Renee Olstead

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
No less an expert on pop affairs than Neil Sedaka likens the impossibly mature voice of 14-year-old vocalist/TV star (CBS' Still Standing) Renee Olstead to "Patsy Cline, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday all wrapped in one." There's no disputing the sultry vocal talents showcased on this debut that balances familiar chestnuts from the great American songbook ("Summertime," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Sentimental Journey") with more recent fare that veers from R 'n' B sass ("Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby") to 70s chart hits like Sedaka's own "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" and Maria Muldaur's "Midnight at the Oasis." A cynical ear might question how much of Olmstead's own life informs these bluesy performances: how trying can eigth grade be for an attractive redhead with a major label contract? Indeed, the tagline for at least one latter-day Ella Fitzgerald project comes frequently to mind here: "Is it real, or it Memorex?" Olmstead is yet another teen protege of hugely successful producer David Foster (who's midwifed the careers of Josh Groban and Michael Buble in recent years), and he provides her with some sturdy jazz arrangements to riff emotively on here--even if his production is as slick and bloodless as ever. Still, Foster's penchant for overwrought melodrama is kept mercifully in check on his own composition "I Want a Love to Last," while his shrewd teaming of the young chanteuse with fellow teen pop phenom Peter Cincotti on Sedaka's "Breaking Up.." deftly underscores the promising talents of both. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description
Renee Olstead, co-star of the Top CBS comedy series "Still Standing" releases her self-titled major label debut. With a seriously bluesy jazz voice, Olstead wows everyone who hears her, including the renowned David Foster who co- produced this album of classics. Unless someone told you, you might never suspect that Olstead is only in high school! Renee Olstead ... hear her ... you won’t believe your ears.

Renee Olstead, Music, Reneé Olstead, Big Band, Pop, Pop Vocals, Rock/Pop, Standards, Swing, Traditional Pop, Vocal Pop
Renee Olstead
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Renee Olstead, a singer all will know about
  • A joyous revelation...
  • Renee Olstead, the breeziest chanteuse to come along
  • Can't get enough
  • Renee Olstead...
Renee Olstead
Reneé Olstead
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Swing GeneralSwing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Classic Big BandClassic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Contemporary Big BandContemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
ClassicClassic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Traditional PopTraditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. By Request
  2. Taking a Chance on Love
  3. Talk of the Town
  4. When I Fall In Love
  5. It's Time

ASIN: B00020HEL6
Release Date: 2004-05-25

Tracks:

  1. Summertime
  2. Taking A Chance On Love
  3. Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby
  4. Someone To Watch Over Me - featuring Chris Botti
  5. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do - duet with Peter Cincotti
  6. A Love That Will Last
  7. Meet Me, Midnight
  8. Sunday Kind Of Love - featuring Chris Botti
  9. On A Slow Boat To China - featuring Carol Welsman
  10. What A Difference A Day Makes
  11. Midnight At The Oasis
  12. Sentimental Journey

Amazon.com

No less an expert on pop affairs than Neil Sedaka likens the impossibly mature voice of 14-year-old vocalist/TV star (CBS' Still Standing) Renee Olstead to "Patsy Cline, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday all wrapped in one." There's no disputing the sultry vocal talents showcased on this debut that balances familiar chestnuts from the great American songbook ("Summertime," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Sentimental Journey") with more recent fare that veers from R 'n' B sass ("Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby") to 70s chart hits like Sedaka's own "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" and Maria Muldaur's "Midnight at the Oasis." A cynical ear might question how much of Olmstead's own life informs these bluesy performances: how trying can eigth grade be for an attractive redhead with a major label contract? Indeed, the tagline for at least one latter-day Ella Fitzgerald project comes frequently to mind here: "Is it real, or it Memorex?" Olmstead is yet another teen protege of hugely successful producer David Foster (who's midwifed the careers of Josh Groban and Michael Buble in recent years), and he provides her with some sturdy jazz arrangements to riff emotively on here--even if his production is as slick and bloodless as ever. Still, Foster's penchant for overwrought melodrama is kept mercifully in check on his own composition "I Want a Love to Last," while his shrewd teaming of the young chanteuse with fellow teen pop phenom Peter Cincotti on Sedaka's "Breaking Up.." deftly underscores the promising talents of both. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Renee Olstead, co-star of the Top CBS comedy series "Still Standing" releases her self-titled major label debut. With a seriously bluesy jazz voice, Olstead wows everyone who hears her, including the renowned David Foster who co- produced this album of classics. Unless someone told you, you might never suspect that Olstead is only in high school! Renee Olstead ... hear her ... you won't believe your ears.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Renee Olstead, a singer all will know about.......2007-07-05

To start, I haven't bought or wasted much time in the past 30 years listening to anything trying to pass for music.

I read all 160 reviews, to be sure I made it very clear what her album means to me. And why I would bother with adding a review that's clearly in the majority.

I found out about Renee's singing thru her TV show as others did.

So I don't waste anyones time with repeating what's been repeated many times in the past 160 reviews, I'll leave out her age. It has no relevance to her sound.

I won't compare her to anyone else...Not to say another more mature singer
hasn't emulated Renee note for note to her disadvantage because Renee did it first and better.

I've tried, but at a total loss to get hold of her other two albums 'Unleashed' & 'Stone Country'. Much as I like her singing, I'm not putting out $80.00 for a 4 track album by anyone. But If I were to spend that much on music, her singing would be the deciding factor.

With most of the 160 reviews, they focus on the fact the album is bluesy/jazz.. and her age, and how this relates to how she sounds. I wouldn't know bluesy jazz if it bit me. But I do know when I like something, and my only gripe about Renee, is that I only have 14 songs by her to play over and over aqain. Her new album Skylark is due out in two days, reported by several web sites. And for this reason, I add my positive review to this album. I want more albums by Renee to listen to. One album just doesn't play that long. I figure the more that know
about her, the more incentive she has to make more albums. And increase my odds of more albums by her.

I see with Renee's album, the music and her renditions. It's all about her sound and how it sounds like her smiling with each song. You can hear how she enjoys singing. And something else I've found, playing her album over & over again also brings on new discoveries each time. The same songs are never the same. That's why I can't get enough of her singing.

My favorite was & still is Midnight at the oasis.. But it's having a hard time remaining at the top of my list. She sings duets that change every time I hear them, and inch them closer to the top of the list.

I really shouldn't mention a favorite, as I've given all 14 songs in my Itunes list 5 stars, so that when I play my favorites, hers are at the top.

Oasis just has such an odd story line to it.

My recommendation would be, if you like music, Renee is the one to watch. If you like the genre of music she's now into, you wouldn't want to be caught not knowing who Renee Olstead is.

Then you have her invitation to sing for the president. I predict she'll sing for many more presidents.

I was prompted to read all 160 reviews to see just why this album only rated a 4 1/4 stars. It seems there were 3 Trolls that wasted every ones time with a review from them. And several that just didn't feel like 5 was deserved. None lower than 3 except the trolls. And even one of them couldn't give her less than a 3. I'd say that speaks more than most of the other 155+ reviews. A troll that couldn't bring himself to bash her singing worse than a 3.

Had to be trolls. 155+ were in complete opposition. Remove the troll opinions and you have a solid 4 3/4. Maybe more depending on the star graphics available.

5 out of 5 stars A joyous revelation..........2007-06-16

Pretty redheads are proof of God's creative genius. That said, I sure didn't expect an album by a pretty young girl to be sold in the jazz section...Surprise......

This is an absolutely fabulous recording...Renee handles these standards with the maturity and vocal strength of one of significantly more years. The idividual songs need no comment; you already know them. The good news is that she will only improve with time. Our hope is that there's more where this came from. Get this. You'll be glad you did.

5 out of 5 stars Renee Olstead, the breeziest chanteuse to come along.......2007-04-06

I have come to know Renee Olstead ever since she appeared on the popular CBS comedy "Still Standing", but it is her singing that gets to me. She is like no other teenage artist in that she is the only one to date that can interpret jazz statndards in a very breezy manner. Not is she talented, but she is very adorable. If she were a contestant on American Idol, I would vote for her in a second. In fact, she should be a superstar based on her singing alone. If you go into jazz, I strongly suggest purchasing this CD. It will win you over.

5 out of 5 stars Can't get enough.......2007-03-23

This girl has a fantastic voice, you will be sure to love this CD. This has quickly become my favorite CD. You will think you are in a swanky lounge back in the day.

5 out of 5 stars Renee Olstead..........2007-03-17

she is fantastic and I am so happy to hear her sing jazz..we need her!
By Request
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • By Request
  • Renee's first try at singing
  • Fantastic
  • WOW
  • Great Singer, Too much bass in recording
By Request

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Renee Olstead
  2. Skylark
  3. Talk of the Town
  4. Dancing in the Dark
  5. Taking a Chance on Love

ASIN: B00006UFPC
Release Date: 2002-09-30

Tracks:

  1. Sunday Kind Of Love
  2. Sentimental Journey
  3. Georgia On my Mind
  4. Taking a Chance on Love
  5. Bill Bailey
  6. What a Wonderful World
  7. Over The Rainbow
  8. At Last

Album Description

This recording captures the magic that results from combining Renee Olstead's unique vocal styling with some of L.A.'s most talented swing and jazz musicians. The songs contained here are some of the most requested by Renee's audiences. Hence the title, By Request... The recording seeks to honor America's musical heritage and arguably our greatest generation.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars By Request.......2007-04-16

This product was delivered in a very timely manner, in excellent condition. This young lady has an extrodinary voice and the product shows that off. I would most definately buy from this seller again.

5 out of 5 stars Renee's first try at singing.......2007-04-06

Renee was only 13 when this CD come out, but supplementing my review on her Reprise debut, this CD is just as good. Although 3 song on here are also represented on her 2004 CD, she shows a more stripped down sound than on her David Foster produced release. She also displays a mature sounding voice even at 13. Until "Skylark" comes out, hopefully this month, this disc should satisfy your jones for Renee Olstead's music.

5 out of 5 stars Fantastic.......2007-03-30

What a great CD by a Great singer. Cannot understand why the radio stations are not playing this fantastic singer. This is a must have for everyones collection. The only thing I could possibly bad is that there is not enough songs on here. I have her self-titled and it a great listen. Cannot wait to hear what else this talented singing has to offer.

5 out of 5 stars WOW.......2007-02-07

Anyone who enjoys the original Renee Olstead album should be buying this up instantaneously! This was the mini-precursor album to Renee Olstead and it shows; you can still feel more of the raw soul rather than the refined jazz singer, but the songs look and feel very appropriate for the age in which they were first created. Olstead brings them to life as if this WERE the golden age of jazz. Thanks for this phenomonal CD, it never leaves my truck!

4 out of 5 stars Great Singer, Too much bass in recording.......2007-01-28

Renee Olstead is wonderful in this CD, the music quality is poor, but I'd like to see more by her, I also have her second CD which is fantastic.
Skylark
Average customer rating: 1 out of 5 stars
  • Renee Olstead "Skylark"
Skylark
Reneé Olstead
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
ClassicClassic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Traditional PopTraditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. By Request
  2. Renee Olstead
  3. From This Moment On
  4. Unleashed
  5. Call Me Irresponsible

ASIN: B000FS9MV0

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Renee Olstead "Skylark".......2007-02-01

I purchased this on Dec. 30th, but it says I'm not going to receive it until March..... why would that be?
I've paid for it.....

I hope someone can explain it to me..

Thanks -- Pat Cole
Selections From Renee Olstead
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Selections From Renee Olstead
    Renee Olstead
    Manufacturer: Reprise
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD
    Similar Items:
    1. Renee Olstead
    2. By Request
    3. Unleashed
    4. Skylark

    ASIN: B000JNZR3S

    Product Description

    1. Summertime 2. Someone to Watch Over Me 3. A Love That Will Last
    Unleashed
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Little Girl With the BIG Voice
    • Olstead is Dynamic in "Unleashed!"
    Unleashed
    Reneé Olstead
    Manufacturer: Renee Llc
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
    ContemporaryContemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. By Request
    2. Skylark
    3. Renee Olstead

    ASIN: B0000541ZH
    Release Date: 2000-11-20

    Tracks:

    1. My Ship's Comin' In
    2. Stand Up Man
    3. Substitute
    4. As Long As We're Here

    Album Description

    Renee Olsteads second album "Unleashed", is one of immediate appeal and remarkable assurance. These songs showcase her incredible natural talent as captured by a Grammy nominated producer using some of the best musicians anywhere. From the inspirational first track to the haunting conclusion, Renee's sound instantly engages the listener - and then lingers in their heart and soul.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Little Girl With the BIG Voice.......2002-10-09

    Not since Reba McIntyre has a female singer shown such range and power. Renee Olstead's unbelievable voice fills the room with every song on this CD. I also have "Stone Country," and it is not to be missed. I can hardly wait for the next CD--"By Request." With each new CD, Renee's music gets better and better. She is really going to be big on the music scene! Could she really be just 13?

    5 out of 5 stars Olstead is Dynamic in "Unleashed!".......2001-01-02

    Olstead is on her way to becoming a household name with her latest CD "Unleashed." This exciting , dynamic entertainer 's style leaves me wanting to hear more.

    I have also heard her country Cd and am truly amazed by her versatility and dynamic style.

    I can't wait for her next offering!
    Stone Country
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Great CD
    • Country Music Lovers....This is one you Gotta have!!!!
    • Very Good
    Stone Country
    Reneé Olstead
    Manufacturer: Renee Llc
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
    ContemporaryContemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B0000541ZG
    Release Date: 2000-11-20

    Tracks:

    1. Stone Country
    2. There You Go
    3. No Questions Asked
    4. Living On The Lonely Side Of Love
    5. They Never Made It To Memphis
    6. I See You
    7. Why Can't They Send Them All
    8. Good Lookin' Bad News
    9. Reach Out
    10. Cowboy Rock 'n' Roll

    Album Description

    Renee Olstead's debut album, "Stone Country", is one with immediate and lasting appeal. The 10 cuts from this young Texas whirlwind were captured by a Grammy-nominated producer using some of Nasville's best pickers. From the title track's tradition rich message to the high-energy conclusion, this is music that instantly engages the listener - and subsequently steals their heart.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Great CD.......2004-03-02

    This is a great CD! Definately worth the buy!

    5 out of 5 stars Country Music Lovers....This is one you Gotta have!!!!.......2001-08-14

    This young lady pours her heart and soul into every note she sings. You'll be blown away by the energy and range found in her music. I only wish I could sing half this well. It's a favorite in our house...we just need more copies so we don't have to share. We sent one to Granny and she loves it, especially Cowboy Rock N Roll the final track on Stone Country. My personal favorite is They Never Made it to Memphis. You'll want a copy for your home and one to take on the road. And while you're at it you may want to pick up a copy for any country music fan on your Christmas list.

    5 out of 5 stars Very Good.......2001-01-25

    Renee has a very good voice, and her CD is well recorded.
    Ladies of Note (Presented by Riviera by Buick)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Ladies of Note (Presented by Riviera by Buick)
      Judy Collins , and Roberta Flack
      Manufacturer: PGI Entertainment
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD
      ASIN: B000IS8ODO

      Product Description

      Riviera teams up with two of the world's most popular female musical artists as they take their music on the road to benefit breast cancer research. Buick Riviera is proud to sponsor these two talented ladies for such a worthy cause. Judy Collins is almost as famous for her baby blues as for her liquid silver voice. Grammy Award winning artist, Roberta Flack, is sleed, sensational and utterly divine. CONTENTS: JUDY COLLINS - 1) Secret Gardens 2) The Blizzard (Colorado Song) 3) Amazing Grace ROBERTA FLACK - 1) Eternally 2) It's Alright To Say No 3) Pray For Rain
      Swing Party [22 Swingin' Hits on 2 Cds All Performed By the Tony Burgos Orchestra] (2000)
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Swing Party [22 Swingin' Hits on 2 Cds All Performed By the Tony Burgos Orchestra] (2000)

        Manufacturer: DOMINO / K-TEL
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD
        ASIN: B0009I84LA

        Product Description

        Disc: 1 1. Jump, Jive, An' Wail 2. You & Me & The Bottle Makes Three Tonight (Baby) 3. One O'Clock Jump 4. That Old Black Magic 5. Route 66 6. Straighten up and Fly Right 7. Go Daddy-O 8. Night and Day 9. Just in Time 10. Something's Gotta Give [Plus 2 more tracks on this disc] Disc: 2 1. Zoot Suit Riot 2. Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar 3. Rock This Town 4. In the Mood 5. My Blue Heaven 6. Blue Skies 7. Woodchopper's Ball 8. Zip Gun Bop 9. Just One of Those Things 10. All of Me

        Music:

        1. Saturday Night Fever (1998 Original London Cast) [Cast Recording]
        2. Sing Broadway [Cast Recording]
        3. Sing The Hits Of Sunset Boulevard (Karaoke)
        4. Sondheim: A Musical Tribute [Cast Recording]
        5. St. Louis Woman [Cast Recording]
        6. States Of Control (1998 Film) [Soundtrack]
        7. Sweeney Todd [Cast Recording]
        8. Sweet Charity [Cast Recording]
        9. The Best of Broadway, Vol. 2: The Sound of Music/Annie/On the Town (Original Broadway Casts) [Cast Recording]
        10. The Broadway Musical [Cast Recording]

        Music

        Music