Editorial Review

At this point, who else but Tony Bennett would have the clout to round up stars on the scale of Elton John, Paul McCartney, Bono, Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand for some duets? (Note also that unlike some similar projects, all the parties involved on this CD were alive when it was recorded!) The material consists of relatively obvious classics in standard big-band arrangements, and Bennett himself is in top form at age 80, so much so that he doesn't need anybody else to handle "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." But the fun comes from checking out how his collaborators fare. The Dixie Chicks provide wonderful Andrews Sisters–type harmonies on the percolating version of "Lullaby of Broadway" that opens the festivities. The best songs tend to be the ones where Bennett's slightly craggy voice is juxtaposed to smooth female ones, like Diana Krall on "The Best Is Yet to Come," familiar accomplice k.d. lang on the sultry "Because of You" and Streisand—-perhaps Bennett's only equal in stature at this point—on "Smile." Among the less expected guests, soulman John Legend is a revelation on the hard-swinging "Sing, You Sinners," while George Michael confirms he’s quite the crooner on "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" Elvis Costello, Celine Dion or Juanes don't sound as comfortable, and sometimes it feels as if they overdo it to compensate, but overall this collection is among the best of its kind, with most guests rising to the occasion. Read more

Reviews (53)

Dissapointed
I am sorry to say this is one of the worst CD's I bought. I thought with all the wonderful performers it was gone to be awsome. The backgrond music sounds boring. I know it's old songs but I guess I expected it to be more upbeat. I wouldn't sugest this to anyone unless you were a big Tony Bennett fan.

BUY THE TARGET SPECIAL EDITION!!!!
I highly recommend you to buy the Target special edition. It contains a "making duets" DVD (about 20 minutes) and 4 bonus tracks with Diana Krall ("I've Got The World On A String" recorded live in 2000...WOW!!!), Micheal Bublé ("Steppin' Out With My Baby" a studio duet), Judy Garland ("I Left My Heart In San Francisco" from the Judy Garland Show) and Frank Sinatra ("The Lady Is A Tramp" recorded live in 1988). Enjoy!

Embarrassing ;80 year old needs retirementmoney.
An early reviewer said it best : "Tony Bennett's old-age pension CD is much less embarrassing than Frank Sinatra's post-70 Duets projects." However, it is disappointing...a shame to hear his great voice straining for high notes and the intonanation so raspy.His choice of duet partners were selected for the bellowing style that attempts to gloss over Tony's shortcoming.They mostly creat a cacophonus soundtrack.Spend the money if you want to help The Bennet Retirement Fund which is a worthy cause, after all the beautiful phrasing he has given us in the past. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Standards    5. Traditional Pop    6. United States of America    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Michael Bublé's assured debut and the tireless year of globe-trotting touring he spent promoting it elevated the 20-something Vancouver native into the first rank of pop crooner revivalists. His sophomore studio follow-up largely turns on the same formula that helped make his considerable vocal prowess so attractive to mainstream audiences, mixing the nigh flawless, if expected Sinatra-channeling ("I've Got You Under My Skin") with more playful and inviting renditions of pop standards like the Gershwin's "A Foggy Day in London Town," "Feeling Good," "Try A Little Tenderness" and Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin." But it's the eclectic mix of more contemporary material the singer seasons them with -- apt tribute to Bublé hero Bobby Darin -- that keeps him walking the narrow tightrope between artistic intrigue (a blues-tinged vamp of Holland-Dozier-Holland's "How Sweet It Is," Leon Russell's lovely "Song For You," with a guest turn by Chris Botti) and the kitsch-laden abyss ("Quando, Quando, Quando"'s Euro-centric duet with Nelly Furtado, a ring-a-ding-fling with the Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love" that echoes fellow Canadian crooner/rival Matt Dusk's more successful flirtation with Lennon-McCartney). Arranger/producer Tommy LiPuma offers Bublé a welcome swinging jazz showcase on "The More I See of You," a bracing respite from the rest of producer David Foster's slick, if typically bloodless MOR production.Read more

Reviews (364)

A Rush
I rememeber the first time that I listened to this CD.I was in my car about a year ago waiting for an appointment.I would hear a new song, and I would scream with the excitement of a teenage fangirl.I love the arrangements of old standards. I love the new songs. I love the sound of the band, and most of all I love the sensuous sound of Michale Buble's voice. 10 out of 10!

Nelly, you only had to learn ONE WORD IN SPANISH.....
We loved the CD, but were disappointed when Nelly sang CUANDO CUANDO CUANDO. She only had to learn one word in Spanish, and instead of saying CUANDO (translation: when), she sang CUANTO (translation: how much), prostituting the song.
Another Great one
After thoroughly enjoying the DVD/CD release, "Caught in the Act," I also gave this CD a listen to by Buble, the second album of his that I have listened to. I have to give it 5 stars because I am very much impressed with and enamoured by Buble's emergence on the scene. He is a very capable vocalist and has given me a new perspective on what a jazz vocalist should sound like.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Rock/Pop    5. Standards    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal Jazz    8. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

Audra McDonald may well have the best voice and interpretative skills of all current musical-theater singers. This album, though, is oddly disappointing. McDonald's gorgous soprano is as pure as ever, but her feisty attitude and sly sense of humor are less in evidence than on previous recordings (just check out "A Little Bit in Love" on a studio recording of Read more

Reviews (11)

Harsh words for a well-crafted CD
Gee..in reading over the reviews, it seems as though many have chosen to be a little too hypercritical of McDonald and the legendary appeal of her vocal talents.I recently saw Ms. McDonald at the Bass Hall in Fort Worth, Texas and was stunned not only by her live range but her amazing ability to captivate an audience's emotions no matter what song she sings with her remarkable way of living within the song's lyrics.Her promise last spring in that live concert was a full new CD in the fall and she has definitely delivered.No matter how much I love to hear Audra sing the standards, she is a true artist in that she is continuously trying something new.While I was not 100% thrilled with her choice of material, her delicately beautiful work on Adam Guettel's "Build A Bridge" and the poignant "Dividing Day" proves this CD was worth it.Other highlights I am supremely overwhelmed by was "I Wanna Get Married" and "Wonderful You".And while it's probably quite a stretch for her to actually pull off Laura Nyro's "To A Child" and "Tom Cat Goodbye"---(which she really doesn't)it is a pleasure to hear her try some new work, particularly her deft styling on (could it actually BE?) the John Mayer song.Anyone who has seen her live recently knows that the CD's true treasure is the piece that did not leave a dry eye in the house, the parent lullaby "Cradle and All".Mc Donald has plenty more years to captivate us with her exceptional range, intricately expressive style and, most of all, her ability to keep the great songwriters memory alive. I'm not really sure "denizen"(as one reviewer deemed her) is an appropriate moniker for McDonald as it connotes negativity of an unusual nature and I believe supreme stylist is more apt.As for the reviewer who found fault with her technicality, I'm pretty sure four Tony Awards and a degree from Julliard might prove that hypercritical assumption wrong.At least, this is probably why McDonald never wanted to really stay at Julliard: she wanted to stay true to her gift and that is her immpeccable voice and her fervent desire to share it with others in ANY musical vein she chooses.Wonderful work here.

AUDRA CAN'T SING
Well just watched Audra's new PBS special singing these songs and I have a record or two of hers so I'd thought I'd try a review - hoping for the future. First off, Audra is a drop dead gorgeous, first rate entertainer and good musician - there is only one problem with her presentations - she can't sing. She knows what to do with the great material as a good musician the problem lies in her having very little singing talent - especially in the upper register. Several times in each song when she gets above a certain altitude she completely and consistently demonstrates she has no ear to hear her own voice. She sours countless times above a certain note - and has a tremendous problem with singing sharp - especially in falsetto - bad habits that probably cannot be broken at this point no matter how much training she should pursue. It is absolutely painful to hear her hit certain notes and hold them off pitch. She should start from scratch with a great coach and completely re-learn how to sing and learn what falsetto is and avoid it at all costs, therefore removing all the songs in her repertoire that require the painful sharp notes - and bring everything down about an octave. Though she is very successful at what she does and probably a millionaire several times over for it all - I don't think she will be considered one of the all time greats till she accomplishes a lot of hard work with a singing coach - and if she already has a singing coach, he or she needs to be fired as soon as possible. Since she refuses to let herself go in the looks department and we all can't take our eyes off her, I wish it were possible that these problems can be overcome - good luck Audra - I love ya, in spite of the bad habits - now get to work - and prove to us you really do have some talent - build a bridge to a new career !!!

Always new, always surprising, never disappointing...
I worship Audra McDonald for her voice, her acting talent, and her shining personality which I have had the good fortune to encounter in multiple live performances. Although I adore each album that has come along, this one feels particularly warm and deep to me - I have the feeling I will continue to listen and find new things each time. I was struck in an NPR interview by her comment that people have asked if she's trying to be Norah Jones - no offense to Norah, but Audra is not even in the same category. She can't be background music, or lull you into a stupor. She makes you pay attention, she makes you cry, she gives you goose bumps. If she doesn't, maybe you've been permanently damaged by top 40 music for too long. I only wish she could find the time and financial backing to release more and more CDs- I want a recording of the Lola song about the bass, and the old-fashioned but perfect I-just-can't-stop-talking-about-him-and-talking-about-him and many others that she performs live. Hey, even a live recording would be fantastic. Like Joni Mitchell (another artist I deeply admire) she just keeps reinventing herself while staying true to who she is as an artist, and that is a completely unique and wonderful thing that we should all be grateful for. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Rock/Pop    4. Show Tunes    5. Vocal Pop   

Reviews (13)

Very Nice Album
Boney James has once again released a superior album. James always manages to compose a fine album, and Shine is no different. This album combines upbeat and relaxing music along with exceptional sound quality and nice ballads. I would recommend Shine to any smooth jazz fan or to someone who enjoys relaxing music. Shine is a must have.

Boney is "SHINE" ing bright
Just a great CD.A lot of vocalists enhance this CD.I would say this CD rocks with great ballads, nice sax, and beautiful blending.This is one you want to throw into you CD or ipod and just sit back and enjoy!

Comes up with the goods
once again. Boney James rules. Forget about classifying the music he plays. He does what he does, and he does it well. I read a few reviews, which I only use as guides, as well you should, and then I went ahead and parted with my hard earned cash. If you like his type of groove, then you know this type of groove, and make no mistake about it-IT'S A GROOVE.Highlights are many. Sure the purist of you out there will cry out for less vocals, and I understand where you're coming from. I was a bit concerned too, until I bought the disc and listened to it. Highly enjoyable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Contemporary Jazz    3. Crossover Jazz    4. Instrumental Pop    5. Jazz    6. Jazz-Pop    7. Pop    8. Smooth Jazz    9. United States of America   

Reviews (8)

A fantastic, eclectic Holiday album....
I really am enjoying this album.There is a great variety of tunes here, from traditional to contemporary and even some rare gems.My favorite, as with most people, is the holiday version of "From A Distance."It's enchanting.The duet with Johnny Mathis on "Winter Wonderland/Let It Snow!Let It Snow!Let It Snow!" is also amazing.In "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" I was originally a bit disappointed when she used the peppier "Hang a shining star upon the highest bow," instead of using the original, sadder, "Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow".However, for the second time around at the end of the song she used the original and darker lyrics.What a way to settle the debate!
A GREAT new Christmas album!
What a treat this album is!Great tunes!Well produced!Bette's in wonderful voice!Some of the highlights are "Mele Kalikimaka" (a rare, fun song and classic Bette), "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and a great duet with Johnny Mathis.The new Christmas version of "From a Distance" is wonderful; surprisingly arranged and actually quite moving.I just love this album and plan on giving it to several people this Christmas!Thank you, Bette!

A True Holiday Classic!
After nearly 40 years in show business recording 20 albums with 23 chart topping hits, Bette Midler has finally recorded a long overdue holiday album and she doesn't disappoint.
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Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Pop    3. Xmas Vocal   

Editorial Review

You'll forget all the Tiny Tim, Don Ho, and Hawaiian-music jokes about the ukulele when you hear Read more

Reviews (3)

Ukulele Virtuoso
OK, there are 2 words I never, ever though I would use together. Virtuoso and ukulele.That is, until I heard "Gently Weeps".This disc is simply amazing.I heard Scott Simon on NPR's Weekend Edition talking to Jake, and what I heard intrigued me enough to gamble and spend the $$ for this disc.I figured, what I heard was good, and if the uke was a good enough instrument for George Harrison then it was going to be OK.Man, was I surprised at what was coming through my speakers.This man is one of the most incredible musicians I have ever heard.The songs he covers, especially his versions of "While my Guitar Gently Weeps","Misty", "Spain" and "Ave Maria" are some of the best versions anywhere anytime.Half of the disc is original compositions, which are absolutely beautiful.Of special interest are the bonus songs, here Jake plays with other musicians and is able to concentrate on creating fluid lead lines instead of creating both rhythm and lead as he does when he plays solo ukulele.
His Royal Highness
One word: wow.
Thanks, Jake
Jake Shimabukuro has done it again.A good, solid collection of tunes which show his talents well.I am especially happy to have the Star Spangled Banner with this album.
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Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock    3. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Julio Iglesias--he of the endearing Latin accent, endless-summer suntan, and stunning charisma--could make "Mary Had a Little Lamb" sound sexy, so it's no surprise that the 11 selections here smolder with the approximate heat of high noon in his native Madrid. What may be surprising to longtime listeners, though, is the range of songs he chose to cover. While "It's Impossible," the Perry Como hit with the famously pretty-sad melody, comes across an obvious choice and benefits from a swooning yet sure-footed performance, two Foreigner classics, "I Want to Know What Love Is" and "Waiting for a Girl Like You," seem somehow beneath our debonair ladykiller. Still, smothered by his signature passion, they play like entirely new songs--less earnest and searching, more insistent and sweet. Such is the case with Richard Marx's "Right Here Waiting" and, to some extent, the Cars' "Drive"; instead of sounding like lite-FM retreads, they become heated extensions of his Julio-ness. Older hits--"This Guy's in Love with You," "The Most Beautiful Girl"--benefit from a certain effortlessness; these are numbers pre-dipped in the knee-weakening romance Julio specializes in. Overall, it's a modern/classic commingling that proves what millions of women worldwide have suspected for decades: where practitioners of pulse-quickening, fantasy-fueling vocals are concerned, there is no equal. Read more

Reviews (3)

Effortless Passion
There's something irresistible about Julio Iglesia's singing.He exudes an effortless passion of romance in nearly every song he touches.It's no surprise that finally he has released an album concentrating solely on romantic tunes.However, at first glance, some of his choices might seem out of character.With two Foreigner songs, "I Want To Know What Love Is" and "Waiting For A Girl Like You", Julio injects dreamy casualness that begs a listen from worldly lovers.Harry Nilsson's "Everybody's Talking" has a spirited freshness and the Bee Gees, "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?" is a completely new interpretation.There might be a temptation to classify these songs as pure elevator backtracks, but Iglesia never falters in his quality.The only question here is why it took him so long to produce an album concentrating solely on romantic classics.There is no doubt there will be a follow up and his fans are already anxiously waiting.

He never fails to amaze me.
How can you not love this man,his voice is so romantic and this cd is superbly produced.I have the Japan Version with an extra track and the sound quality is astonishing...highly recommended.

Si es Julio...es Bueno!
Hablar de Julio Iglesias es referirse a la leyenda más grande de la música latina de todos los tiempos, el artista que ha roto los records, que ha sido primero en todo, ejemplo de constancia, disciplina y dedidación, la estrella a seguir por cualquiera que desee llevar una fructifera carrera.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Latin Pop    3. Latin Pop/Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Spain   

Editorial Review

Though Amos Lee's music is frequently described as a fusion of folk and soul, such an equation fails to reflect the singular artistry of this impressive debut. Like labelmate Norah Jones (who guests on two cuts), the Philadelphia singer-songwriter recognizes the power of simplicity, distilling an emotional essence that cuts across categories. The opening of his "Seen It All Before" echoes Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"; the stunning "Arms of a Woman" channels Otis Redding's "I've Got Dreams to Remember"; "Give It Up" cuts a classic Bill Withers groove; "Black River" has the sound of an age-old spiritual; and the closing "All My Friends" follows Van Morrison into the mystic. Throughout the song cycle, the bare-bones arrangements behind Lee's vocal flutter reinforce an organic unity that transcends genre. For all of the debts he owes to the music of the 1960s and '70s, the results sound timeless rather than retro. In his cautionary "Soul Suckers," Lee sings that "nothing is more powerful than beauty in a wicked world"--and proceeds to prove it. Read more

Reviews (132)

Beautiful
Amos Lee is by far someone you have to hear. His soulful voice, his beautiful melodies...a must have in your cd collection. It will be one of your best purchases.

New Amos CD!
NEW YORK (Blue Note Records) - Amos Lee has recently begun recording his sophomore release for Blue Note. The Philadelphia native is tracking in his home city with the assistance of producer Barrie Maguire. A prolific writer at 27, Lee is in the process of whittling down a wealth of great new material he's penned since his successful self-titled debut. The album will document the soulful stylings of this exciting young singer/songwriter who is growing artistically by leaps and bounds.
I love this guy
Amos Lee has a voice like a new set of guitar strings.(You may quote me.)I saw him on Austin City Limits, same show as John Prine.Became instantly hooked on his soulful style.Enjoy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Folk-Rock    3. Pop    4. R&B    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter    8. Soul   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (551)

Knocks me out
Eva Cassidy knocks me out!I heard about her on NPR a couple of years ago, and I finally got some of her music.Astounding the way she phrased these songs."Autumn Leaves" could make a statue cry."Somewhere Over the Rainbow", "Songbird" and "Fields of Gold" are equally amazing.Anyone who truly appreciates a styling genius will find her music rewarding.

Great relaxing music!
Her voice is gorgeous, just like a songbird!!!! So sad that she is now singing with the angels, before more of her works could be published.

I bought this CD because of Everwood and I'm glad I did...
I heard Fields of Gold on the season finale of Everwood and thought whoever was singing it had a beautiful voice.When I hear a song I like I usually just have to find out who sings it.I did a little research and found that it was Eva Cassidy.I tried to download the song from ITunes but couldn't find it.Soooo, my next stop was Amazon.I searched for Eva Cassidy, found the CD, and bought it.I really like the whole CD.Her music is very soothing to me.My favorite songs are Wade in the Water, Over the Rainbow, and Fields of Gold.I ordered Time After Time and just received it several days ago.I've listened to some of the songs, but not the entire CD just yet.Eva Cassidy has a beautiful voice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    3. Folk    4. Folk & Traditional    5. Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

The revisionist take on the Rat Pack's razor-witted King of Cool reveals a Dean Martin who was considerably more complex than the Titan of Tipplers legend; a man who would just as soon retire to his room with a tumbler of milk to watch a TV Western than prowl the Strip with his famous cohorts. That sublime, preternatural indifference is both underscored and belied with dizzying regularity on this good 30-track overview of Martin's singing career. The breezy hits "That's Amore" and "Volare" underscored his public staying power when many counted him out in the face of a surging 1950s youth market. He repeated the feat again with trademark effortlessness a decade later to knock no less than the Beatles off the top of the charts with the unlikely, if inviting schmaltz of "Everybody Loves Somebody."Ever informed by his warm, deceptive vocal ease, Martin's rich signature tunes are well-represented here. But the collection also spans enough lovable kitsch ("Mambo Italiano," "Little Old Wine Drinker Me") and unabashed romantic yearning ("Innamorata," "Send Me the Pillow You Dream On") to deepen the compelling mystery of one of pop music's most enduring ciphers. Read more

Reviews (25)

HOW LUCKY CAN ONE GUY BE?
Capitol Records, the house built by Johnny Mercer and Nat Cole, allowed singers such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to soar to new heights in their careers, thanks in no small way to the brilliant arrangements by Nelson Riddle and great players sitting in during the recording sessions. Of the three singers mentioned, I would place Cole at the very top for his supreme musicality and popularity with the record-buying public, a 600 hit wonder. Next comes Martin, who had an unstudied nonchalance with any song he sang and a wonderful sounding rich voice. Last is Sinatra, which in no way is meant to imply least. It's Dean surprisingly, not Frank, with which to sample the best sound ever from Capitol. Dean's voice is always in the foreground and the arrangements are keptbehind. Frank's voice is usually forward but all too often overpowered by Riddle's elaborate arrangements, which is surprising for a band singer. Dean makes it seem so easy, that's all there is to that. He just takes everything in stride. So where to start with this marvellous collection? Oh, just jump in anyplace. This is the cream of Dino's career--decades worth--all delicious.

The Incomparable Dino
If you are a Dean Martin fan, you'll find no better album.If you don't know if you're a Dean Martin fan, listen to this album and you'll become a fan.It's Dean at his best -- all the classics.I'd recommend it for anyone.

Dino: The Essential Dean Martin
This album has several of Martin's hits which I like.
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Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Traditional Pop    5. Vocal    6. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

This is not the typical example of an artist from another genre jumping on the crowded standards-and-ballads bandwagon. Read more

Reviews (73)

Get in the Zone
I had this CD for a while and couldn't make up my mind wether I like it or not.I listened to it a couple of times and there's a lot to like about this CD even though you feel like this CD was manufactured for nothing but success, success with the average audience. Chris Botti's trumpet is lush and right on as far as pleasing the New Wave jazz crowd.It's very romantic and makes a real nice backdrop to a much anticipated Valentine's Day Dinner.And there's some real nice vocals by Paula Cole and Sting.The songs are old standards and familiar but done with such aromatic flavor that it might sound new to some.I like this CD very much for what it is and people who are hard core jazz fans shouldn't be too snooty and dismiss it as easy listening pop stuff.Chris Botti has some real talent and with the abundance of sax out there, his trumpet is refreshing, but don't be in a hurry to compare him to Miles Davis yet, let alone Lee Morgan, nice music though, gets you in the romantic zone.

Sail up to the stars
Ah, that perennial conundrum. Is it a smooth jazz performance or is it just instrumental pop? For years I've railed against artistes like Kenny G, George Howard, Najee and even Norman Brown (for a minute); artistes who not only think it's clever to play their instruments along the vocal melodies of pop songs and claim they're playing jazz but actually go on to have massive commercial success at it. They play just enough improvisation to substantiate their claims but not too much, so as not to scare the horses. Not that I've got anything against jazz artistes doing pop tunes. Even the heavyweight Pat Metheny did a cover on his last solo album, "One Quiet Night" but it was a Norah Jones song and it was almost a one-off. He certainly doesn't do entire albums of covers. I just think it's lazy and boring.
When I fall in Love
Another one i recommed highly for your collection. Even to give to someone special, she/he would love this one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Jazz    2. Crossover Jazz    3. Instrumental Pop    4. Jazz    5. Mainstream Jazz    6. Orchestral Jazz    7. Pop    8. Smooth Jazz    9. Standards   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (52)

Just great!
Chock full of enjoyable songs. You'll probably love it as much as your baby! Really, there's only one song we don't like very much.

Fun kids' music
The first time I heard Baby Beluga, I thought it was a sweet song, and one that I could listen to repeatedly without wanting to throw myself off a cliff. Both thoughts have turned out to continue to be true, and I know because my 2 yr old has insisted on listening to "Bee-looga!" over and over and over again. My husband and I happily sing along with Raffi on this and all the songs on the CD, and I have never once regretted introducing it to my family.

One of the greatest albums of all time
Time and again, Raffi proves and reproves his songwriting prowess as well as his ability to reinvent himself with each record. Let me tell you, this record is no different. Naysayers would have you believe this album is a pretentious, even masturbatory, mesh of children's music cliches, but one needs to look no further than the opening track to see this is simply not true. The song, Baby Beluga, opens to the sound of whales communicating amongst each other. This ambiance is broken almost too soon by Raffi's commanding voice, as he belts out the oh-so-familiar lyrics to a song we all know and love. Other tracks worthy of noting include "Kumbaya" and first single "This Old Man", which features Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) on drums. All in all, this is a VERY solid record and one of the greatest children's albums of all time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's    2. Children's Folk    3. Childrens    4. Pop    5. Sing-Along   

Editorial Review

A 20-track collection from the Reprise years that tries to cover too much ground. Read more

Reviews (76)

Frank never needed luck to be a lady--he embodied talent!!!
Frank Sinatra is, without question, one of the greatest entertainers the world has ever known--or perhaps ever will know. Yes, this CD does try to cover a lot of ground; but it is a very good collection for a single CD that represents Frank's best when he worked at his own Reprise Records. I am in love with this CD; and you will be, too!
The Chairmen of the board at his best!
This is Sinatra at his swinging best. I am addicted to this album. Fantastic to think that any singer could have 29 very good years, and how many excellent ones! this CD includes his hits from 1960 to 1979 and include both studio and live tunes. Great bands and arrangers like The Count, Nelson Riddle, Billy May, and Don Costa. A great CD for any Sinatra fan!

Superb
If you like Sinatra, you will love this album. If you love Sinatra, it will be one of you favorites. It collects many of his biggest hits and these are prime recordings.
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Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz-Pop    3. Pop    4. Pop Vocals    5. Popular Music    6. Soft Rock    7. Traditional Pop    8. Vocal    9. Vocal Jazz    10. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

Tony Bennett's commercial renaissance of the 1980s and '90s was aided by a string of albums that communicated his essential values while providing conceptual rings (Sinatra, Astaire, women singers) for record buyers to grasp. Read more

Reviews (35)

Loved this C.D!!!!
Though I am not a Tony Bennet fan,I have to say this is by far my favorite C.D by him.I think anyone reading this will enjoy this no matter who you like musically.

Playin' With My Friends
One of Tony Bennett's greatest CDs.The duets are super!

Duets, duets,duets !

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

Editorial Review

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary for the season, Read more

Reviews (79)

Great!
I could not get this item anywhere after Christmas but here!!
Another winner!
TSO is consistently excellent and this album demonstrates that again. My only wish is that they'd crank out more offerings, with different themes.

The Lost Christmas Eve
A beautiful tribute to the holidays ..... This cd contains wonderful music that is seldom heard.... a real treat to the senses !! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Holiday    4. Orchestral Pop    5. Pop    6. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    7. Xmas Instrumental   

Editorial Review

Somewhere, Kenny G is hiding behind his cascading ringlets in shame. Chris Botti, a jazz world super-talent whose trumpeting earns frequent comparisons to Miles Davis and Chet Baker, has found the formula for classing up the pop charts, and within it there's not a single soaring sax or tired attempt at career revivalism to be found. What we're treated to instead is an all-star lineup (Sting, Gladys Knight, Michael Buble and others) vocally saluting a musician whose resume reads like a page torn out of the Rock Snob's Dictionary: in addition to touring with Sting, Botti has played sideman to Paul Simon, Natalie Merchant, Joni Mitchell, and dozens more. Here that experience pays off handsomely. Gone are the matinee-idol smooth artist's earlier experiments with jazz synthesizers and pop-fusion compositions (see 2002's Read more

Features

• DualDisc

Reviews (34)

Great
I went to see Chris Botti in concert this summer, after seeing him on PBS, the cd is excellent, so glad I purchased it, I like every song on the cd.sh

Lovely !
About two years ago ..I stumbled on a recording by Mr.Botti ...and I was so taken back from what I heard I told myself that I have to have his work ..Well two years passed and Mr. Botti has redifined what it takes to be a true musician ...Just saw the special on PBS....whew....I loved every bit of each performance...Jill Scott, Paula Cole, Sting , Gladys Knight .....Its nice to see an artist at his best.

Chris Botti is "Dave Sanborn+Rick Braun"
I now own three (3)Chris Botti CDs: When I Fall in Love; To Fall in Love and Midnight Without you.
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Jazz    2. Crossover Jazz    3. Instrumental Pop    4. Jazz    5. Mainstream Jazz    6. Pop    7. Smooth Jazz    8. Standards   

Editorial Review

Few would dispute that Frank Sinatra was one of the greatest popular singers of the 20th century. His voice had distinct power and majesty, whether he was belting out a swinging dance number or softly crooning a tender ballad. When he was at his height, no one could touch him, and the songs collected on Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (58)

Timeless Songs from a Timeless Singer
" Old Blue Eyes " is back and better sounding than ever in this 2000 digitally remastered cd of some of Frank Sinatra's most revered and cherished songs. I hope I'm not sounding too much like a commercial , yet it's true. I could pimp this cd forvever. I can be in any kind of mood and atleast two songs off of this packed cd , will suit me perfectly. From " Wee Small Hours " to "Witchcraft" , you'll be tapping your toes , mixing the martini's, calling up the lugs, and kissing the broads. This disc is a sure gas , baby. Hey wait.....I'm starting to sound like him !
With Such GreatReviews, No one mayCare...
Old Blue Eyes knew instinctively how to sell a song and create images and pictures to say what his words implied! Whenever SirRobed his picture of instinctive phrasing hereferred to how ol
This is Sinatra--Volume One
Bruce Springsteen once said that Frank Sinatra had "a voice filled with bad attitude, life, beauty, excitement, a nasty sense of freedom, (love making) and a sad knowledge of the ways of the world." I doubt few people could describe Frank's voice better. His voice was rich, capable of expressing the finest of nuances in meaning, vibrant and thrilling all at the same time. Despite the passage of time, Sinatra will always maintain his rightful place amongst the greats in music history.
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Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Popular Music    5. Standards    6. Swing    7. Traditional Pop    8. Vocal    9. Vocal Jazz    10. Vocal Pop