. United States of America    17. Vocal Jazz    18. Vocals   

Editorial Review

Shirley Horn made her recording debut in the early 1960s then returned home to Washington, D.C., to raise a family. She came back to the studio in the late '70s and early '80s, but it wasn't until this 1991 recording--her third Verve release--that she finally received the recognition she was due. Read more

Reviews (20)

No one who hears this CD will EVER forget Shirley Horn.
There's no one on earth who can tell a story in song better than Shirley Horn, who can turn the quietest whisper into a powerful narrative moment, and in this CD, in which she sings about the many aspects of love, she is brilliant.Recorded in 1990, this was her first #1 jazz album in a career which she had postponed from the early sixties till late seventies, while she was bringing up her children.Always one of Miles Davis's favorite singers, she invites him here as a guest soloist.
another Horn masterpiece
It seems to me that the slower the tempo of Jazz songs, the more meaning and emotional content they contain.
The Best!!!
I just heard Shirley Horn passed on today. This was my first Shirley Horn CD purchase and its still my favorite. As a jazz vocalist (and pianist) she was in a class by herself. Just listen to her haunting rendition of the title track, "You Wont Forget Me". You're right Shirley, we'll NEVER forget you! Sublime. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Jazz Vocals    5. Mainstream Jazz    6. Pop    7. Traditional Pop    8. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (3)

Great music, terrible packaging
A very good compilation, musically speaking (except for the odd inclusion of the jarring Judy Garland number). But, for fans of the Ultra Lounge series, there leaves a little bit to be desired. It's as if this CD was slapped together in haste. The overall packaging could be better, and should be better (Porter's name, afterall, is often spoken in the same breath as the words "style" and "sophistication"). Gone is the defining groovy artwork that has been synonymous with all of the other Ultra Lounge offerings. The liner notes are lacking in style and content, even leaving some artists out altogether (poor Kay Starr!). There are no bonus hidden tracks this time around, either. Come on Ultra Lounge! You used to be cool!

Great Music
We love to listen to cocktail music while we are making dinner or socializing with friends, and this is a great listen.Some of the songs are so-so, but overall I would recommend it.You deserve it, the music is fun.

Swingin' Cole Porter Classics
"Cocktails With Cole Porter" mixes some of Porter's best songs with the best jazz / lounge performers from the 40s, 50s, and 60s, creating one of THE best compilations in the entire Ultra Lounge series. Read more

Subjects:  1. Lounge    2. Orchestral Pop    3. Pop    4. Rock/Pop Collections    5. Traditional Pop    6. V/a Compilations    7. Vocal Jazz    8. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

It's a match made in musical heaven: Dianne Reeves, the cool and collected contralto, and Arif Mardin, the esteemed producer behind the success of Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Norah Jones. Backed by a young and hungry rhythm section featuring drummer Greg Hutchinson, bassist Reuben Rogers, and pianist Peter Martin, Reeves finds herself in a straight-ahead setting where she can show off her jazz chops without compromising to pop-oriented concepts and expectations. The result is a recording of unadulterated and honest jazz in the classic sense. Her skillful blending of the best of Sarah Vaughan and Betty Carter is evident on Richard Rodger's "Loads of Love." The Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo adds Joe Pass strains to Cole Porter's "I Concentrate on You," while trumpeter Nichlolas Payton lend his mellow tones to Reeve's heartfelt rendition of "You Go to My Head." Read more

Reviews (14)

The Best Jazz Vocalsit Since Sarah Vaughan
Dianne Reeves is a great lady of jazz.This album is a testament to her great instrument.Her voice has mellowed over the years like a fine wine.My favorite cut on this project is "I'm All Smiles."Her scatting is reminiscent of my favorite jazz vocalist, Sarah Vaughan.This album is Grammy worthy.