Romance on Film/Romance on Broadway

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Cabaret singer turned crooner Michael Feinstein continues to pay tribute to the American popular standard in his two-disc set Romance on Film, Romance on Broadway. The first disc features Feinstein in front of a live audience singing mostly well-worn ballads from classic films (exception: you may not immediately associate Michel LeGrand and Alan and Marilyn Bergman's "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" with the 1982 Burt Reynolds-Goldie Hawn vehicle Best Friends). The second disc is a studio recording filled with ballads and the occasional swinger ("Taking a Chance on Love") from Broadway shows. Accompanied by different combinations of horns and rhythm, Feinstein often stretches a song out to six or seven minutes, thus allowing for relaxed tempos, granting solo opportunities to his first-rate instrumentalists (including pianists Alan Broadbent and Marian McPartland), and indulging his fondness for what he calls the "sighing moment"--when he puzzles the audience with an unknown verse to a song, and then gives them the familiar, satisfying, well-loved chorus. Feinstein might rely a bit too much on his falsetto and there isn't the same sense of wit and adventure of his cabaret years, but this is a classy, enjoyable album for late-night listening. --David Horiuchi

Romance on Film/Romance on Broadway, Music, Michael Feinstein, Jazz, Jazz Music, Nostalgia, Pop, Show Tunes, Traditional Pop, Vocal
Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • They were right--there is NO business like the show business they did way back when !!!
  • One of the best cds I ever bought.
  • Never Sounded Better
  • Somewhere Over The Rainbow
  • "Hollywood Musicals of the Golden Age are still among us"
Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. That's Entertainment!: The Best Of The M-G-M Musicals - Motion Picture Soundtrack Anthology

ASIN: B000066RO5
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Tracks:

  1. Singin In The Rain - Gene Kelly
  2. Theres No Business Like Show Business - Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Keenan Wynn & Louis Calhern
  3. 'S Wonderful - Gene Kelly & Georges Guetary
  4. Thats Entertainment! - Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray & Oscar Levant
  5. Stranger In Paradise - Ann Blyth & Vic Damone
  6. Easter Parade - Judy Garland & Fred Astaire
  7. Lullaby Of Broadway - Winifred Shaw, Dick Powell & Chorus
  8. Get Happy - Judy Garland
  9. Night And Day - Fred Astaire
  10. True Love - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly
  11. Honeysuckle Rose - Lena Horne w/ Benny Carter & His Orchestra
  12. They Cant Take That Away From Me - Fred Astaire
  13. Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet - Nancy Walker & The M-G-M Studio Chorus w/ Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
  14. Baby, Its Cold Outside - Esther Williams & Ricardo Montalban
  15. For Me And My Gal - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland
  16. Puttin On The Ritz - Clark Gable & Co.
  17. Hallelujah! - Tony Martin, Vic Damone, Kay Armen, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Clark Burroughs & Co.
  18. Bless Yore Beautiful Hide - Howard Keel
  19. Taking A Chance On Love - Ethel Waters & Eddie "Rochester" Anderson
  20. As Time Goes By - Dooley Wilson w/ Elliot Carpenter (Bonus Track)
  21. Laras Theme (Main Title) - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (Bonus Track)

Tracks:

  1. Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland
  2. Its A Most Unusual Day - Jane Powell
  3. Wunderbar - Kathryn Grayson & Howard Keel
  4. Cant Help Lovin Dat Man - Ava Gardner
  5. Going Hollywood - Bing Crosby
  6. The Trolley Song - Judy Garland, The M-G-M Studio Chorus
  7. Gigi - Louis Jourdan
  8. I Got Rhythm - Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney & Co.
  9. Aba Daba Honeymoon - Debbie Reynolds, Carleton Carpenter & M-G-M Studio Chorus
  10. The Lady Is A Tramp - Lena Horne
  11. The Best Things In Life Are Free - June Allyson & Peter Lawford
  12. Cheek To Cheek - Fred Astaire
  13. A Kiss To Build A Dream On - Louis Armstrong
  14. Put 'Em In A Box - Doris Day & The Page Cavanaugh Trio
  15. If Swing Goes, I Go Too - Fred Astaire
  16. Almost Like Being In Love - Gene Kelly
  17. Lets Face The Music And Dance - Fred Astaire
  18. Be A Clown - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland
  19. Embraceable You - Connie Francis
  20. On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe - Judy Garland & Co.
  21. One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) - Fred Astaire

Amazon.com

The "Golden Age" referred to here spans The Jazz Singer and the advent of the talkies to the death throes of the old studio system in the 1960s. So vast was the era's musical landscape that even this 42-track, double-disc anthology can't encompass all its peaks. Not surprisingly, the bulk of this collection originated with the Tiffany's of the screen musical, M-G-M, a body of work whose riches here encompass both pop-cultural bedrock ("Over the Rainbow," "Singin' in the Rain," "There's No Business Like Show Business," etc.) and some less familiar, if equally delightful star turns: Clark Gable gamely "Puttin' On the Ritz"; the sassy, 1948 original of "The Lady Is a Tramp" by Lena Horne; and a loopy duet of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalban. Fred Astaire's elegant, epochal reign at RKO and M-G-M is represented by "Night and Day," "Let's Face the Music and Dance," and three others, while Metro mainstays Gene Kelly and Judy Garland share equal time and billing. It's not perfect--Cagney's "Yankee Doodle Boy" and/or some Sinatra seem more logical choices than the odd "bonus" duet of Casablanca's "As Time Goes By" and "Lara's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago that close out disc one--but it's a stunning, surprisingly comprehensive primer on the Hollywood film musical nonetheless. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars They were right--there is NO business like the show business they did way back when !!!.......2006-11-18

Everything that happens in life
Can happen in a show
You can make 'em laugh
You can make 'em cry
Anything
Anything can go....

The clown with his pants falling down
Or the dance that's a dream of romance
Or the scene where the villain is mean
That's entertainment!

The lights on the lady in tights
Or the bride with the guy on the side
Or the ball where she gives him her all
That's entertainment!

The plot and the hot simply teeming with $ex
A gay divorcee who is after her ex
It could be Oedipus Rex
Where a chap kills his father
And causes a lot of bother

The clerk who is thrown out of work
By the boss who is thrown for a loss
By the skirt who is doing him dirt

The world is a stage,
The stage is a world of entertainment!

This two CD set amply proves that the musical melodies and lyrics from the golden age of the Hollywood musical remain unsurpassed to this day. This generous two CD set offers 42 incredible songs from Hollywood classic musicals. Most of these fine numbers are indeed from MGM, as Amazon correctly notes; but there are some RKO numbers and even a little from Warner Brothers. Thank goodness, though, that most of these songs came from MGM movies; MGM was the only studio that could boast that it truly had "more stars than there are in the heavens."

I love so many songs on these two CDs. Of course, there's the unforgettable classic "Over The Rainbow" sung by Judy Garland; she also performs "Easter Parade" and "Get Happy" on this two CD set and she carries most of the tune for "I Got Rhythm" even though Mickey Rooney helps her a little. I love "Baby, It's Cold Outside" for its' romantic overtones; and Lena Horne's "The Lady Is A Tramp" is flawless! We also get a rare chance to hear Clark Gable sing in "Puttin' On The Ritz;" and Bing Crosby's "Going Hollywood" may be brief but it's a fun song anyway.

There are two "bonus" tracks on the first CD: "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca and "Lara's Theme" from Doctor Zhivago. "As Time Goes By" is a good choice; it is another unsurpassed classic song that brings back memories and touches even the hardest of hearts. "Lara's Theme," however, is from the mid 1960s and I don't consider this period to be part of the "golden age" of Hollywood musicals.

The liner notes are excellent and they offer wonderful photos of the stars as well. The cover art is well done and the reverse cover art tells which movie each song is from and who is performing each song. Moreover, the quality of the sound is excellent especially when you consider that these numbers were recorded quite a few decades ago.

In short, this superlative two CD highlights the glory of the Hollywood musical when a certain type of sophistication dominated professional movie production. I highly recommend this CD for fans of Hollywood musicals, classic pop vocals and fans of the artists and actors who perform on this two CD set.

5 out of 5 stars One of the best cds I ever bought. .......2006-06-07

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!

1 out of 5 stars Never Sounded Better.......2006-03-16

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.

5 out of 5 stars Somewhere Over The Rainbow.......2006-02-24

A Sensational CD with Lots of Showtunes that Keep You Happy and makes You Want To Sing Along With!!!

5 out of 5 stars "Hollywood Musicals of the Golden Age are still among us".......2005-07-13

Rhino Records and Turner Classic Movies Music present - "SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW: THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD MUSICALS", some of the long ago musicals and stars that will never be forgotten...a 2-CD-Set covering several decades from 1935-1965 with many of the show stoppers of that time...some rare moments from entertainers that you haven't heard or thought of in sometime.

The lineup is fantastic and gives the listener a variety of what musicals were all about in the "Golden Age of the Hollywood Musicals"
June Allyson, Kay Armen, Louis Armstrong, Fred Astaire, Ann Blyth, Jack Buchanan, Louis Calhern, Bing Crosby, Vic Damone, Doris Day, Nanette Fabray, Connie Francis, Ava Gardner, Judy Garland, Kathyrn Grayson, Georges Guetary, Lena Horne, Betty Hutton, Louis Jourdan, Howard Keel, Gene Kelly, Grace Kelly, Peter Lawford, Oscar Levant, Ann Miller, Ricardo Montalban, Page Cavanaugh Trio, Debbie Reynolds, Winifred Shaw, Nancy Walker, Ethel Waters, Esther Williams, Dooley Williams and Keenan Wynn.

On Disc One 21 Classic Songs from great musicals with songs in alphabetical order:
AS TIME GOES BY - Dooley Wilson with Elliot Carpenter, pianist (1942)
BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE - Esther Williams & Ricardo Montalban (1949)
BLESS, YORE BEAUTIFUL HIDE - Howard Keel (1954)
EASTER PARADE - Fred Astaire & Judy Garland (1948)
FOR ME AND MY GAL - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland (1942)
GET HAPPY - Judy Garland (1950)
HALLELUJAH! - Tony Martin, Vic Damone, Kay Armen, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Clark Burroughs (for Russ Tamblyn) (1955)
HONEYSUCKLE ROSE - Lena Horne with Benny Carter & His Orchestra (1943)
LARA'S THEME (MAIN TITLE) - M-G-M Studio Orchestra (1965)
LULLABY OF BROADWAY - Winifred Shaw & Dick Powell (1935)
MILKMAN, KEEP THOSE BOTTLES QUIET - Nancy Walker with Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra (1944)
NIGHT AND DAY - Fred Astaire (1934)
PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ - Clark Gable & Company (1939)
'S WONDERFUL - Gene Kelly & Georges Guetary (1951)
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN - Gene Kelly (1951)
STRANGER IN PARADISE - Ann Blyth & Vic Damone (1955)
TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE - Ethel Waters & Eddie "Rochester" Anderson (1943)
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT - Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray & Oscar Levant (1953)
THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS - Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Keenan Wynn & Louis Calhern (1950)
THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME - Fred Astaire (1949)
TRUE LOVE - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly (1956)

On Disc Two more memorable performances from the Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals:
A KISS TO BUILD A DREAM ON - Louis Armstrong (1951)
ABA DABA HONEYMOON - Debbie Reynolds & Carleton Carpenter (1950)
ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE - Gene Kelly (1954)
BE A CLOWN - Judy Garland & Gene Kelly (1948)
BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE - June Allyson & Peter Lawford (1947)
CAN'T HELP LOVIN' DAT MAN - Ava Gardner (beautiful woman, who my youngest grandaughter is named after...Avalon) (1951)
CHEEK TO CHEEK - Fred Astaire (1935)
EMBRACEABLE YOU - Connie Francis (1965)
GIGI - Louis Jourdan (1958)
GOING HOLLYWOOD - Bing Crosby (1933)
I GOT RHYTHM - Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney (1943)
IF SWING GOES, I GO TOO - Fred Astaire (1946)
IT'S A MOST UNUSUAL DAY - Jane Powell (1948)
LADY IS A TRAMP - Lena Horne (1948)
LET'S FACE THE MUSIC AND DANCE - Fred Astaire (1936)
ON THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND THE SANTA FE - Judy Garland & Company (1946)
ONE FOR MY BABY (AND ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD) - Fred Astaire (1943)
OVER THE RAINBOW - Judy Garland (became her theme song for the rest of her life) (1939)
PUT 'EM IN A BOX - Doris Day & the Page Cavanaugh Trio (1948)
THE TROLLEY SONG - Judy Garland & MGM Studio Chorus (1944)
WUNDERBAR - Kathryn Grayson & Howard Keel (two of MGM's favorite singing duos) (1953)

It was once said by the songwriters of that era - "There are two artists you want perform your songs on the big screen, they are Fred Astaire and Judy Garland they sing it just the way we wrote it, for which you will have a guaranteed hit on your hands"...well, this collections certainly has some merit to that statement...because with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire performing seven songs each, there must be something to it.

This collection of musicals still has the magic that we remember from those bygone years...but as long as we have the labels and networks who play and show these wonderful films of yesteryear, they will never be forgotten...hats off to Rhino Records, George Feltenstein (producer) and Doug Schwartz (engineer) and Turner Classic Movies for sharing those 42 selections from 42 films...celebrating decades of the tunes and artists that gave it their all...from what it commonly called "The Hollywood Dream Factory"...The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals is still among us...gotta love it!

Total Time: 2-CD-Set ~ Rhino Records 78323 ~ (6/02/2002)
Romance on Film/Romance on Broadway
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Please Keep The Music Playing . . .
  • Save Your Money
  • He ca nsing, but he doesn't seem to have a style
  • Someone with True Talent
  • Something's Gotta Give!
Romance on Film/Romance on Broadway
Michael Feinstein
Manufacturer: Concord Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Hopeless Romantics
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ASIN: B00004Z42R
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

  1. The More I See You
  2. The Second Time Around
  3. As Time Goes By
  4. Isn't It Romantic
  5. All the Way
  6. Something's Gotta Give
  7. The Way You Look Tonight
  8. Long Ago and Far Away
  9. When I Fall in Love / My Foolish Heart
  10. How Do You Keep the Music Playing?

Tracks:

  1. Always
  2. I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face
  3. If This Isn't Love
  4. They Say It's Wonderful
  5. I've Never Been in Love Before
  6. As Long as She Needs Me
  7. The Song Is You
  8. Darn That Dream
  9. The Best Things in Life Are Free
  10. My Funny Valentine
  11. Taking a Chance on Love
  12. Every Time We Say Goodbye

Amazon.com

Cabaret singer turned crooner Michael Feinstein continues to pay tribute to the American popular standard in his two-disc set Romance on Film, Romance on Broadway. The first disc features Feinstein in front of a live audience singing mostly well-worn ballads from classic films (exception: you may not immediately associate Michel LeGrand and Alan and Marilyn Bergman's "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" with the 1982 Burt Reynolds-Goldie Hawn vehicle Best Friends). The second disc is a studio recording filled with ballads and the occasional swinger ("Taking a Chance on Love") from Broadway shows. Accompanied by different combinations of horns and rhythm, Feinstein often stretches a song out to six or seven minutes, thus allowing for relaxed tempos, granting solo opportunities to his first-rate instrumentalists (including pianists Alan Broadbent and Marian McPartland), and indulging his fondness for what he calls the "sighing moment"--when he puzzles the audience with an unknown verse to a song, and then gives them the familiar, satisfying, well-loved chorus. Feinstein might rely a bit too much on his falsetto and there isn't the same sense of wit and adventure of his cabaret years, but this is a classy, enjoyable album for late-night listening. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Please Keep The Music Playing . . ........2004-11-24

This wonderful 2-CD set is an absolute musical gold mine filled with the most romantic songs from motion picture films and Broadway productions and penned by the finest songwriters: Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Sammy Cahn, Jim Van Heusen, Johnny Mercer, Harry Warren, Mack Gordon, Dorothy Fields, Victor Young, Michel Legrand, Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Vernon Duke, among many others.

According to the liner notes: "I've always been a sucker for a love song. My favorite kinds of songs to sing are romantic songs, so it seemed a natural idea to put together a collection of songs of the heart." Yes, indeed, he did a fantastic job not only in selecting the most beautiful love songs from early 1920s to the '80s, but also interpreting them in his own unique style with some help from his talented musician friends namely: Marian McPartland (piano), John Oddo (piano/arranger), Alan Broadbent (piano/arranger), Bucky Pizzareli (guitar), Page Cavanaugh (piano/arranger), George Rabbai (flugelhorn/trumpet), Mark Vinci (sax/clarinet/flute), Dan Block (sax), Jay Leonhart and Chuck Berghofer (bass), Joe Cacuzzo and Peter Erkstine (drums). Warren Vaché played the solo cornet (I just love the sound of this trumpet-like brass band instrument) with Bucky Piazzarelli on guitar on "Darn That Dream," one of the nicest tracks on Disc 2.

For me, the most ear-catching track on Disc 1- "Romance On Film" is Harry Warren and Mack Gordon's "The More I See You," which Mr. Feinstein thinks (and I do, too) as the pair's most famous song. This is also one of my all time favorites. Warren's style was greatly influenced by his idol, Giacomo Puccini, the creator of famous operas, "La Boheme" and "Madame Butterfly." Warren and Puccini are two great composers in my long list of favorites. Alan Broadbent superbly arranged this track and he also played the piano. Great piano playing! I must admit I listen to this song repeatedly before I listen to the rest of the tracks.

On "Romance On Broadway" - Disc 2, the standout in my opinion, is a very old song with very nice melody and lyrics written in 1930s by two of my favorite great composers, Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, "The Song Is You." I've been hearing it from my father's record (Frank Sinatra with Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra) when I was growing up and considering the music in my soul, this beautiful song never left me since then. It's like a haunting refrain to me. This is one of the main reasons why I bought this lovely set of CDs. I know of only few recordings of this song, those of Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass, Doris Day and The Andrews Sisters. It's so nice a song to be completely forgotten! I'm so glad that Mr. Feinstein included it in his repertoire. Accompanying Michael in this performance is one remarkable pianist, Alan Broadbent.

All the performances in this 2-CD set are equally superb and outstanding. You'll never skip any track, and you'll get a double delight with his great voice and exceptional piano playing skills on the last track of Disc 2 "Every Time We Say Goodbye." The credit also goes to the exceptional line-up of back-up musicians who have helped Mr. Feinstein in making these recordings great that everyone, not only his fans, can truly enjoy listening to.

3 out of 5 stars Save Your Money.......2004-01-10

Mr. Feinstein used to delight us with his renditions of the music he loved. Alas, he's found a new love - his own voice. The lyrics are way too slow, the album is over orchestrated, and the 14 "featured" presentations serve as a further distraction. It's the auditory equivalent of watching someone viewing themselves in a mirror.

1 out of 5 stars He ca nsing, but he doesn't seem to have a style.......2003-12-13

Before you get all worked up, let me say that he has a voice, but he really doesn't have a style. he sings songs way too straight, he makes even Bobby Short sound like an improviser! He also doesn't seem to be in touch with his masculine side, his vocie is very, well if ying is male, and yang is female, he sounds very yang. He needs to take some liberties with the songs he sings and then he won't sound so obnoxious, then he needs to take some vocal lessons and try to bring out the ying(masculine side) in his voice. He needs to hear a few Billy Eckstine lp's. I don't think he can change but here's hoping he'll take my advice. As far as you buying this cd it is your decision, this is just my honest opinion.

4 out of 5 stars Someone with True Talent.......2003-03-09

I first heard Michael Feinstein play on the introduction to the THAT'S MORE ENTERTAINMENT! film. Then I found out that he had previously worked with Ira Gershwin. Then I saw him live with the Houston Symphony. This is the second Michael Feinstein CD that I bought -- after BIG CITY RHYTHMS.

Michael Feinstein shows that he has real talent by playing and singing the songs that he wants to work with. Of the several CD's that I have of his, I have never been disappointed by him trying to incorporate more pop attributes into his music as so many other musicians do to endear themselves to larger audiences. Michael Feinstein is not afraid to play the music that he enjoys, and he does it admirably.

With some of the tracks, he really makes them into stand alone songs. A couple of the songs previously were only associated with a particular show, like I'VE NEVER BEEN IN LOVE BEFORE (Guys and Dolls) or SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE (Daddy Long Legs), or a particular artist, like THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT (Fred Astaire). Michael Feinstein really brings these songs into their own; they really stand out for their artistic merit, rather than who previously performed them.

The only real downside to this album is that he becomes too mellow on some of the tracks. I really would enjoy the album more if he punched up a few of the numbers. I think that he took a couple of numbers that were originally written to be jumpier and transformed them into ballads. I think that he needs to pick the beat up in a couple of the numbers.

4 out of 5 stars Something's Gotta Give!.......2002-05-12

Years ago I tended bar in an establishment that today is commonly referred to as a 'Cigar Bar.' It was an enjoyable past-time and not only did I learn much about the art of 'mixology' but part of that education included dealing with the many nuances that make up human nature and how to deal with the broad array of client's that walked through our door. One type of customer was the gentleman who, down on his luck, ( and after having one or two drinks too many! ) insisted on telling you his cares and woes ( especially dealing with romance and his views on the opposite sex! ) in great detail and hopeing for a little empathy and understanding. And while I understood the need for a little human commiseration ( don't we all! ), and as a bartender that was the riguer, there was a small part of me that wished to inform the heart-broken drinker that perhaps it was time to 'throw caution to the wind', so to speak, and as the song goes "take a chance on love" once again. Empathy being one thing but.... I can tolerate only so much brooding! Now, I relate this story to you simply because after listening to Michael Feinstein's performance on " Romance on Film/Romance on Broadway " I am reminded of that disgruntled gentleman at the bar, drink in hand, insistant on sharing his tales of "love and romance" and his less than sterling thoughts on these rather abstract subjects.

I will confess upfront that I truly did wish to enjoy this two disc set more than I, in reality, actually do. I've long been a huge fan of Mr. Feinstein and own several discs of his as well but, for the most part, almost everything included here sounds as if it's all been done many, many times before. And, sadly, it has. Michael sings in his usual warm and earnest tones and there's no small amount of love/affection that he feels for these songs ( and each individual composer! ) but for my taste it all seems rather lagubrious at times. Starting off disc one with one of my favorite's " The More I See You " Michael slows down this selection to a lovely ballad and is able to put a wonderfully exotic spin on a song that I thought I knew so well, awarding the song a certain 'sexy' feel that comes across deliciously well. But, unfortunately, things do tend to get a bit 'sticky' after that. Obvious parallels will be made when tackling standards such as " All The Way ", " The Second Time Around " and " The Way You Look Tonight " and although Michael handles these selections with his usual ease and competency he seems add little else. At this point it simply begs to be asked that if a singer, while no doubt having his heart in the right place, can not tackle an age old classic from a fresh perspective, than where is the motivation? It's wonderful that these songs are still being played today but I simply request that the singer dig a little deeper emotionally and bring something new to the table. The tunes to be found here are generally very well performed and impeccably played but I kept getting this sinking feeling that Michael is simply trying far too hard to convey some sort of true/real emotion that, for the most part, seems less than genuine. I'm not suggesting that he's being even slightly disingenous....simply that he appears to be 'acting out' the emotion that he thinks he should be feeling in each song. While listening to Billie Holiday's " Lady In Satin " one can hear a singer who, while no longer capable of singing as beautifully and elegantly as in years past, is nevertheless able to transcend that shortcoming simply by awarding each track with an almost gut-wrenching honesty and heartbreaking emotion that she so obviously feels in each selection. And, speaking only for me, that honest, intuitive feeling that exists is much more important that just being able to competantly relay a song's lyric's. Sentimentality in itself is fine but with the countless renditions of these songs available to the music lover I simply require the performer to perhaps 'put themselves out there' a little more and treat his audience to fresh and new ideas in tackling these wonderful standards. Which, I am sure, Mr. Feinstein's considerable talents are are more than up for that challenge!

With all that being said....there are some nice things here as well. " As Long As She Needs Me " is done extremely well, as is " The Best Things In Life Are Free. " Mr. Feinstein certainly knows his way around a song and is more than capable of relaying, on a certain level, each selections surface emotions. Plus, his vocals, warm and truly intimate, do cast a certain spell that is impossible to deny. All in all there are some true 'diamonds in the rough' to be found here if one is willing to do just a little digging. As for me I think I have preferred a one disc outing, much smaller portions but alas, much leaner as well! In the end, I will remain a strong supporter of Michael Feinstein and will continue to purchase his other disc's as well but like that gentleman at the bar who is still regaling us with his 'wisdom' concerning romance, women, love ( and all it's complexities! ) I believe I've heard enough for one night. Four stars....begrudgingly. Thanks!
Puttin' on the Ritz: The Great Hollywood Musicals
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • If you like great musicals you'll love this!
Puttin' on the Ritz: The Great Hollywood Musicals
The Singing Hoosiers
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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All Works by PorterAll Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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  4. Beautiful Hollywood
  5. Bond and Beyond

ASIN: B000003D05
Release Date: 1995-09-26

Tracks:

  1. That's Entertainment
  2. Blue Skies
  3. Cheek To Cheek
  4. Puttin' On The Ritz
  5. Over The Rainbow
  6. Forty-Second Street
  7. Singin' In The Rain
  8. Lover
  9. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
  10. The Continental
  11. They Can't Take That Away From Me
  12. I've Got you Under My Skin
  13. On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe
  14. A Fine Romance
  15. Thanks For The Memory
  16. Lullaby Of Broadway

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars If you like great musicals you'll love this!.......2007-03-20

Eric Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops have done it again. This is a spectacular collection. It makes you feel like getting dressed up with a lot of glitz and glam and going dancing. Though I must admit that Fredrica Von Stade's rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" will definitely touch your heart.

100 World's Best Loved Melodies
Average customer rating: 1 out of 5 stars
  • Peculiar Amazon indexing
100 World's Best Loved Melodies

Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
PolkasPolkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
PolonaisesPolonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
WaltzesWaltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by BernsteinAll Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BorodinAll Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by ChopinAll Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by PonchielliAll Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PorterAll Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Rodgers, RichardRodgers, Richard | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Romberg, SigmundRomberg, Sigmund | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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DivertimentosDivertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Character PiecesCharacter Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
NocturnesNocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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  1. The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B0009VNBR4
Release Date: 2005-07-05

Tracks:

  1. Blue Danube
  2. Waltz of Flowers
  3. Waltz No. 1
  4. Waltz of the Snowflakes
  5. Naila Waltz
  6. Spanish Dance
  7. I Dream of Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair
  8. Sugar Plum Fairy
  9. Dance of the Comedians
  10. Camptown Races
  11. Carnival of the Animals Finale
  12. Dance of the Clown [From "A Midsummer Night's" Dream]
  13. Dance of the Hours
  14. Dance of the Swans [From "Swan Lake"]
  15. Faust Ballet
  16. Tritsch Tratsch Polka
  17. Hungarian Dance
  18. Dance of the Priestesses
  19. Overture from "William Tell"
  20. Toreador Song [From "Carmen"]
  21. Overture from "Carmen"
  22. Samson & Delilah
  23. Ride of the Valkyries
  24. Baracole from "The Tales of Hoffmann"
  25. Scheherazade
  26. Water Music - The Hornpipe
  27. Nocturne
  28. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
  29. Hungarian Rhapsody
  30. Prde L& Arlenne
  31. Preer Gynt Suite No. 1 Anitra's Dance
  32. Liebestraum
  33. Adagio from "The New World Symphony"
  34. Flight of the Bumblebee
  35. Ave Maria
  36. Air on a G String
  37. Neapolitan Song
  38. Violin Concerto
  39. Serenade No. 4

Tracks:

  1. When You Wish Upon a Star
  2. Chances Are
  3. Calcutta
  4. Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White
  5. Gigi
  6. They Call the Wind Maria
  7. Memories Are Made of This
  8. Catch a Falling Star
  9. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
  10. So in Love
  11. Begin the Beguine
  12. Misty
  13. Little Things Mean a Lot
  14. Embraceable You
  15. It Might as Well Be Spring
  16. On the Street Where You Live
  17. Moment to Remember
  18. Anniversary Song
  19. Golden Days
  20. Theme from a Summer Place
  21. Tonight
  22. Lullaby of Broadway
  23. Easter Parade
  24. Tenderly
  25. Young at Heart

Tracks:

  1. Claire de Lune
  2. Piano Concerto No. 1
  3. Minute Waltz
  4. Piano Concerto
  5. Fantasy Impromptu
  6. Piano Sonata No. 20 - Finale
  7. Swan
  8. Polonaise No. 6
  9. Waltz in C Minor
  10. 1812 Overture
  11. Light Cavalry Overture
  12. Nutcracker Overture
  13. Marche Militaire
  14. Tannhauser Overture
  15. Radetsky March
  16. Tragic Overture
  17. Triumphal March
  18. Tales of Vienna Woods
  19. Emperor's Waltz
  20. Waltz. Wine, Women and Song
  21. Voice of Spring
  22. Fledermaus Overture
  23. Skater's Waltz
  24. Roses from the South
  25. Romance
  26. Symphony No. 5
  27. Mer
  28. Moonlight Sonata
  29. Capriccio Espagnol
  30. Lohengrin
  31. Symphonie Fantastique
  32. Greensleeves
  33. Souvenir
  34. Lonely Heart
  35. Die Meistersinger
  36. Polovtsian Dance

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Peculiar Amazon indexing.......2007-06-08

A search for Deep Purple's "Smoke on [in] the water," brought up this title. I rate it only #1 because I could not locate the "Smoke on the Water" listing. Amazon seems to be having an indexing problem.
Night and Day: Thomas Hampson Sings Cole Porter
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Let theyself be hereby dubbed.........Best Broadway Tune Vocalist...
  • This isn't a vanity crossover project but Cole Porter with art and style
  • pure self indulgent garbage
  • Thank god, no astaire or kelly singing on this one
  • Cole must have been watching over this project
Night and Day: Thomas Hampson Sings Cole Porter

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by PorterAll Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Hampson, ThomasHampson, Thomas | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000002RS3
Release Date: 1991-05-24

Tracks:

  1. 'Night And Day': 'Begin The Beguine' (Jubilee)
  2. 'Night And Day': 'In The Still Of The Night' (Rosalie)
  3. 'Night And Day': 'Easy To Love' (Born To Dance)
  4. 'Night And Day': 'Two Little Babes In The Wood' (Greenwich Village Follies - Sixth Yearly Edition)
  5. 'Night And Day': 'When My Baby Goes To Town' (Something For The Boys)
  6. 'Night And Day': 'When I Had A Uniform On' (Hitchy-Koo 1919)
  7. 'Night And Day': 'I've Got You Under My Skin' (Born To Dance)
  8. 'Night And Day': 'Bring Me Back My Butterfly' (Hitchy-Koo 1919)
  9. 'Night And Day': 'Who Said Gay Paree?' (Can-Can- Unused, Nicht verwendet, Inutilise)
  10. 'Night And Day': 'A Fool There Was' (Rosalie - Can-Can- Unused, Nicht verwendet, Inutilise)
  11. 'Night And Day': 'How's Your Romance?' (Gay Divorce)
  12. 'Night And Day': 'My Cozy Little Corner In The Ritz' (Hitchy-Koo 1919)
  13. 'Night And Day': 'Don't Fence Me In' (Hollywood Canteen)
  14. 'Night And Day': 'Drink' (Seven Lively Arts)
  15. 'Night And Day': 'Night And Day' (Gay Divorce)
  16. 'Night And Day': 'It Was Written In The Stars' (Du Barry Was A Lady)
  17. 'Night And Day': 'I Concentrate On You' (Broadway Melody Of 1940)
  18. 'Night And Day': 'Bull Dog' (Yale College)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Let theyself be hereby dubbed.........Best Broadway Tune Vocalist..........2007-06-21


Of my dozens and dozens of Broadway music performances, I find only one singer can be dubbed "Best." That person, Thomas Hampson, is thee. While show performers and ballad singers have all had their way with these tunes, only one is across-the-board great in them.

And whether or not these are the "best" representative songs of Porter is a moot point, something entirely up to personal taste. The point is that these songs have not been better performed by an individual male singer. It certainly doesn't hurt, either, that the great John McGlinn was on board as conductor/director (and likely strongly involved in arranging).

****

5 out of 5 stars This isn't a vanity crossover project but Cole Porter with art and style.......2006-07-17

The glut of crossover albums that came our way in the ripe era of Pavarotti and Domingo has abated, leaving not the best taste in the mouth. But there were some high points, and this 1991 Cole Porter collection from Thomas Hampson is a gorgeous example. Like his hero from the 30s, Lawrence Tibbett, who triumphed as much on radio as in the opera house, Hampson sings full out, applying an overtly operatic baritone to popular song. He has such a command of vocal technique that, as with Tibbett and more recently Ben Heppner, the glory of the vocalism would carry the day on its own.

But Hampson adds to this a good deal of finesse, humor, and suavity--particularly the last. "Begin the Beguine" and "In the Still of the Night" convey the cosmopolitan asurance that is a Cole Porter trademark. There are also some bigger songs, such as "It Was Written in the Stars," where Hampson can unleash his voice at full force, a thrilling experience. I don't think there's been an opera star who's made a Cole Porter recording other than Kiri Te Kanawa, in forty years. This is a very enjoyable one indeed.

1 out of 5 stars pure self indulgent garbage.......2006-04-22

SOMEONE PLEASE STOP THOMAS HAMPSON, BEFORE HE HURTS HIMSELF...OR HURTS THE REST OF US....What a collective piece of trash this album is?..is there a more self-important, bloated, indulgent, precious, affected, pompous singer on the planet?...i am waiting for Thomas Hampson sings Disco...or Thomas Hampson sings Elton John...or Thomas Hampson does Eminem?...he probably thinks he could pull 'em off...what unmitigated gaul...don't waste your money here

4 out of 5 stars Thank god, no astaire or kelly singing on this one.......2001-04-30

This was a great listen and it was finally nice to hear trained singers doing Porter. Can't stand it when I hear a lilting Porter song in an MGM film and then Astaire or Gene Kelly decide to try and sing it, usually off key, and end up slaughtering the number. Great to hear some of the old stuff and different takes on other standards.

5 out of 5 stars Cole must have been watching over this project.......2000-09-06

John McGlinn's orchestrations on this compilation of Cole Porter tunes have as much to do with the brilliance of this CD as Mr Hampson's vocal renderings. Both have that lush sound that make a Porter tune sound like what this reviewer believes Porter would have appreciated, judging by his own versions of his songs, and the arrangements that he was involved in. McGlinn remained faithful to those original arrangements and added a few of his own ideas and along with modern day recording improvements produced a sound that I think Porter would very much approve of. My only complaint is the selection of songs, but that as always comes down to personal taste. However in doing so I was tuned into a few songs that I had never heard before, some of which are now among my favorite Porter songs. Specifically, 'Who said Gay Paree' is a sublime version of a lesser known Porter tune. It is one of his tunes about Paris but unlike the others its a sad tune of love lost with McGlinn and Hampson both at their finest. Another one new to me was'My Cozy Little Corner In the Ritz' an early Porter tune with him at his sarcastic best and a brilliant rendition. The standards are all briliantly done. 'In the Still of the Night' is my favorite, followed by I Concentrate on You', 'Easy To Love', 'Night and Day' (edging out Sinara's version, but not quite as magical as Fred Astaire's from the movie 'Gay Divorcee', but close) 'I've Got You Under My Skin' is divine, Begin the Beguine and 'Don't Fence me in'. All the others are great versions but none would make my top 50 Porter tunes. With the convenience of tracking with CD's though I program my favorites in and hear an hour of heavenly music from one of my favorite tunesmiths as interpreted by two contemporary masters of our time.
Musical Wonderland
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Musical Wonderland

    Manufacturer: Wea International
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Duke, VernonDuke, Vernon | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by GershwinAll Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by PorterAll Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Rodgers, RichardRodgers, Richard | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Film ScoresFilm Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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    GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Easy ListeningEasy Listening | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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    RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B00005QDY8
    Release Date: 2001-11-20

    Tracks:

    1. Singin' In The Rain: Singin' In The Rain - Gene Kelly
    2. Annie Get Your Gun: There's No Business Like Show Business - Howard Keel
    3. An American In Paris: 'S Wonderful - Gene Kelly
    4. The Band Wagon: That's Entertainment! - Oscar Levant
    5. Kismet: Stranger In Paradise - Vic Damone
    6. Easter Parade: Easter Parade - Judy Garland
    7. Gold Diggers Of 1935: Lullaby Of Broadway - Chorus
    8. Summer Stock: Get Happy - Judy Garland
    9. The Gay Divorcee: Night And Day - Fred Astaire
    10. High Society: True Love - Bing Crosby
    11. Thousands Cheer: Honeysuckle Rose - Lena Horne
    12. The Barkleys Of Broadway: They Can't Take That Away From Me - Fred Astaire
    13. Broadway Rhythm: Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet - Nancy Walker And The M-G-M Studio Chorus
    14. Neptune's Daughter: Baby, It's Cold Outside - Esther Williams
    15. Me And My Gal: For Me And My Gal - Judy Garland
    16. Idiot's Delight: Puttin' On The Ritz - Clark Gable & Co.
    17. Hit The Deck: Hallelujah! - Kay Armen
    18. Seven Brides For Seven Brothers: Bless Yore Beautiful Hide - Howard Keel
    19. Cabin In The Sky: Taking A Chance On Love - Ethel Waters
    20. Casablanca: As Time Goes By - Dooley Wilson
    21. Dr. Zhivago: Lara's Theme (Main Title) - M-G-M Studio Orchestra

    Tracks:

    1. The Wizard Of Oz: Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland
    2. A Date With Judy: It's A Most Unusual Day - Jane Powell
    3. Kiss Me Kate: Wunderbar - Howard Keel
    4. Show Boat: Can't Help Lovn' Dat Man - Ava Gardner
    5. Going Hollywood: Going Hollywood - Bing Crosby
    6. Meet Me In St. Louis: The Trolley Song - Judy Garland
    7. Gigi: Gigi - Louis Jourdan
    8. Girl Crazy: I Got Rhythm - Judy Garland
    9. Two Weeks With Love: Aba Daba Honeymoon - Debbie Reynolds
    10. Words & Music: The Lady Is A Tramp - Lena Horne
    11. Good News: The Best Things In Life Are Free - June Allyson
    12. Top Hat: Check To Check - Fred Astaire
    13. The Strip: A Kiss To Build A Dream On - Louis Armstrong
    14. Romance On The High Seas: Put 'Em In A Box - Doris Day
    15. Ziegfeld Follies: If Swing Goes, I Go Too - Fred Astaire
    16. Brigadoon: Almost Like Being In Love - Gene Kelly
    17. Follow The Fleet: Let's Face The Music And Dance - Fred Astaire
    18. The Pirate: Be A Clown - Judy Garland
    19. When The Boys Meet The Girls: Embraceable You - Connie Francis
    20. The Harvey Girls: On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe - Judy Garland & Co.
    21. The Sky's The Limit: One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) - Fred Astaire

    Album Description

    This ideal Christmas gift is a collection of the very best highlights drawn from the MGM/Turner, Warners and RKO Pictures archive. It features such universally known showstoppers as Gene Kelly performing 'Singin In The Rain', Judy Garland's 'Over The Rainbow' and Howard Keel's 'Bless Your Beautiful Hide'. The collection also includes songs that have gone on to become world wide standards such as Lena Horne's 'The Lady Is A Tramp', Mel Torme's 'Sunday In New York' and Gene Kelly's 'Almost Like Being In Love'. Perfect for anyone who loves a good song and the ideal soundtrack for Christmas day. Gatefold deluxe slipcase packaging.

    Album Details

    This Compilation Presents Highlights from the Wonderful Mgm-turner, Warner Brothers and Rko Soundtracks. Great Artwork and Extensive Booklet with Photographs and Plenty of Liner Notes. The Packaging Includes a Special Limited Pop-up Booklet, So Get Your Order in Quickly...you Never Know When Supply Will Be Exhausted.

    Music:

    1. Shelter
    2. Sin & Soul...And Then Some
    3. Slow
    4. Smilin'
    5. Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard Bernstein
    6. Stardust
    7. Sweeney Todd Live at the New York Philharmonic
    8. Swing
    9. Swingin' Easy
    10. That Old Feeling: Classic Ballads from the Judy Garland Show

    Music

    Music