Carmen Sings Monk [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
American jazz vocalist Carmen McRae performs mystical renditions of Thelonius Monk standards which have all been appended by the lyrics of Mike Ferro, Abbey Lincoln, Bernie Hanigen, Tommie Hendricks & Sally Swisher. Includes renditions of 'Round Midnight', 'How I Wish', 'You Know Who' & twelve more.

Carmen Sings Monk, Music, Carmen McRae, Jazz, Pop, Standards, Traditional Pop, Vocal Jazz
Carmen Sings Monk
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Carmen's Monk
  • Monk And McRae - An Unparalleled Twosome!
  • Carmen is the Coolest
  • For Jazz Lovers Only
  • Simply Heavenly
 Carmen Sings Monk
Carmen McRae
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Carmen McRae Sings Great American Songwriters
  2. The Great American Songbook
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  4. The Carmen McRae-Betty Carter Duets (Live at the Great American Music Hall)
  5. Here to Stay

ASIN: B00005NW8W
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

  1. Get It Straight
  2. Dear Ruby
  3. It's Over Now
  4. Monkery's The Blues
  5. You Know Who
  6. Little Butterfly
  7. Listen To Monk
  8. How I Wish
  9. Man, That Was A Dream
  10. 'Round Midnight
  11. Still We Dream
  12. Suddenly
  13. Looking Back
  14. Suddenly (Alternate Version)
  15. Get It Straight (Alternate Version)
  16. 'Round Midnight (Alternate Version)
  17. Listen To Monk (Alternate Take)
  18. Man, That Was A Dream (Alternate Take)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Carmen's Monk.......2006-07-13

Beautiful!
Very rarely have I heard so distinctive interpretations of Monk's music by other artists. McRae gives her inimitable imprint on the material, at the same time preserving the akward uniqueness that is Monk.
Since her versions of these songs contain lyrics and are slightly less jagged and jumpy than the originals, this beautiful CD may also serve as a very useful introduction to Monk's genius.

5 out of 5 stars Monk And McRae - An Unparalleled Twosome!.......2005-04-28

Carmen McRae's voice is fine. One of my favorite jazz vocalists, she is best known, however, for her witty and frequently ironic interpretations of lyrics, and her unique phrasing. Thelonious Monk, a brilliant pianist and composer, was one of the top jazz improvisers of the 1950's and 60's. Monk and McRae were good friends, and that's a good thing, especially because their friendship led to the making of this album. The combination of his music and her vocals are just dynamite. Pure magic!

Ms McRae sings thirteen of Monk's outstanding compositions on this CD. Two bonus numbers are versions of "Get It Straight," ("Straight No Chaser"), and "Suddenly," ("In Walked Bud"), from live performances. George Mraz's intro and solo on the opener, "Get It Straight," are superb. The other live track is my all time favorite, "Dear Ruby." What a song! And then there's the profound blues of "'Round Midnight" - outrageously outstanding!!! At times quirky, at others relaxed and swinging cool, Carmen captures Monks spirit and his angular melodies beautifully.

Most lyrics are by Jon Hendricks, with Abbey Lincoln, ("Blue Monk"), Bernie Hanighen, Sally Swisher and Mike Ferro contributing their writing talents to the other pieces. Titles have been changed, i.e., "Rhythm-a-ning" becomes "Listen to Monk," "Monk's Dream" becomes "Man, That Was A Dream," because, according to the music publishers, the pure instrumental versions have become part of a separate "Monk literature." Carmen is assisted here by tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, pianist Eric Gunnison, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Al Foster. Tenor sax Charlie Rouse and pianist Larry Willis provide back-up on the live tracks only. I only wish there had been more live sound.

Carmen McRae movingly states, in the linear notes accompanying the CD, how proud she is of this album and the musicians involved. I thank Ms. McRae for making this wonderful compilation, at age 68, no less! It is one of the best CDs I own. It's must have. ENJOY!
JANA

5 out of 5 stars Carmen is the Coolest.......2005-02-18

This is one of the greatest vocal jazz albums ever made, and here's why:

Thelonious Monk wrote difficult, jagged, dissonant tunes. Beautiful and interesting, yes; but not the kind of songs that anyone can sing note-perfect in the shower. It would take an extraordinary singer even to try to do a set of songs set to tunes like "Well You Needn't", "Ruby My Dear", "Blue Monk", "Ask Me Now" and the like.

Along came Carmen McRae, at age 68; and with all of the wisdom and wit that a true old pro like that can muster, she knocked off these tunes as if they are the easiest songs in the world to sing. And because of her professionalism, she drove her sidemen to new heights. The tenor sax here, for example, is the old Monk sideman, Charlie Rouse; he never sounded better than here.

Many of these lyrics are by the James Joyce of Jive, Jon Hendricks. Mr. Hendricks has done some of these songs with these lyrics himself, such as "trinkle Trinkle" and on the Monk album "Underground", "In Walked Bud." Here, Carmen makes "In Walked Bud" (first take, the live one)the highlight of the album. Carmen is able to spit out all the words to the melody as if telling an in-joke that only the hipsters among us can understand. Carmen is just the coolest.

I love jazz singers who push themselves on difficult projects to do something unique. This is just such a project, and an essential for any fan of vocal jazz. RC

5 out of 5 stars For Jazz Lovers Only.......2004-05-28

Quite simply, it doesn't get any better than this! The incomparable Carmen McRae vocalizing these legendary songs accompanied by some of the finest jazz musicians around. Flawlessly recorded at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco in 1988, you will instantly believe that you are there.

5 out of 5 stars Simply Heavenly.......2004-05-20

Monk's tunes are wonderful but are not for amateurs...They make Sondheim look easy to sing. Carmen Mcrae sings these songs like they were written for her. This album is a must for all lovers of vocal jazz.
Bryn Terfel Sings Favorites
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent Voice, Cheap Music
  • You are all idiots
  • Bryn Terfel, the Magnificent, sings 'Something for Everyone'
  • Bryn Terfel's voice is magnificent, this album superb.
  • Popular favorites sung by a fine concert baritone-bass
 Bryn Terfel Sings Favorites

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
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  4. Silent Noon
  5. Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome

ASIN: B0000AP6HI
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

  1. Couplets: 'Votre Toast Je Peu Vous Le Rendre' (Toreador Song)
  2. Shenandoah
  3. Bugeillio'r Gwenith Gwyn
  4. 'C'etait Le Soir' - 'Aufondu Du Temple Saint'
  5. The Lord Is My Shepherd
  6. Danny Boy
  7. Bella Notte
  8. Goin' Home
  9. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
  10. Home Sweet Home
  11. Ave Maria D 839
  12. Il Mio Cure Va
  13. At The River
  14. None But The Lonley Heart
  15. If I Can Help Somebody
  16. Wiegenlied
  17. Abide With Me
  18. Lazybones

Amazon.com

The title of this CD tells it all. Here is one popular classic after another, some folk or traditional, some operatic, some religious or inspirational, some pop. The result in the throat/mind/sensibility of any other singer might be soupy, sappy, or simply uninteresting, but Bryn Terfel--he of the rolling bass-baritone voice who can smoothly deliver notes and phrases at any dynamic level--turns this generous, somewhat sentimental recital into something beautiful and special. After a rousing "Toreador Song" from Carmen, sung with just the right weight (most baritones find it too low, most basses too high) comes a ravishing version of "Shenandoah"; a fine Welsh song is followed by the stunning duet from Bizet's The Pearl Fishers, with Andrea Bocelli singing the tenor part gleamingly and Terfel considerately underplaying his hand. And so it continues through Brahms' Lullaby and Schubert's Ave Maria; the "Love Theme from Titanic" sung with great restraint; renditions of "Danny Boy" and "Home Sweet Home" which are just beautiful; the spirituals "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and "At the River," slightly anachronistic but still effective; the gluey "If I Can Help Somebody"; and a few more. It's amazing that Terfel can bring such variety to material which is temperamentally so similar. Some of the arrangements are a bit sticky and overdone, but overall, this disc is a beauty for all seasons. It will make a lovely gift to music lovers of all types. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Excellent Voice, Cheap Music.......2006-04-27

Bryn Terfel sings everything beautifully. The difficulty with this CD is that some of the music is extremely tawdry.
"The Lord is My Shepherd" and "Abide With Me" are very nicely sung, although the arrangements (like almost all hymn arrangements) leave a good bit to be desired.
The big surprise was to hear him sing "Lazybones" to perfection.
But on the whole it is far better to hear him sing music whose quality matches that of his voice.

1 out of 5 stars You are all idiots.......2006-04-04

Bryn is aweful. This CD is horrific. Listen to real opera you morons. Listening to Bryn is like pouring sugar down your throat until you vomit. Does anyone know what an "operatic baritone" really sounds like. Bryn is the emproer with no clothes and you all are fools.

4 out of 5 stars Bryn Terfel, the Magnificent, sings 'Something for Everyone'.......2005-06-28

Surely one of the most beautiful baritone voices on the opera stage and in the recital hall today is that of Welshman Bryn Terfel. He is one of those rare artists who has a magnificent voice, intense musicality, and magical stage presence. Terfel could sing the telephone book and make it beautiful.

And sadly that is what this album resembles: the choice of songs and the arrangements and friends with whom he elects to perform raises some concern about his artistic integrity. Having purchased this CD based on hearing 'Toreador Song' from 'Carmen' - clearly the finest, most highly nuanced performance of this famous aria ever sung! - this listener expected a concert of similar arias. Wrong! This is like a summer night at Hollywood Bowl with bits and pieces of all manner of songs, some tasteful, others less so, but whatever Terfel sings it is good to hear his voice.

Some of the more successful tracks include 'Shenandoah', 'Danny Boy', Brahms' 'Lullaby', and a Welsh tune 'Bugeilio'r Gwenith Gwyn' sung in Welsh. But then Terfel opts to sing Tchaikovsky's 'None but the lonely heart' in English rather than Russian, a Disney song (from Lady and the Tramp) in Italian, and for some reason includes duets with a soprano by the sole name of Sissel ('Ave Maria'), an awful pairing with Andrea Bocelli for The Pearl Fishers duet (terrible to compare these two polarized voices!), and some choral and jazz ditties. Whew!

If you can get past the pick and save repertoire here and just relax with Terfel's artistry you are in for a treat. Not for the purists, but definitely a find for the 'crossover crowd'. Grady Harp, June 05

5 out of 5 stars Bryn Terfel's voice is magnificent, this album superb........2005-05-05

I am hoping every possible purchaser of this album will read this review. Bryn Terfel is a singer whose voice has been touched by God. Rich, powerful, masculine, elegant, emotionally moving. His taste in music is varied and wonderful. I listen to him more often than any other vocalist in my vast vocal music collection. Therefore, I get more value out of his CD's than any other I own. If you love great vocal music sung by one of the greatest baritones of all time, buy this CD immediately. It will quickly become one of your treasured favorites. And Mr. Terfel, please know that your voice touches people all around the world. Thank you for the great music and inspiration, Sir.

5 out of 5 stars Popular favorites sung by a fine concert baritone-bass.......2005-04-20

First of all, we have to recognize that Bryn Terfel is one helluva fine concert/operatic baritone with a huge, powerful, and beautiful voice. (I think any other assessment must be based on nit-picking and misses the forest for the trees.)

In the present program we may wonder whether Terfel's particular (and enormous) talent is well matched to the popular selections chosen. Overall, I say yes: Terfel gives fine and generally convincing performances of this widely varied program--and there are precious few (if any) who could do better.

Let's take a look at what's here:

On the famous toreador song from Bizet's "Carmen" Terfel gives a very fine, operatic rendition of the bull-fighter's swaggering, macho aria. His diction in French is faultless and his singing style unreproachable. What more do you want?

In "Shenandoah" Terfel takes on an American folksong, and here is hardly in his home territory. He sings it well, as a concert artist, and perhaps a bit more dramatically than necessary. His pronunciation of American English is very good--except that he's deceived by the "ss" in Missouri and does not give us the "z" sound which every American would. The use of the pipes by Neil Martin adds a lovely, wistful touch to this sentimental bit of lovesick nostagia.

The tender Welsh lovesong is sung in a fine concertish style, but manages to be quite intimate and convincing anyway. Terfel's pronunciation of the (South Wales?) language is perfect, as far as I can detect, and should probably not be taken for granted in this day when English dominates. The harp--mainstay of Welsh folk music--is welcome here as played by the expert fingers of Catrin Finch.

Bizet's well-known Pearl Fishers' duet is operatic territory, and Terfel shines here. Bocelli offers a warm and appealing, though smaller, tenor voice to the combination and the two do a good job overall. Terfel's French is again impeccable.

The lovely setting of the 23rd psalm by Goodall is a welcome bit of church music and the soloist-with-chorus arrangement puts Terfel into a familiar idiom, which he--and the London Voices--make the most of. It's a fine performance and will remind listeners of "The Vicar of Dibley" program on PBS, for which the hymn serves as themesong.

Danny Boy was, I believe, originally in English, though it is one of the best-loved Irish folksongs, so we can't fault Terfel for not singing it in Irish. He sings it well, in spite of its demanding range, and communicates the sad and longing tenderness a father feels for his son about to go off to battle. Terfel's sweet, pianissimo ending is gorgeous, impressive, and most apt.

I don't particularly like the song "Bella Notte," so I won't say much, except that it seems well presented. "Going Home" is performed as a concert piece which owes much more to Dvorak than to the Afro-American spiritual from which it is reportedly derived. Even so, Terfel manages a quite convincing southern American dialect. In the same mood, more or less, we get the spiritual "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," which Terfel and the London Voices bring off well, though not at all in the way a Black church choir would do it.

I won't take space to describe each of the following tracks, as I think the foregoing gives a pretty good idea of what to expect. The folksongs are not what a purist might want in the way of homespun simplicity--they are prettied up in artistic renditions. The concert pieces are very well done and leave little to be desired.

I will comment on only two more: I was not overly happy with the Brahms lullaby ("Wiegenlied"), because it is a bit too dramatic and artsy in style where it should be utterly simple. Still, we have to give T. credit for his excellent German pronunciation and his fine, if not cribside, style of singing.

In "Lazybones" Terfel gives us a thoroughly charming and delightfully bluesy performance of a Hoagy Carmichael song. Against all odds, it shows a warm understanding and affection for this idiom so alien to the hills and valleys of T's Welsh home. I defy anyone not to be charmed and delighted by this piece.

A strong commendation is in order for Chris Hazell's remarkably fine arrangements of most of these works, and the excellence of the performances by the accompanying groups. This is a musically first-class production!

The liner notes are generous, with song texts and photos of the participants in this recording. It is definitely up to Deutsche Grammophon's high standards!

If you like the pieces presented here and would like to hear them performed beautifully by first-class artists in fine arrangements, you should get this recording. With over 74 minutes of music, you'll be getting your money's worth several times over!
Bryn Terfel Sings Favorites
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Bryn Terfel Sings Favorites

    Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B0000B1JWJ
    Release Date: 2004-04-27

    Tracks:

    1. Toredor Song: "Votre Toast, Je Peux Vous le Rendre" [From Carmen]
    2. Shenandoah
    3. Bugeilio'r Gwenith Gwyn
    4. Pearl Fisher's Duet: "C'ait le Soir"-"Au Fond du Temple Saint" [From
    5. Lord Is My Shepherd
    6. Danny Boy
    7. Bella Notte [From Lady and the Tramp (1955)]
    8. Goin' Home, After the Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" 2nd Movt.

    Tracks:

    1. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
    2. Home Sweet Home
    3. Ave Maria
    4. Mio Cuore Va [From Titanic]
    5. At the River
    6. None But the Lonely Heart, Op. 6 No. 6
    7. If I Can Help Somebody
    8. Wiegenlied Lullaby-Bercuese (Op. 49 No. 4)
    9. Abide with Me
    10. Lazy Bones
    Carmen Sings Monk
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Carmen Sings Monk
      Carmen McRae
      Manufacturer: Novus
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B000008BPS
      Release Date: 1990-02-14

      Tracks:

      1. Get It Straight
      2. Dear Ruby (Ruby, My Dear)
      3. It's Over Now
      4. Monkery's the Blues
      5. You Know Who
      6. Little Butterfly
      7. Listen to Monk
      8. How I Wish
      9. Man, That Was a Dream
      10. 'Round Midnight
      11. Still We Dream
      12. Suddenly [Live]
      13. Looking Back
      14. Suddenly
      15. Get It Straight
      16. 'Round Midnight [Alternate Version]
      17. Listen to Monk [Alternate Take]
      18. Man, That Was a Dream [Alternate Take]
      Sings Monk
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Sing Monk?
      		 Sings Monk
      Carmen McRae
      Manufacturer: Bmg
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B0009I8UTQ
      Release Date: 2006-08-07

      Album Description

      Remastered limited edition Japanese pressing features 15 tracks. Novus. 2005.

      Album Details

      Special 24bit K2 Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Sing Monk?.......2007-01-09

      Who could possibly put lyrics to the genius of Thelonious Monk? Jon Hendricks (half the lyricss), Abbey Lincoln, Bernie Hanighen, Sally Swisher and Mike Ferro managed the impossible quite well. Even if you did, who could possibly sing Monk? Carmon McRae is the only possible answer, as hers is perhaps the finest and most versatile instrument in jazz. McRae's lilting humor and intelligent phrasing anticipates where Monk is going, which is amazing as Monk himself seldom knew. This album is a crystal tapestry of voice and instrumentation woven to catch the light - it is quite simply a beautiful thing. And all this at age 68 for McRae - an inspiration!
      Carmen Sings Monk
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Buy this CD!
      • wonderful jazz
      • The absolute best jazz vocal album ever
      • Carmen captures Monk
      • Why not 5,000 Stars for this Delicious Vocal Treasure?!!
      		 Carmen Sings Monk
      Carmen McRae
      Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B0000089ZY
      Release Date: 1999-02-16

      Tracks:

      1. Get It Straight
      2. Dear Ruby (Ruby, My Dear)
      3. It's Over Now
      4. Monkery's the Blues
      5. You Know Who
      6. Little Butterfly
      7. Listen to Monk
      8. How I Wish
      9. Man, That Was a Dream
      10. 'Round Midnight
      11. Still We Dream
      12. Suddenly [Live]
      13. Looking Back
      14. Suddenly
      15. Get It Straight
      16. 'Round Midnight [Alternate Version]
      17. Listen to Monk [Alternate Take]
      18. Man, That Was a Dream [Alternate Take]

      Album Details

      American jazz vocalist Carmen McRae performs mystical renditions of Thelonius Monk standards which have all been appended by the lyrics of Mike Ferro, Abbey Lincoln, Bernie Hanigen, Tommie Hendricks & Sally Swisher. Includes renditions of 'Round Midnight', 'How I Wish', 'You Know Who' & twelve more.

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Buy this CD!.......2001-12-29

      Carmen Mcrae is majestic! If you enjoy jazz at any level, this CD is a must buy. Carmen Mcrae IS the beat!! Incredible voice! She sings right into your soul!

      Classy & Elegant!

      5 out of 5 stars wonderful jazz.......2001-09-01

      One of the most wonderful jazz CD's I've purchased in the last few years. Ms. McRae takes the genius of Monk, removes the edginess without detracting from the spirit of the music, and rolls out knock-out after knock-out. I wouldn't have thought it possible, frankly. The supporting quartet is terrific. I can't imagine any true jazz lover being disappointed in this CD.

      5 out of 5 stars The absolute best jazz vocal album ever.......2001-07-17

      If I could give 10 stars to this album, I would. I've had this album for a number of years and I must say that Carmen McRae brings Monk into a new light. Her lyrics are as unforgettable as Thelonius Monk's tunes are. It's hard to imagine that could ever be true, but it is. I've always thought that if Monk were alive, he would have felt very honored to have had Carmen McRae lend her interpretations to his music in exactly the way that she has on this album.

      5 out of 5 stars Carmen captures Monk.......2001-04-21

      We know the feel of Monk. When we walk down a rainy 1 am night, scatting Monk standards, we know the feel of Monk. Mcrae makes those doos and das into lyrics without changing the sentiment we had all along. And with ole' George on bass, bringing up the bottom along with Mcrae, well, two stars just for the names. Great songs, great interpretation, great album- -NV

      5 out of 5 stars Why not 5,000 Stars for this Delicious Vocal Treasure?!!.......2001-02-11

      All compositions by master Thelonious Monk. It is a very risky operation to write and to interpret lyrics to songs which have become jazz classic standards. Musicians usually do not believe in vocal renditions of jazz standards just because those performances or lyrics do not add quite anything to the originals. However here you have lyrics by the master Jon Hendricks and a surprising Mike Ferro: Good! It's getting more fun to run the risk ... but STOP! Silence! The first intro chords ... and then ... She, the Vocal Master, Carmen McRae in all her majesty. I recommend all tracks but specially In Walked Bud, Rhythm-a-ning and Well You Needn't, all classic greatest hits by Monk. Note: Begin listening 2 times or more a night.
      Carmen Sings Monk
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Carmen Sings Monk

        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000ALIZYC
        Release Date: 2005-10-11
        Carmen Sings Monk
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Monk Lives On!
        		 Carmen Sings Monk
        Carmen Mcrae
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Latin Music | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B0000565AT

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Monk Lives On!.......2007-06-13

        I remember first hearing this tape (yes it was a long time ago!) in my dad's car when I was around 8 yrs old and falling in love with it immediately. Carmen McRae is one of the most talented female jazz vocalists around and this album is a great showcase of her skills. The character in her voice brings Monk's classics to life. With witty lyrics and vocal prowess, this particular Carmen McRae album is among my favorites of all time and is highly recommended for jazz/skat lovers!!!

        Music:

        1. Chinatown Featuring The Entertainer / Summer Place '76
        2. Closer Than a Kiss/This Game of Love
        3. Cocktail Hour: Mel Torme
        4. Come Rain or Shine
        5. Danke Scheon/Red Roses for a Blue Lady
        6. Daydreaming: Very Best Of [Import]
        7. Dinah Sings, Andre Previn Plays/Somebody Loves Me [Import]
        8. Dionne Warwick - Her Greatest Hits
        9. Don Shirley in Concert [Live]
        10. Downtown: Best of Petula Clark [Import]

        Music

        Music