Editorial Review

Jazz à Saint Germain is a compilation of compelling jazz standards performed in tribute to the Parisian speakeasies that flourished during the German occupation in World War II. Espousing a free-spirited highlife as well as an existential and intellectual aesthetic, the French underground heartily embraced American jazz. Showcasing traditional styles as well as ambitious adaptations that reveal reggae, African, and even hip-hop influences, this collection is tasteful and eclectic. Angélique Kidjo's version of "Summertime" is gently evocative, as is Dee Dee Bridgewater's moving rendition of "Watermelon Man." The Jazz Passengers and Debbie Harry interpret "There Is No More Tomorrow," and French chanteuse François Hardy is joined by Iggy Pop for a version of "I'll Be Seeing You." With artists old and new, Read more

Reviews (8)

Disappointing
I got this because I like jazz and Pink Martini.I'm pretty disappointed.I guess I was expecting something different.I'm not that thrilled with the vocalists.The arrangements strike me as odd.Several tracks are a lot more electronic than I was expecting.I was shooting for something more natural and recreative of a scratchy Paris-in-the-50s jazz album.

Voila
This is a mixture of old standards with a twist, fresh funky beats, with a touch of early French radio.I hadn't set to purchase this CD, but it was recommended.As it turns out I liked this selection and wished that I had not wasted money on my original selection.Jazz A Saint Germain has a couple of songs that I can do without, but overall I liked it.

Entertaining and offbeat
Sometimes you feel this CD is channeling the 40s and 50s, and sometimes it seems to be deconstructing the period and its sound, but it's almost always fun to listen to.I admit I needed time to warm up to it, but track 2 blew me away the first time I really paid attention to the bloodthirsty lyrics set to a funky death march.As a francophone, I enjoy it when I'm in the mood for hearing French, though Patricia Kaas or Paris Combo offer more subtle and sophisticated visions, if you can use that term for song. My only complaint is Debbie Harry's abominable French accent and her Ohio-flat American "r" spoiling a lovely song. I love her, am an old Blondie fan, but girlfriend should stay away from singing French. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. French Pop    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Collections    4. Jazz Music    5. Neo-Bop    6. Pop    7. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

The release of the long-anticipated debut from this talented, 20-something, Georgia-bred chanteuse shows that Norah Jones isn't the only "it girl" out there. Wright's cool contralto, which was previously heard on Joe Sample's Read more

Reviews (118)

A Masterpiece...
There are many great female vocalists....Lizz is of godess stature!
Smokin' Gun
I first would like to say that I almost never give a CD five stars.I am very critical and I evaluate the entire project.Lizz Wright has managed to come up with 12 gems and she did it on one CD.Now as a consumer, this is great.I was able to pop in this CD and get a variety of quality sounds that touched every emotion that one could feel.I don't see a comparison to anyone out there.Lizz is an original!!!If I have to pick favorites, then here they are:
A voice so fresh it will lift your spirit, songs so strong you will want to sing along!
This is a most amazing album.I think I have played it so many time I am surprised I have not literally worn it out.I first heard her deep, richly expressive vocals on Joe Sample's album, The Pecan Tree, and had to hear more.What hooks you on every last song on her debut album is the strong storytelling quality of the lyrics and her phenomenal ability to deliver with both uplifting strength as well as a vast range of emotional sensitivity that I have not heard in a vocalist in awhile.Open Your Eyes is awesome, and many of the songs have a strong gospel and blues drive to them (Walk With Me, Lord, Salt) as well as classic song appeal (Soon As I Get Home, Eternity).There is down home deep rhythm and blues (Lead the Way, Fire, Silence).
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Subjects:  1. Folk-Pop    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Pop    5. R&B    6. Soul    7. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Tierney Sutton is a consummate jazz singer, combining emotion and invention with a purity of sound. While some of her previous recordings have reflected on specific influences, Read more

Reviews (13)

Waste of Money
I did not like this album at all. Listening to her improvise was like hearing fingernails down a blackboard.

Clockwork
In case you haven't noticed, all the attention these days in the world of jazz singing is on female singers.Small wonder, when you survey the abundance of talent.Tierney Sutton, Cheryl Bentyne, Karrin Allyson, Anne Hampton Calloway--all are virtuosic performers, positively "scary" in terms of musical as well as vocal technique.Tierney Sutton may be the most "frightening" of all, based on the evidence of this impressive session.She throws down the gauntlet, raises the bar, sets a new standard in terms of not merely vocal acrobatics and jazz chops but repertory, inventive arrangements, live performance, and a "personal" rhythm section that's as state-of-the-art as they come.
Wow
I was fortunate enough to hear Tierney and the Band in an intimate concert hall in Brownville, Nebraska shortly before they recorded this cd.I sat spellbound and amazed during that performance.I always measure a jazz singer more by how they sound live.Is the singer's pitch and tone as pure as it is on studio recording?Are the singer's improvisations and inflections always the same or are they a spontaneous artist?I was floored by Miss Sutton.She is even stronger live than she is on her recordings.This cd just confirms that opinion.
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Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Pop    3. Torch Songs    4. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

The follow up to the original, this collection in many ways surpasses the initial effort. Duets seem to rule here, with Cyndi Lauper and Frank Sinatra double teaming on "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," while the irrepressible Ronnie Spector shares the mic with Darlene Love for a resplendent "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," and Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson give "Blue Christmas" a steamy and sizzling once-over. Vanessa Williams stops the disc, though, with her simple yet stunning rendition of "What Child Is This." The then-sign-of-the-times inclusion, Michael Bolton, offers a forgettable "White Christmas," but it's the only real clunker in the bunch. Always just a tad too country to make it as a cross-over artist, Randy Travis still makes "Jingle Bell Rock" his own in his smooth way. Read more

Reviews (17)

I want a Rickenbacker guitar
This album is good, but it isn't quite the classic that the first Very Special Christmas is.The highlight is definitely the opening song by Tom Petty.The rest of the album is somewhat uneven.While there are some fine performances by the likes of Sinead O'Conner, Ronnie Spector and Darlene Love, there are also a few lame performances by people like Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Bolton and Extreme.One of the oddities here is a "duet" between Frank Sinatra and Cyndi Lauper.They actually just used an old vocal by Frank from 1947 and added Cyndi's voice to it.In an interesting side note, they originally tried to have Paula Adbul do the duet, but she was unable to hit the right notes.The only artist here that is repeated from the the first Very Special Christmas is Run-D.M.C., but the song they do here is far inferior to the classic "Christmas in Hollis".Overall it's a decent Christmas album, and if you are a fan of the performers featured on it, I would recommend it.

Worthy Sequel to the Original
When you release a Christmas Song that is good, you can make your mark on the music industry for years to come - especially when the Holiday Season comes around in December. The 1987 release, "A Very Special Christmas" would take some of the biggest stars in the music industry, have them record some Christmas songs, and then release a CD where the proceeds would go to a charity. This would become a big success. As a result, in 1992 a second CD was made that would continue the momentum of the first CD. This sequel, "A Very Special Christmas 2" would do a lot of the same as the original - take a combination of Classic Christmas Songs, some new spins on some old Classics, some live songs, and some original Christmas songs. The result is a very good collection that should find its way to your CD player come December.
Great disc
Very solid Christmas CD. Top 5 for sure. There are highlights all over this disk depending on your tastes. Being a musician, I appreciate a new Christmas song written by the artist. Hardly ever see that. Extreme's "Christmas Time again" is a great song and captures the essence of the Holidays very well. Like to see more Christmas originals. Vanessa Williams jazzy "What Child is this" is great. I'm sure you've heard it on the radio. Aretha Franklin made me weep. Even Debbie Gibson does a snappy version of "Sleigh Ride". Lots more winners on this disc. You should have this in your collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 90's    2. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Album Rock    4. Ballads    5. Bar Band    6. Bop    7. Christmas    8. Christmas / Chanukkah    9. Christmas Music    10. Contemporary Jazz    11. Fusion    12. Girl Group    13. Guitar Virtuoso    14. Hard Bop    15. Hard Rock    16. Heartland Rock    17. Holiday    18. Pop    19. Pop-Soul    20. Pop/Rock   

Features

• Import

Reviews (2)

Perfect except for ONE PIECE!
This CD is absolute perfection, but WHERE, oh, WHERE is the Dick Hyman recording of"Easy to Love" played at the end of "Stardust Memories"????It's achingly beautiful and the one Dick Hyman recording I have of it isn't the slow, sensual version of it.PLEASE someone, let me know! (Woody, are you listening?)

Have a listen at Woody's impressive record collection!
Whether out of interest in Woody Allen movies, or perhaps a desire to listen to some supposed cinematic jazz, you'd be hard-pressed to ignore the fact that Woody Allen has great taste in music.This is quite a diversified sampler of the big-band (and not so big-band) jazz and swing music from the 1930's and early 1940's that Woody has intimately incorporated into his films over the past 30 years.What sets this apart from other big-band jazz/swing compilations is knowing this is not just a greatest hits compilation but rather a journey through someone's personal record collection.Nearly half of the music is (obviously) cued from "Radio Days", but there are also songs from the films "Stardust Memories", "The Purple Rose Of Cairo", "Manhattan Murder Mystery", "Celebrity", and "Sweet & Lowdown".Read more

Subjects:  1. Big Band    2. Dixieland    3. Pop    4. Soundtrack Collections    5. Soundtracks    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores    7. Standards    8. Sweet Bands    9. Swing    10. Traditional Pop    11. United States of America    12. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

This four-disc, 97-track collection compiles the highlights of the first major period of Frank Sinatra's solo career, beginning with 1943's "Close To You," and ending with 1952's "Why Try to Change Me Now." Sinatra was the preeminent singing idol of American teenagers (the female ones, at least) during this period, thanks to the dreamily smooth crooning style he exhibits here on "People Will Say We're in Love," "I Should Care," "Embraceable You," and dozens of others. Sometimes the still-callow singer isn't up to the material ("Ol' Man River"), sometimes the material isn't worthy of the singer ("The Hucklebuck"), and Sinatra would certainly go on to greater artistic achievements during his Capitol and Reprise years. Still, this box set is an absolutely essential purchase for any self-respecting Sinatra fan. Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (9)

Historic and disarmingly great music
Recordings from the 1940s have a lot going against them as we begin the next century. From antiquated recording technology to the changes in our musical tastes from then to now, the listener must be ready to take a journey when slipping WWII era tunes into the CD player (or whatever comes next). The Sinatra 'Best of the Columbia Years' set makes that journey absolutely worth the ride. The GREATEST singer of ALL time an' the greatest box set I own!
The greatest singer of all time, Frank Sinatra, will always live on, thanks to the countless recordings he did over his 60-year career. He is the voice of our love, happiness, sorrow, guilt, regret, and holidays. He was also the voice that provided comfort for women on the homefront during World War II while the husbands were overseas serving our country. They flocked to the Paramount Theatre or the 500 Club to see him, they screamed, yelled, caused riots, fainted, etc. Before Elvis, before the Beatles, Frankie made them swoon.
The Greatest Singer of All Time
The greatest singer of all time, Frank Sinatra, will always live on, thanks to the countless recordings he did over his 60-year career.He is the voice of our love, happiness, sorrow, guilt, regret, and holidays.He was also the voice that provided comfort for women on the homefront during World War II while the husbands were overseas serving our country.They flocked to the Paramount Theatre or the 500 Club to see him, they screamed, yelled, caused riots, fainted, etc.Before Elvis, before the Beatles, Frankie made them swoon.Read more

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

Editorial Review

Jazz-cabaret chanteuse Ann Hampton Callaway pays tribute to the First Lady of Song in Read more

Reviews (10)

I changed my tune
I did not think I would care all that much for this album. I bought it only because I really like Ann Hampton Callaway and wanted to give it a chance. I'm glad I did and it was worth it!
One of Ann's BEST
I agree, this is one of Ann's best recordings, and I have them all.She's flawless - pitch always right on; and totally creative in her style.To top it off she's backed by a stellar group of musicians.

Lucky to get this album
This is my first CD of Ann Hampton Callaway.I was lucky enough to get and try this cd in one of our stores. Jazz, especially good jazz cds, are very rare to find in the philippines. Especially now, many artists are trying to piggy back on the commercial success of michael buble. Most "jazz" cds capitalize on the band wagon.
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Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Jazz Vocals    3. Pop    4. Standards    5. Traditional Pop   

Editorial Review

The title Read more

Reviews (2)

Sexy,sexy.sexy
ever heard some sultry jazz during a love scene in a movie, or maybe a film noire, and said to yourself-"who is that and where do I get it?!" this CD is the answer, with one disc instumental and etherial, and the other with voice and unique song sytlists. Curtis Stigers! who woulda thunk it, but that cut works as well as the other. this is a must for rainy night alone,with your favorite squeeze; or maybe an afternoon at dusk. Enjoy the classics that PB put together in a pefect mix. There is a reason that this music is timeless... find out

Playboy Rises Again
Playboy may be many things to many people, but one thing the iconic label is for sure - and that's a connoiseur of unadorned, raw and searing jazz. Unfortunately, most follow up compilations such as this (Playboy issued JAD I a few years ago) are usually never as good as the original and are just an attempt at a quick cash-in. Thankfully this is not the case with JAD II. If anything, this one improves on the original. Like JAD I, this 2-cd set consists of one instumental disc and one vocal. The selections simply never miss and the mood is sustained throughout. Playboy may have made sex mainstream, but this music is all romance with just a hint of naughty. Here's hoping JAD III continues in this superlative tradition. In the meantime, shuffle both JAD I and JAD II and you've got nearly four hours of some of the greatest American music ever recorded. A must. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Big Band    3. Bop    4. Cool    5. Crossover Jazz    6. Hard Bop    7. Jazz    8. Jazz Collections    9. Latin Jazz    10. Neo-Bop    11. Pop    12. Swing    13. Traditional Pop    14. V/a Compilations    15. Vocal Jazz    16. West Coast Jazz   

Editorial Review

The "Golden Age" referred to here spans Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (11)

One of the best cds I ever bought.
What an amazon collection of songs! This is bar none my favorite cd just because of the variety and the quality of songs on it. I love music from this era, and this cd is the perfect companion to my life. Love it! Buy it, you won't regret it for a moment!

Never Sounded Better
Apart from the great selection of soundtracks, what really makes this compilation top value is the quality of the sound processing. Executed with finesse, these tracks sound better than when first issued and many are unedited, fuller versions: like "Singing In The Rain", for example. Throw in the great price, and this double disc set is a "must have" for all lovers of classic movie music.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow
A Sensational CD with Lots of Showtunes that Keep You Happy and makes You Want To Sing Along With!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Musical    2. Pop    3. Soundtrack    4. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

Ella recorded five LPs' worth of Gershwin tunes for her songbook series, which was frankly a little much, so this single disc skims the cream. These songs are the ur-texts of American pre-war pop, straightforward love songs made to flow off a singer's tongue, and here they're in the hands of a master. Nelson Riddle's arrangements tend toward the soupy side--the bombastic string sections are distinctly nonjazz--but Ella, as always, sings with absolute taste and authority. She doesn't seem to be living inside the lyrics the way she does with, say, the Cole Porter songbook, but the simplicity of the Gershwins' melodies and sentiments let her get across some gently nuanced, technically exquisite singing. Read more

Reviews (17)

no one like Ella...
frankly, there's no one out there i'd rather hear sing gershwin than ella fitzgerald, and this is an excellent compilation of ella singing some gershwin classics.
Oh Lady Be Good is BETTER Than Good!
For those who want to hear Ella weave her magic in crisp, sparkling STEREO this is one of the VERY best of her many CDs. On this one she performs a unique, slow-tempo "Oh Lady Be Good" (that's right, SLOW and MELLOW as you've never heard it before and as only she could do it - and this alone is worth the price of admission). All the other top Gershwin goodies ("A Foggy Day", "But not For Me", "The Man I Love", etc.) are enhanced by Nelson Riddle's incomparable arrangements recorded in magnificent wrap-around sound that puts you right in front row center. So buckle up. This is a thrill-ride you'll want to experience again and again and again!

MUST HAVE!!!!
Anyone who enjoys Ella Fitzgerald has to have this album in their collection. Every since I bought it, it's played on a continual basis on my stereo system.You'll appreciate this album as one her her greatest. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Given his seemingly effortless ability at melding such disparate forms as jazz and gospel with his own rare melodic gifts, it's not hard to view George Gershwin as America's first classical crossover artist. But as this glorious, 41-track double-disc introduction to Gershwin's epochal repertoire quickly demonstrates, that assessment woefully shortchanges the sheer grandeur of "Rhapsody in Blue" or the sultry earthiness of "Summertime." Singer and pop musicologist Michael Feinstein produced the set (as well as contributing a new recording of "Home Blues"), and under his guidance it understandably leans toward Gershwin's remarkable body of songcraft, though it also includes more concert-oriented pieces such as the "Rhapsody" and "Prelude No. 2," both in original performances by the composer. But Feinstein's loving sense of American pop song history insures that the performances here are both inspired and enlightening. Indeed, his choices represent not only a who's who of 20th-century pop and saloon singers--spanning a rich pantheon that includes Jolson, Kelly, Astaire, Holliday, Sinatra, Bennett, Waters, Torme, Clooney, Day, Vaughan, and Fitzgerald--but deftly underscore Gershwin's transcendent synthesis of style, era, and distinctly American subject matter. Also includes a written tribute by modern songwriter Diane Warren and an essay by Pulitzer Prize winner Tim Page. Read more

Features

• Limited Edition

Reviews (9)

The Essential George Gershwin
I love George Gershwin tunes. But, after listening to the first cut on disk one entitled "Prelude No.2 For Piano," my first thought was:"You've got to be kidding, couldn't the engineers have reduced the "hiss" noise from this great collection." Unfortunately, the problem was with my equipment. Once corrected, this CD was well worth the money spent. My vote goes from two stars to Five Stars!

The Best Album Since Ever!!!!
I never knew who Gershwin was until I saw the 7th Heaven episode where they did a tribute to his music. I thought the music was interesting, so I decided to try a cd. I heard Rhapsody in Blue when I was a child.(the second half) I am always looking for a great artist and someone I feel is deserving of listening to. I'm proud to say that after I bought this album and listened to it, I am truely a Gershwin fan. And with me getting married soon, this was the best time to get introduced to his music because Embraceable You is definitely the most perfect song ever.

Gershwin on the Money!
Perlude #2 of Gershwin's "Three Preludes" is my all time favorite piece of music, and this wonderful cd presents it in a warm and loving way, as I think George Gershwin would have. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical Composers    2. Classical Music    3. Jazz    4. Pop    5. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

For starters, Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (23)

It's hard to beat the classics
Sure, these guys have been gone a long time and this was recorded a decade before that,If you've listened to any classic jazz, you've almost certainly heard cuts from this album.It's still a joy to listen to and a gem to hear it in its entirity.The compositions are all Ellington's, but Satchmo and Duke make the music theirs together.Mercifully, there are no "bonus track" outtakes here, but plenty of music nonetheless.Aside from the pure talent of Armstrong and Ellington -- and their sidemen -- there is a chemistry between these two very different jazz legends.To my ear, there is an enthusiasm at their only pairing in their respective 50 year careers, and a spontaneity that gives it a unique energy.Underproduced by today's standards and under-rehearsed by their standards, the production is clean and energic.Recorded in RCA's great Manhattan studios and masterfully remastered, the recording itself is second to none.Groundbreaking?No, but still a landmark because of what it is.Best of all, though, it's just really, really wonderful to listen to.

High Peak
I write this as a Louis Armstrong fan. I respect Duke Ellington, but I haven't heard nearly as much of his output as I have of Louis Armstrong's. My judgment is more about Satchmo's performance here than about Ellington's.
Let's Hear it for Duke's Place...
I don'tbelieve that anyone who listens to the first cut on this cd,'Duke's Place' can possibly resist immediately buying a copy;I dig Louis Armstrong singing 'Duke's Place' even more than him singing 'What a Wonderful World.'And 'Duke's Place' is just the first take by the incredible Armstrong and Ellington;these cats throw in another 16 tunes-all masterpieces. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

David Duchovny and Minnie Driver star in Bonnie Hunt's romantic comedy Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (44)

Good music but not as good as expected
I loved this movie and the music was a big part of it - Frank Sinatra and others.Unfortunately the CD didn't have all of the songs I was hoping for - no Sinatra at all.Still a fun CD, but not quite what I was expecting.

Picture Soundtrack 'Return to Me'
Hi, Loved the movie soundtrack of 'Return to Me,' as well as being a musical, it had it's funny bits, as well as serious pieces.A romantic at heart, I found this a beautiful love story as well.
Love Those Old Tunes!!
Nothing is better, or more romantic, than the old Frank Sinatra / Dean Martin crooners.They suit this romantic comedy perfectly.I only wish the album included ALL the songs from the movie, as a few really excellent ones were left off the CD.Despite that...a definite 5 stars for musical excellence! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film Music    2. Original Score    3. Pop    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores    7. Traditional Pop    8. Vocal Jazz    9. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

Though his looks are smart enough for frontman in a mass-marketed boy band, teenaged Peter Cincotti's musical soul seems wise decades beyond his years. The 19-year-old Columbia University sophomore's debut does more than bristle with promise: it delivers both sprightly performances and some unexpectedly sharp songwriting. The album's lean quartet format (bassist David Finck, drummer Kenny Washington, and Scott Kreitzer on tenor sax) is akin to working without a net, but the singer-pianist ambles through this well-chosen slate of songs with confidence to burn. The trio of originals (with lyrics by the musician's mother) range from the smartly swinging "I Changed the Rules" and "Are You the One?" to the weary romance of the ballad "Lovers, Secrets, Lies." But most of the Phil Ramone-produced album's surprises come in its cover choices. Cincotti effortlessly recasts rock-era fare like "Spinning Wheel"(which gets a Monk-influenced instrumental workout) in his own jazzy mold, with his evocative medley of "The Fool on the Hill/Nature Boy" sounding like it's been part of the American jazz repertoire all along. Cincotti's voice occasionally shows its tender years, but his shrewd instincts bridge genres and eras with mature, deceptive effortlessness throughout. Read more

Reviews (127)

Cincotti the sensation!
It's hard to beat that smooth singing, keyboard playing Peter Cincotti. For great listening and relaxing sounds you can't beat this guy. Peter can take just about any song and make it a hit.

Will Cincotti make it?
I heard that Cincotti is a genius or something. His bio is pretty impressive. I do think he is very talented for his age, but will he really make it? It's really hard to tell from this debut album. Cincotti has a pleasant voice, but he needs some serious singing training to be a real singer. And dangerously shown in this album, he's already developed this irratating pattern of phrasing when he sings. There is a feeling of sameness in all the songs.
Classic Tunes Cast In A Whole New Light
With his self-titled debut album "Peter Cincotti", Peter has quickly established himself as one of jazz's most talented new songwriters and performers. Throughout his freshman effort he showcases the kind of talent that is truly rare by today's standards and gives us a preview of the great music that we can expect to hear from Peter for many years to come. Although his debut album has been out for over two years now, I think the public is just beginning to appreciate this young man's talent fully.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Jazz Music    3. Jazz-Pop    4. Pop    5. Smooth Jazz    6. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (19)

Some don't quite get it
Sinatra and other crooners are good, no doubt about it. But those who hear only Bennett's "raspy" voice and cannot comprehend SOUL, won't like him. If you appreciate heart and soul, Bennett is for you. If all you want to listen to is polish, maybe you don't quite get what art and music is all about.

OK, But Nothing To Swing About
You want great ballad singing? Buy a CD by Vic Damone, Mel Torme, or Matt Monro. You want great swing singing? Buy a CD by Bobby Darin or Frank Sinatra. You want singing that's not quite as good in either category, then perhaps Tony Bennett is right for you. This is an okay collection, but Bennett's raspy-voiced screaming is certainly not for everyone. Certain singers, like Bennett, assume that if you have a powerful voice (even if its tonality is unpleasant) you must sing all songs at the top of your lungs. Rarely do such histrionics add anything to a pretty melody or romantic lyric. Bennett likes to think of himself as a great "jazz singer" who performs the compositions of Jewish-American songwriters and black orchestra leaders. I guess this self-description makes him feel "hip." In fact, Bennett is often a screechingly annoying balladeer and on uptempo numbers his style is about as hip as Conway Twitty's. And all that screaming!!! Tony, your head is about to explode!!!!

Tony Bennett is a minor leaguer among major leaguers
I agree with the music fan from Potts Grove, Pennsylvania: Tony Bennett is a screamer with a grating, raspy voice who too often sounds like his head is about to explode. Bennett's "Greatest Hits" album has some nice tunes like "San Francisco" and "I Wanna Be Around," but many of the other selections feature Bennett's typical screaming at the top of his lungs even when the tune does not call for such volume and vocal histrionics. It's true, when I think back at watching him perform on TV over the years, his neck and face did grow red and contort as he screamed out lyrics. Like Barbra Streisand, Bennett must think that good singing equates with yelling and screaming. When he does keep his human vibrato under control, he sings a nice (although not great) ballad. He also does have good taste in the classic pop material he records, but his voice grows increasingly grating as you listen to it. With Sinatra, Darin, Martin, Crosby, Matt Monro, etc. dead, there are few classic popular singers remaining (Jack Jones and Vic Damone are the only two who come to mind)and so Bennett fills a necessary gap----but he is no Vic Damone or Jack Jones as a balladeer, nor is he a Bobby Darin or Frank Sinatra as a swinging belter of uptempo tunes. He is just there....tasteful but often annoying. Better invest in a pair of ear plugs before listening to this CD. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Popular Music    5. Show Tunes    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Jazz    9. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

Although it wasn't designed with the cohesive vision of Frank Sinatra's conceptual masterpieces (like Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (15)

Let's take it nice and easy.
This album by Frank Sinatra was recorded in the Spring of 1960.With the exception of the title song, all the songs are remakes of songs Sinatra had previously recorded from the 1940s to the early '50s.It's breezy title song notwithstanding, Nice 'N' Easy actually is an album of romantic ballads of a decidedly ardent, even reflective feel.In short, the sort of material that Sinatra performed better than any other singer.The songs were arranged by Nelson Riddle.Sinatra fans should dig it.

A MUST HAVE CD
IN MY OPINION , THIS SINATRA OUTING IS A MUST HAVE . OLE BLUE EYES WAS AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME WITH THIS RECORDING IN THE SPRING OF 1960 . I READ THAT ORIGINALLY THIS ALL BALLARD ALBUM WAS TO BE TITLED ' THE NEARNESS OF YOU ' BUT THE DECISION WAS MADE TO TO REPLACE THE NEARNESS OF YOU WITH A SNAPPIER SONG , HENCE , ALONG CAME NICE N' EASY . DURING THE SESSION , ACCORDING TO CHARLES GRANADA , AUTHOR OF SESSIONS WITH SINATRA [ WHICH I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO SINATRA FANS ] FRANK WAS " PLAYFUL AND OCCASIONALLY BAWDY ". THE LISTENER CAN DETECT THIS ATTITUTE WHILE LISTENING TO NICE N' EASY . BUY IT , YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED .

Mr. Sinatra's Masterful Yet Nice 'N' Easy Performances
This was the very first Frank Sinatra album I heard wayback in the '60s, and since then became a fan of his.I remember my parents used to listen to this album after dinner and danced to the tunes of "Embraceable You" and "Mam'selle." My sisters and I used to hang around and sing along and be captive audience to my parents dancing and listening to Frank Sinatra singing these romantic songs.
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Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Standards    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Jazz    9. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

While not a soundtrack per se, this suite of songs was inspired by Claude Lelouche's Read more

Reviews (23)

AH! AT LAST A REAL SINGER
in an era of falsetto and shrill voices what a pleasure to find a real voice. She sings so richly and deeply where ever you are and what ever you're doing you pause to listen.

My Favorite Songs Sung Beautifully
I purchased this CD because I liked the film "And Now Ladys an