Editorial Review

Cassandra Wilson is a postmodern jazz singer, aconceptualist who sees no dividing lines between genres. If her career had commenced inthe 1970s rather than the label-conscious 1990s she would have been marketedas a mainstream pop diva. Her magnificent voice and interpretive geniusmark her as a jazz singer for the ages, however. She finds her materialwherever her fancy takes her and remakes it in her own image, whether it be thecountry blues of Robert Johnson's "Come On in My Kitchen" and "Hellhound On MyTrail," the soul of Ann Peebles's "I Can't Stand the Rain," the elegant R&B ofCharles Brown's "Tell Me You'll Wait for Me," the melodic pop of Joni Mitchell's"Black Crow," and Van Morrison's "Tupelo Honey," or her own "Redbone"--and thetitle track, accompanied by steel guitarist Gib Wharton. Read more

Reviews (25)

Repeatedly unexpected. Serious jazz remakes old favorites.
Repeatedly unexpected.Spare, care-ful arrangements, each specifically formulated for each song, each matching her rich, dark alto.First and foremost, serious jazz, but also something entirely different, reflecting an eclectic song choice (e.g., Robert Johnson, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Ann Peebles, herself).Sometimes a primal awareness, but mainly a remarkable artistic sensibility.She DEMANDS attention, completely remaking even old favorites into something totally new.S:tr 2-Come on in my kitchen; tr 4-Children of the night, tr 5-Hellhound on my trail; tr 7-Sankofa; tr 10-Tupelo honey.

Sweet as Tupelo honey
Hands down one of the best covers of Tupelo Honey I've heard. For some reason this stands out as one Cassandra's best recordings to me. Great range of voice and songs in this outing.

One of the Best of the '90's
Of all of the vocal jazz albums released in the 1990's, this remains one of the best.Ms. Wilson shows tremendous range and diversity here:from a cover of "Tupelo Honey" that outdoes Van Morrison (if that's even possible), to a wonderfully evocative "Hellhound on My Trail", to "You Don't Know What Love Is". to the African-based trio in the middle of the set, it doesn't get much more eclectic than this.Yet, it's all interesting, with always interesting instrumentation.I think Cassandra Wilson falls in the mold of Billie Holiday--one with a relatively limited voice who just brings it all to the table--but with wider diversity.Very highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Jazz    2. Free Funk    3. Jazz    4. Jazz Music    5. M-Base    6. Pop    7. Standards    8. Vocal Jazz    9. World Fusion   

Editorial Review

And just like that, the "swing thing" disappeared. Of course, San Francisco's Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers were at it years before the revival took hold and were always a cut above the rest of the pack anyway. That's because Smith and her pianist and musical director Chris Siebert have such a deep wealth of musical knowledge to draw on, the courage and good taste to recruit world-class veteran players from across the jazz world, and a passion and respect for the style of music they play. Boasting a buoyant mix of boogie-woogie, jump blues, sophisticated swing, and even bebop, 2000's Read more

Reviews (36)

Outstanding
Lavay Smith brings back the torchsongs of the 40s, backing herself with some of the best musicians from the Big Band era.A welcome respite from the overprocessed music being churned out.Truly spectacular.

A worthy addition to any music collection
This album conveys everything you want in in a jazz album with a swing emphasis. A great introduction to those not already immersed in jazz, yet satisfying to those with an understanding of the evolution of jazz and possessing a music collection to match. Lavay Smith has a voice that transcends genre, emotion, and the vast majority of modern singers of any category. The musicianship stands out on this album; she is backed by a top-notch band. Great music for parties, driving, and as a conversation backdrop.

Billie Holiday of modern days!
She's singin' like a Billie Holiday, and Red Hot Skillet Lickers is great band! But they don't just imitate! This is one helluva record! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Jazz Music    3. Jazz Vocals    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Retro Swing    7. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Her luscious alto has the depth and texture of a great tenorsaxophonist, but Cassandra Wilson's defining asset is a postmodern song sensethat enables her to surf through Son House, Neil Young, Johnny Mercer, BillieHoliday, and (gasp!) the Monkees in pursuit of strong songs that can providethat instrument with a canvas. Her second Blue Note album extends Wilson'sseductive pilgrimage beyond the conventions of jazz repertoire andaccompaniment, yet it's her instincts as a jazz singer that inform thesebrilliant readings. The settings again step away from traditional small groupjazz (for starters, there's no piano) to evoke the emotional core of thesesongs. Anyone who can turn the Monkees' "Last Train to Clarksville"into a slow-burning erotic vignette deserves your attention. Read more

Reviews (43)

"Love Is Blindness" Is Worth The Price Alone!!!!
"Love Is Blindness", I love that moody song! I love the lyrics. I love the musicianship. Most of all I love Cassandra's haunting voice. This is my favorite song on "New Moon Daughter".
WUL, YES-of course this is GREAT vibes herein and.......
NEEDS to be in any decent collection anymore.
Quiet, yet fiery inspiration from one of today's greats
This recording would probably be worth it for nothing more than Wilson's reimagining of "Last Train to Clarksville," the 1966 hit written for the Monkees by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart.The sassy Monkees version was a huge success, but Wilson, with the help of a superb arrangement and musicians, mines the song's anxiety and doubt in a completely different way, but just as mesmerizing.Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Jazz    2. Free Funk    3. Jazz    4. Jazz Music    5. M-Base    6. Pop    7. Standards    8. Vocal Jazz    9. World Fusion   

Reviews (16)

Who chose these?
Yeah, I know I had the chance to listen to the clips before buying, but they did not do justice to the music on this CD. If it is true that some of these were on the "Top 10 Hit List" of popular songs of the era, then I think we can not complain about the tastes of 21st Century pop music lovers. To think that kids were buying this stuff instead of the wealth of fantastic music being recorded in this era!
The Twenties Are Indeed A Living Era!
I just purchased this album, and one called "Chart Toppers Of The Twenties", both by the British record label ASV Living Era. I can heartily recommend ANY Living Era album offered on Amazon. These CD's are remastered from the original 78 rpm records. That is because the record companies choose not to reissue their own masters, particularly in the United States. The copyright laws are very restrictive here. That said, the quality of these CD's are very good. I own several of the 78 rpm records of these tunes, and the transfers are quite faithful to the originals.
Mr. Grumpy's Not Quite So Enthusiastic
When a fad hits, everyone hopes to grab a piece of it before it disappears. Think of all the dreadful songs that tried to ride piggyback on The Twist. While there were some fun songs, there were lots of dreadful clunkers that someone hoped would be a winner by including "Twist" in the title. Back in the 20s, when fads became a way of life, one of the biggest was the Charleston. This collection grabs a bunch of tunes with the name Charleston in the title and heaps them with other songs of that era, though certainly not dance numbers.
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Subjects:  1. Big Band    2. British Dance Bands    3. Classic Jazz    4. Dance Bands    5. Jazz    6. Nostalgia    7. Nostalgia Collections    8. Pop    9. Popular Music    10. Standards    11. Swing    12. Traditional Pop    13. V/a Compilations    14. Vocal Jazz    15. Vocal Pop   

Reviews (10)

horrible!!
A major disappointment.Almost every track on this CD features a singer who obviously is sick to death of these old songs and desperate to change, improve, fix, or just plain eliminate the tunes that Cole Porter wrote.Loud, vulgar over-produced brassy nonsense reeking of the worst of 60's TV variety shows.The only exception was Night and Day, sung by Fred Astaire (probably the most underrated singer in US history). He alone seemed to really like the tunes and words that Porter wrote.I tossed this CD after one, cringing listen.

Absolutely Excellent
Afer seeing De-Lovely I wanted more music by Cole Porter.This item gives an excellent variety of his music by various artist Of Cole Porter's time.It seems authentic and was an excellent choice.It was quite different from the soundtrack and I recommend it to all Cole Porter fans.

We're old but we remember REAL music
We are very happy with the CD and have zero fear in recommending it to anyone.Seems as tho the over 65 group who grew up with big bands and listenable lyrics will be most appreciative but a good ear and good intelligence can't help but like this. Good songs and great artists.
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Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Traditional Pop    5. Vocal    6. Vocal Jazz    7. Vocal Pop   

Reviews (5)

great!
came more quickly than expected and i liked it so much i bought a second for a gift, which also came quickly.

Nice Change of Pace for Christmas Songs
Wonderful album -- full of love songs, interesting lyrics and arrangements, and gentle sense of humor.Goes perfectly with a glass of wine, a big picture window, and some falling snow.Franks' voice hasn't changed at all.
The best type of Holiday Album
Fantastic Michael Franks "Style" note-blowin'.I play it year round 'cause it's not tied to the traditional sounds of the holidays.What makes it "Christmasie" is the subjects of the songs.The music is puuure Michael in the usual jazzy, cool style baby. You know how MF likes to get away to the islands for some "snorkelling and sleep," well Mr. Franks croons "I want an island Christmas..this year."It's full of blue-green sea and coconut palm imagery(swim suits optional).You'll love this year round.Buy it as a gift for your jazzy friends! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Crossover Jazz    4. Holiday    5. Jazz Vocals    6. Jazz-Pop    7. Pop    8. Smooth Jazz    9. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (9)

One of the best all around jazz albums around!
Lots of good quality music on this CD.The theme from Taxi as well as other old classics are found here.Listening to the samples on Amazon sold me!I fondly remembered each one from a time long gone but never forgotten.We had a station in New York that played smooth jazz selections all day and night.This album brings all the songs back to mind and then some.I have played new grooves into the CD and even my kids like it for both relaxing and just good listening.Love this cd to the max!

The Album Doesn't Disappoint
I have been a Smooth Jazz fan for about two or three years, and this record really is amazing. I wasn't sure if I was really going to enjoy it, Maputo and Hippies on a Corner are not my favorite songs, but from track three on it's great. With names like Al Jarreau and Boney James on this album, it can only be good.
Smooth Jazz Sucks
I hate to take the time to write this on here...but, as far as I am concerned Smooth Jazz is a sad excuse for music.I am an avid jazz fan and musician.Smooth jazz is a joke. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Jazz    2. Crossover Jazz    3. Dance-Pop    4. Fusion    5. Hard Bop    6. Instrumental Pop    7. Jazz    8. Jazz Collections    9. Jazz Music    10. Jazz-Funk    11. Jazz-Pop    12. Latin Jazz    13. Pop    14. Pop/Rock    15. Post-Bop    16. Quiet Storm    17. Smooth Jazz    18. Soft Rock    19. Soul    20. Soul-Jazz   

Reviews (1)

Transfer fans should be delighted
This is a fabulous new CD from the Manhattan Transfer.Previously it was only available as a Japanese import, but luckily Rhino records has made it available in the U. S.After Manhattan Transfer's delightful 2004 outing "Vibrate," I was hoping that the follow-up would be good as well.While "Symphony Sessions" can't quite be considered a new album in the traditional sense, it does feature 10 favorites by the Manhattan Transfer newly recorded with a Symphony Orchestra plus two songs they've never recorded before.Time has not diminished their wonderful vocal blend or the strength of their solo voices (as anyone who has heard the "Vibrate" album knows) and the newly-recorded performances are terrific.We finally get a good studio recording of long-time fave "Route 66" (which was previously available as a live track or the not-so-good studio recording featured on the "Sharky's Machine" soundtrack.)We get a new recording of the old fave "Candy," which had previously only been recorded with the first Transfer line-up that included Laurel Masse instead of Cheryl Bentyne."That's the Way It Goes" is one of the songs they have never recorded before and it is a delightful 50's doo-wop piece in the tradition of "Heart's Desire."The other completely new song is "Because You Are All Heart," a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald which is a vocalese performance of an instrumental song called "A Portrait of Ella."One of the real standout treats on this set is their new recording of "Clouds" from the "Swing" album.The orchestral arrangement on this is beautiful and it's nice to have a more fleshed-out arrangement as the original recording was mostly accompanied by guitar.Cheryl's solo on "Clouds" is even *better* than it was on the "Swing" album.The "Symphony Sessions" CD ends with a real bang.The Transfer revisits the totally awesome title track from their now out-of-print (!!!) 1991 album "The Offbeat of Avenues."And the last song is a stellar new version of their all-time fave "Birdland."At first I was a little put off by the more subdued vocals on the new recording of "Birdland," but then I realized that sometimes the vocals on the original 1979 studio version from "Extensions" are so loud and mixed so up-front and you almost have to be in a super-happy manic state to listen to it.This more subdued version is perfect for any time, although you still probably need to at least be in a good mood to want to hear it.Overall, anyone who has ever liked anything by The Manhattan Transfer should have no problems digging this new CD from them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Contemporary Jazz    3. Harmony Vocal Group    4. Jazz Vocals    5. Pop    6. Pop Vocals    7. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (7)

tony bebbett sing for lovers
Tony is one of my alltime favorite singers and this album with great old favorites is one of his best

Disappointed
Disappointing song selection. Feels like some old side B's used to flesh out the album.

Tony is the Master
Tony Bennett is a master at all he sings.I was so glad to see him win a Grammy for yet another great album, "The Art of Romance".
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Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Show Tunes    5. Traditional Pop    6. United States of America    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Jazz    9. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

Culled from the Columbia Records reissue packages, variously released under the multivolume Quintessential Billie Holiday umbrella, this package goes straight for the love songs, the heart of Holiday. Ranging from such playful lyrics as "Let's Do It" and "Them There Eyes" to such essential Holiday as "You Go to My Head," "The Very Thought of You," and "Easy Living," this set is guaranteed to keep the home fires burning brightly. Lay this one on your lover next Valentine's Day. As was so frequently the case with Holiday, the ensemble support is impeccable, including many of the swingers from Columbia's Read more

Reviews (23)

Great Collection of Billie Holiday Songs
There are so many fabulous reviews for this CD and I have to agree with them. I've been a Billie Holiday fan for years and own many discs of her music, but I find myself reaching for this one a lot. It's a great collection of songs and her voice is so sweet and true here. She's in top form and the arrangements on the songs are all excellent. Whoever put this CD together knew what they were doing. This is definitely Billie during the earlier part of her career and there's a real lightness to this music. (Her later music is great too, but very different.) Most of the songs on this CD are classics and even if you're unfamiliar with her, you'll probably still recognize many of them. There is some crackling background noise on some of the songs, since they were recorded back in the late thirties/early forties, though it's not that bad and most of the time you barely notice it. Some of the stand outs are "You Go To My Head", "The Very Thought of You", "Let's Do It", "The Way You Look Tonight", just to name a few. I think this would be a great introductory CD for someone who is curious about her and would like to hear some of her music.

Oh, Billie!HOW DIVINE !!!
This CD is an excellent collection of great songs performed by the incomparable and legendary Billie Holiday. Billie could conquer any song--from the most vulgar to the most sublime with an electric performance that rivals the best singers of the 20th century.
Fine CD
This CD is a beautiful selection of classic Holiday. I really enjoy Holiday's voice.It is so natural and simple. Buy it. You won't be disappointed. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Like a gifted actress, Sarah Vaughan always makes lyrics come alive, whether on poignant ballads or buoyant pop novelties. Vaughan "plays" her voice as if it is a "real" instrument, and on this 1955 marvel, she is matched with musicians of an equally high caliber. On "Lullaby of Birdland," she trades harmonically advanced scat lines with Herbie Mann, Paul Quinichette, and Clifford Brown. Vaughan is hauntingly romantic and Brown is at his most lyrical on "September Song." She shows her unbelievable bop-influenced creativity on "You're Not the Kind"; Brown's hard-swinging solo and Quinichette's Lester Young-styled softness set up an incredible ending cascade from Vaughan. Pianist Jimmy Jones's beautiful chords on the infectious "He's My Guy" show why he was one of the most sought-after vocal accompanists, while Vaughan's phrasing, deliberately behind the time, adds perfectly to the relaxed feel. "April in Paris" reveals her operatic quality as Brown's tingling riffs fill in the space behind her. Throughout, Sassy combines exquisite elegance, impressive range, and an effortless delivery. Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (32)

Timeless Lullaby
Listening to this collaboration between Sarah Vaughan and Clifford Brown (among others) today makes you feel as if time stood still since it was originally recorded in 1954. Vaughan's voice is as crisp now as it will ever be and brings you a sense of what a truly timeless performance is and what art is all about. Packing classic after classic, you hear her perform jazz standards like it is the first time you've heard the songs, such as the case of "Lullaby of Birdland". Her wide ranging voice will simply never die and will continue to save a place for her in music history as one of the best singers ever.

Vaughan and Brown "speak" the same language on this CD.
This 2003 release of Vaughan's December, 1954, album (previously released in 1991 as "Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown") is one of her most brilliant collaborations and a fine memorial to the work of Brown, who died eighteen months after recording this, at age twenty-six. With Brown on trumpet, Paul Quinichette on tenor sax, Jimmy Jones on piano, Roy Haynes on drums, and Herbie Mann on jazz flute, the album is a sophisticated partnership among musicians, all of whom are thinking of the whole sound and the whole effect, rather than their own star turns. The mood varies from light to poignantly tender, the tempo is usually slow, and the volume is kept low, highlighting the creativity of each performer's variations while remaining true to the songs and their meanings.
It doesn't take much
I'm a man of few words, but many CDs. This is in my top 20 secure CD case. All the tracks are excellent, but, September Song is my favorite. GET IT! ... Read more

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

Reviews (15)

Perfect for a quiet romantic evening
These CDs are a collection of quiet jazz pieces --real jazz and not the "elevator music" that is sometimes confused with jazz by those who don't understand jazz. These selections are the perfect background for a dinner party or a quiet evening for two, and also just for listening by yourself if you are in a quiet mood. Volumes I and II are each a double CD which provides plenty of good music for the entire evening.
Hef Knows His Stuff
This is a wonderful compilation of great performers doing time tested standards.It is not party music, but slow tempo, late night greats.

Great for a jazz novice
I'm no expert on jazz, but I know enough to say that this is an excellent beginning to my budding jazz collection...I highly recommend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Big Band    3. Bop    4. Cool    5. Crossover Jazz    6. Hard Bop    7. Jazz    8. Jazz Collections    9. Jazz Music    10. Latin Jazz    11. Mainstream Jazz    12. Modal Music    13. Neo-Bop    14. Pop    15. Post-Bop    16. Standards    17. Swing    18. Traditional Pop    19. V/A Compilations   

Editorial Review

It doesn't take a fortune teller to figure out that the "Bewitched" soundtrack will be a lighthearted, whimsical collection organized around the theme of magic. As a result, this CD is a great way to get your hands on such classics as Frank Sinatra's "Witchcraft," Ella Fitzgerald performing "Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead" and, the highlight, Steve Lawrence's beefed-up big band take on the original instrumental show theme "Bewitched." As for brand new music, there are three tracks: The Actual's rock-meets-new-wave cut "Dancing On The Perimeter," a very Parisian-chic "City of Love" by Persephone's Bees, and an appearance by Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth. (Chenoweth, who plays Maria Kelly in the Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (13)

Amazing.
The movie, Bewitched, is truly a bewitching movie to say the least.I adore it incredibly and the music chosen was perfect for the movie.City of Love and 'Bout Time I feel are wonderful songs, just lovely for the selection.I like especially jazz and swing genres which was what many of the songs are based around in this soundtrack.
Buy the CD, not the movie
I love this CD with the great mix of old and new songs.However this movie was a total mess, I kept hoping Darrin would get turned into a frog (or something) and left that way.He irritated the heck out of me!

Witchy Woman.. kRiStiN takes the honors
Well let me just say Kristin isn't a witch but there is something quite transfixing about her version of Witchy Woman. Definetly a must have cd just for her voice! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores    7. Vocal Jazz    8. Vocal Pop   

Reviews (22)

QUITE FRANKLY HE'S ALWAYS BEEN AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME
If there are any objections sustained on the standing up for the truth guidelines of Funk law and order, please be the first to fulfill the ignominy of such. Chief Sun Star Ali hears and feels the very essence of the far east coast connection, and some
Far beyond than a cool jazz crooner!
Michael Franks talent is unquestionable. His lyrical inspiration, persuasive eloquence, velvet sound, magisterial arrangements, rhythmic balance and suggestive letters make of this backward glance, an interesting option at the moment to relax after a hard work day. You will find out a very smart musician and besides an album that will never bore you due its engaging charm
just a smooth voice...
The first time I noticed MICHAEL FRANKS was on an awards show-it may have been the GRAMMY'S. He was singing "ISLAND LIFE". It was catchy and I found myself singing along with the refrain...we're just refugees from the island life, and so forth. Then I think he won the Grammy soon after he performed. This may have been around 1987 or '88. The next thing you know it, I see the video of "Island Life" on VH1. Then somewhere down the line I see "Your Secret's Save With Me" also on VH1. Both songs received radio airplay on our smooth jazz radio station here in Chicago. I also remember Michael Franks was in good company at the time as Basia, Sade, Enya, Swingout Sister, Kenny G and Al Jarreau all had hits simultaneously. It was a wave of smooth jazz hits one right after the other.
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Instrumental    2. Crossover Jazz    3. Instrumental Pop    4. Jazz    5. Jazz Music    6. Jazz Vocals    7. Jazz-Pop    8. Pop    9. Smooth Jazz    10. Vocal Pop   

Reviews (8)

Much more than an Anita Baker soundalike!!!
Miki Howard was one of the best R&B songstresses of the 1980s and '90s who was often compared to the likes of Anita Baker and Whitney Houston. She was, however, a superb song stylist in her own right and this collection contains most of her big R&B hits from 1986-95. Unfortunately, her "Come Share My Love", "Love Confessions" and "Miki Sings Billie" (the latter a mind-blowingly great tribute to Billie Holliday) are all out-of-print but this compilation brings most of Miki's best performances onto one CD and is a fine retrospective of her carreer.

An R&B Diva!
Miki Howard has one of the most fantastic, powerful soul voices there is.This album has some of her best vocals from previous CDs (some of which are out of print). ClassicMikki!!!
This woman has a very nice strong high pitched voice she had a lot of wonerful songs during the 80's she is awesome and she has some great songs on this album it reminds me of yesteryear I remember when she first came out I think that I was in the sixth grade it was share my love and I used to love that song especially the ending !!! This album features: come share my love, love under new management, aint nobody like you the remake of Aretha Franklin's til u come back to me and many other great songs I guess she inherited this great voice her mother used to sing with the fantastic gospel group called Inez Andrews and the Caravan an awesome gospel group that was out about 30 years ago but Mikki is truly talented and very beautiful so I would truly recommend this album!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Quiet Storm    3. R&B    4. Soul/R & B    5. Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues    6. Urban    7. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Mel Gibson may learn Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (39)

Nice overall
However, some of the selections can feel a little jarring; specifically, tracks 5 (Bitch) and 10 (What a Girl Wants). They're great songs on their own, but everything surrounding them is classic 60s pop and it's a little startling to be jolted from the smooth sound of Sinatra to Meredith Brooks' harder modern beat. It breaks the mood.
Wonderful soundtrack
Some of the greatest artist are one this soundtrack.It has a great bluesy, jazzy trend.The only bad points are the two modern artist that disrupt the flow of the albumn.This is a great albumn to have a romantic evening to or just kicking it on a lazy Sunday morning.Just skip the two modern songs.

Don't listen to the bad reviews
I watch the movie and liked it alot.Have no idea why all these bad reviews are being made.My advise, ignore the bad reviews and watch the movie because you might be surprise.It's a simple and nice movie to seat down to watch and have some light hearted fun. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop/Rock    3. Soundtrack    4. Soundtracks    5. Soundtracks & Film Scores    6. Standards    7. Traditional Pop    8. Vocal Jazz    9. Vocal Pop   

Reviews (16)

Have another drink!
This CD features Christmas music from the '50s and '60s that would have been considered to be "adult pop" at the time. That is to say, pop music for adults, instead of teenagers.There are a lot of great songs here, along with a few not so great songs.But it's all a lot of fun, and if you enjoy adult pop of the '50s and '60s, you should enjoy it.

Fabulous Fun Christmas Songs
I LOVE this CD.June Christy, Julie London, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson, Lena Horne --- all doing great songs.

Ultra-Lounge Christmas Cocktails Pt. 1 is much better
This was a disappointment after hearing the fantastic Christmas Cocktails Pt1.Not much new here -- have heard these same renditions on many other compilations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Big Band    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Christmas Music    5. Cocktail    6. Cool    7. Orchestral Pop    8. Pop    9. Show Tunes    10. Swing    11. Traditional Pop    12. V/a Compilations    13. Vocal Jazz    14. Vocal Pop    15. Xmas Vocal Collections   

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (34)

Awesome
This CD is the first of Take 6 I heard and have been a fan ever since.Their vocals are awesome!You will not be disapponted!

The Best
So here's how I first got aquainted with Take Six.I turned the radio on as I always did, years ago, to fall asleep.The disc jockey said, "you've got to hear this group.They're amazing", or something to that effect.As the album started to play I couldn't believe what I was hearing.I sat straight up in bed and my ears clung to every note.The next day I went racing around town to find the album but to no avail.It was sold out everywhere.I finally got hold of it and played it to death.I taped it for my dad (a musician) and he took a copy to his brother (also a musician).They went racing to the record store (I wasn't giving them my album) down on Park row in Manhattan.The poor clerk said that people had been asking for it all day long and the shelves were empty.Then he said, "you guys are musicians aren't you?" and they said yes.He let out a big heavy sigh, went into the storage area and came back with albums.After that my dad and his brother called all of there musician friends and had a listening party for that album.They claimed they didn't want any women around chatting and laughing while they were trying to listen.I couldn't even get in and I was the one who brought it to their attention!Oh well.
R U KIDDING!
To make this quick, I've reviewed many of the comments about this album and I'm just here to confirm the overall prevailing consensus that this is a phenomenal album.It's equally impressive that this album is nearly twenty years old and still, in my opinion, the best a cappella recording ever.There have been comparisons to other notable groups such as the Manhattan Transfer, Vox One, New York Voices and the Real Group.The most noted of course is Manhattan Transfer, but seriously, they can't even hold a candle to these six talented African-Americans.My second favorite group would have to be New York Voices, yet some would argue and say the Real Group (Sweden) is just as talented...not so.In skill...maybe, but talent....no way.Why you ask? Simple. Take 6's debut album featured ALL ORIGINALS and it won a Grammy! HELLO, that's unheard of people!Is there any wonder why it's considered a classic.From a musician's perspective, I've never understood (nor will I ever understand) why people praise artists who simply rearrange standards made famous by others...that cracks me up.Think about it, you'll appreciate this and all music more.This inspirational jazz classic is a must for any afficionado -- buy it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acappella    2. Black Gospel    3. Contemporary Gospel    4. Gospel    5. Jazz    6. Jazz Music    7. Pop    8. Urban    9. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

A harrowing classic, Billie Holiday's personal favorite among her '50s albums captures the singer 17 months before her death, her once honeyed voice, scarred and weakened from punishing life, its ravages highlighted by the 1958 session's crisp sonics and the contrasting "satin" of Ray Ellis' sleek string arrangements. Yet it is that very contrast that explains the power of these performances: In revisiting its torchy standards, Holiday reduces them to their core of pain and longing, transforming "I'm a Fool to Want You," "You Don't Know What Love Is," and "You've Changed" into naked declarations as mesmerizing and unsettling as a horrific accident.Any postrocker that presumes pop standards and string sections automatically translate to "easy listening" hasn't listened to this. This 1997 version adds unreleased takes and a beautiful 20-bit digital transfer to extract every shivering pang of Holiday's music. Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (74)

Lady Day without the extras
This classic album lives completely up to expectations to the extent that it contains all the original material.But, the only people I know that appreciate the tacked on alternative versions are the techno-fanatics.

Lady's Swan Song
The first time I heard the distinctive timbre of Billie Holiday's immortal voice which somehow speaks to us from the deepest haunts of the soul, I believe I was somewhere in the vicinity of my mother's apron strings, and remember her remarking to the effect, "Now, that's a tragedy - she was so great . . .a mere shadow of what she was - terribly, terribly self-destructive", echoing the common sentiment.Lady Day was still alive at that time.And I remember the furl between the eyebrows of her original producer with Columbia, John Hammond Sr., when, some twenty years later, he recalled what is referred to on the copious liner notes of this awesome 1997 Sony reissue of the 1958 original as "the more lurid elements of the Billie Holiday saga".And since her death 17 months after this recording, the discussion has raged around that curious question: "Who was greater (or, in our abstracted experience of the media, unfortunately, "which"), the early Lady, or the later?"The early Billie - with her spectacular range, her unmatched phrasing, cadence, her youthful charm - adored by her sidemen and audiences alike - or the later - in her finest hour - on this recording - the heart-broken, broke, haggard, dispossessed junkie - in the words of her primary collaborator (by request) on this effort, Ray Ellis - " When we began recording and I heard the first playback, I was quite shook up.The quality of Billie's voice had really deteriorated.It was very noticeable to me after listening to all her early records".
Satin Doll's Swan Song... It Was Never Her Voice But Her Swing
Heartfelt throughout..Sad,georgeous arrangements and tunes for Billie's last. The feeling of despair and the bad weather before the storm is felt on this her last offering.
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Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Classic Female Blues    3. Jazz    4. Jazz Music    5. Jazz Vocals    6. Pop    7. Swing    8. Traditional Pop    9. Vocal Jazz    10. Vocals   

Editorial Review

Plucked from the piano bars of New Orleans, Harry Connick Jr. was an unlikely choice to pen the soundtrack for a major Hollywood release. But everyone concerned hit the jackpot. As with the best of Connick's music, Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (43)

How good this is depends on what you're looking for
If you're looking at this because you want the actual songs played in the movie WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, this ain't it. These are songs that were heard in the movie in renditions by New Orleans jazzer Harry Connick, Jr. (who was quite literally a 'young lion' at the time of this recording..just 21) rather than the cuts from Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra that were in the flick. [Connick DID sing "Don't get around much anymore" in the movie along with a medley of "It had to be you/Let's call the whole thing off/But not for me" (over the ending credits) but those are different versions than the ones heard here.] Connick's band DID provide muc