Book of Ballads (Jpn Lp Sleeve)

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
Japanese Version featuring a Limited LP Style Slipcase for Initial Pressing Only.

Book of Ballads (Jpn Lp Sleeve), Music, Carmen Mcrae
The Book of Love
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Heavenly
  • Another great performance
 The Book of Love
Cheryl Bentyne
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Traditional Jazz GeneralTraditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music
Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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. Surrender
  2. On the Other Side
  3. Easy To Love
  4. Let Me Off Uptown
  5. The Symphony Sessions

ASIN: B000JCETYC
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

  1. You Don't Know Me
  2. Be My Love
  3. Blue Moon
  4. Let's Do It
  5. Don't Say A Word
  6. The Book Of Love
  7. You Taught My Heart To Sing
  8. You Go To My Head
  9. Cry Me A River
  10. I'm A Fool To Want You
  11. Goodbye
  12. The Book Of Love (Reprise)

Album Description

"The Book of Love" is the story that singer Cheryl Bentyne reads so eloquently on her latest Telarc release. Like love itself, the album follows a trajectory that encompasses an array of emotions - joy, sorrow and every subtle shade in between. Borrowing from a variety of sources, including a few well known selections from the great American songbook, the journey begins with the initial encounter and ends with the inevitable heart-wrenching goodbye.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Heavenly.......2006-12-22

I thought Cheryl Bentyne's "Let Me Off Uptown" was one of the top 10 c.d.'s of 2005. Ditto this one viz. 2006.

This is a c.d. of oft-covered standards, all love tunes, organized into "chapters" of various aspects of love (Longing, Flirtation, Lust, Love, Joy, Disillusion, and Loss). All well and good, but what makes this c.d. is the arrangements. These are arrangements that go straight to the heart and soul. They don't pass go; they don't collect $200; they just stick with you on the first and last listens.

There are so many good things about this c.d. that it would make too long a review to catalogue and explain them all. Just consider: The gorgeous cello solo of Armen Ksajikian on "Be My Love"; the equally gorgeous acoustic guitar solo of Wayne Johnson on the same tune; yet another magnificent solo, this one of violinist Charlie Bisharat on "I'm a Fool to Want You"; the totally cool backup of Mark Kibble and Alvin Chea of Take 6 on "The Book of Love"; the sweet duet with John Pizzarelli on "Blue Moon"; the swinging, bluesy bridge on "Let's Do It"; the simple, straight reading of "You Don't Know Me" that brings more tears than the usual overwrought versions of this tune; the gorgeous orchestral harmonies in "You Go To My Head"--not too lush, just right; and probably others I'll catch upon certain relistens to this album.

And then there is Cheryl Bentyne. Why is she never mentioned in critics and readers' polls? Is there a more honey-voiced non-classical singer in the world? I guess the reason for the relative non-recognition is that she is a key voice in the Manhattan Transfer, and the Transfer gets more than its share of accolades. Okay; but since when can a great ensemble singer not be considered a great solo singer as well? Her voice is as smooth as a hot knife through a warm pad of butter. Outside of nat King Cole, I can't think of any singer who sings more smoothly than Cheryl Bentyne.

Bottom line: should you be so lucky as to finagle some total hottie into a hot tub, with the candlelight, bubbles and champagne thing going on, this is the c.d. you want to put into your player. Accept no substitutes. RC

5 out of 5 stars Another great performance.......2006-11-21

I have grown very fond of Cheryl Bentyne. Her voice is so malleable. It can be sharp, high, smoky, playful and quite clear. Her previous CD's are all very very nice, as is this one.
This appears to be her second themed CD, the first being 'Moonlight Serenade'. With guest vocalists John Pizzarelli and Mark Kibble & Alvin Chea of Take 6 fame, she has offered a timeline of the stages of love.
The song choices are very well thought out for the theme and follow well. Starting with 'You Don't Know Me' and finishing with 'Goodbye' and a reprise of 'Book of Love'. This version of 'The Book of Love' is not the doo-wop version. It is a very romantic version written in 1999... very nice fit to this theme.
After 'You Don't Know Me' comes 'Be My Love', both sung in a soft, enchanting manner with great orchestration in the back. 'Blue Moon' is next with John Pizzarelli joining in. Nicely done, slow, romantic version.
Then comes 'Let's Do It', and old Louis Armstrong song that is difficult to make interesting at times. She takes it nice and languid, using her voice to give variety within the music. Nicest version of this song I've heard yet.
'Don't Say A Word' follows... slow, romantic with emphasis on piano in the background. Then 'The Book of Love' with some great, standout vocals from part of 'Take6' harmonizing nicely with Cheryl's voice.
The tracks that follow, 'You Taught My Heart To Sing', 'You Go To My Head', 'Cry Me a River', 'I'm a fool to Want You', 'Goodbye' and 'The Book of Love/Reprise' and all well done. The tempo is easy, soft and mournful at times.
This is a great, romantic CD to put in for those moments of reflection or meditation. No bounce or upbeat here, but certainly not boring in the least.
Cheryl Bentyne is making her own way as a great vocalist sans The Manhattan Transfer and I certainly hope she continues her voyage.
Sings the Rodgers and Hart Song Book
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • 10 cents a dance
  • Absolutely it
  • A Best Seller in Heaven
  • "I Could Write A Preface On How We Met . . . So The World Will Never Forget"
  • Going By The Book
 Sings the Rodgers and Hart Song Book
Ella Fitzgerald
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Swing GeneralSwing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Traditional Jazz GeneralTraditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music
Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Traditional PopTraditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
Classic VocalistsClassic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Songbook
  2. Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook
  3. Sings the Irving Berlin Song Book
  4. Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook
  5. Sings the Johnny Mercer Songbook

ASIN: B0000047EH
Release Date: 1997-05-20

Tracks:

  1. Have You Met Miss Jones?
  2. You Took Advantage Of Me
  3. A Ship Without A Sail
  4. To Keep My Love Alive
  5. Dancing On The Ceiling
  6. The Lady Is A Tramp
  7. With A Song In My Heart
  8. Manhattan
  9. Johnny One Note
  10. I Wish I Were In Love Again
  11. Spring Is Here
  12. It Never Entered My Mind
  13. This Can't Be Love
  14. Thou Swell
  15. My Romance
  16. Where Or When
  17. Little Girl Blue

Tracks:

  1. Give It Back To The Indians
  2. Ten Cents A Dance
  3. There's A Small Hotel
  4. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
  5. Ev'rything I've Got
  6. I Could Write A Book
  7. The Blue Room
  8. My Funny Valentine
  9. Bewitched
  10. Mountain Greenery
  11. Wait Till You See Her
  12. Lover - Stereo Take
  13. Isn't It Romantic?
  14. Here In My Arms
  15. Blue Moon
  16. My Heart Stood Still
  17. I've Got Five Dollars
  18. Lover - Monaural Take

Amazon.com

Only Frank Sinatra has put his indelible stamp on as many pages of the American Popular Songbook as Ella Fitzgerald. But while Sinatra specialized in mood-themed albums (his composer-based collections were compiled from material already released), Fitzgerald's ambitious songbooks devoted themselves to one great songwriter after another: Cole Porter, the Gershwins, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, and so on. Her two-volume Rodgers and Hart project ranks with the best, and if Buddy Bergman's arrangements are a bit sweeter than his Cole Porter settings, or Nelson Riddle's Gershwin treatments, they suit the material just fine. And what a wide range of material it is (with original verses intact!), intermingling novelty show tunes ("Give It Back to the Indians," "Johnny One Note"), sophisticated standards ("Manhattan," "Blue Moon," "The Lady Is a Tramp"), and lush ballads ("Isn't It Romantic," "It Never Entered My Mind"). But the most exquisite thing Fitzgerald ever recorded is her seven-minute "Bewitched" (a.k.a. "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered") on volume 2, casting a spell of hushed reverie that makes time stand still. --Jim Emerson

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars 10 cents a dance.......2007-06-14

Is it possible that no one has mentioned MY favorite song? How entrancing is that charming waltz rhythm in TEN CENTS A DANCE? The pace is never hurried and you can almost feel the stumbling partner's feet on your toes. More importantly, this song is perhaps the most melancholy tune since the days of Robert Schumann's lieder in the 19th century. When Miss Fitzgerald finally descends into the depths of her range to grab the last note, you may also feel some of the loneliness that was a recuring motif in her career.

5 out of 5 stars Absolutely it.......2007-04-28

There is something like home in this collection that I am regretting
lending out but listening to happily in clips from here today.

My mother loved to sing. She was a wonderful singer.
A contralto, on the radio in Richmond, VA in her "day" and for the
phone company in my baby/toddler/little bit days.
The phone company had an orchestra in Richmond Va, she sang with in a
theater funded by Mr. Sauer. He was a condiment company owner. She saw
Sinatra there at a Tobacco Festival. She said he was a kid with salt
and pepper hair in 1951 (before my time). She saw a lot of things
actually on 40 dollars a week.
So while I recall growing up with certain remarkable and interesting
variations on "normal" ....I thought being sung "Bewitched" or
"Mountain Greenery"(what lovely phrasing) as a night time, bedtime
ritual quite ordinary.

Mountain Greenery

On the first of May, it is moving day,
Spring is here, so blow your job,
Throw your job away!

Now's the time to trust,
To your wanderlust,
In the city's dust you wait, must you wait
Just you wait.......!

In a mountain greenery,
Where God paints the scenery
Just two crazy people together.

While you love your lover,
Let blue skies, be your cover-let,
When it rains we'll laugh at the weather.

And if you're good,
I'll search for wood,
So you can cook... while I stand look-in'

Beans could get no keener reception in a beanery
Bless our mountain greenery home!

Mosquitoes here,
Won't bite you dear,
I'll let them sting, me on the finger!


Each night I have my tunes to coast off. It's time to visualize those
I care for, being happy. That's what love is like that fast break of
words ...."in my mountain greenery where God paints the scenery.."
Nice, these days of spring.Go to sleep with a love song. Easy with
Ella. Listen to Where or When, my absolute favorite of hers. So soft.
I did this singing too for my girls/son thinking it "the thing to do
as a mother", after my mom. We model and are deeply affected by the
model of a mother. Can barely separate her from Moon River. But I'm
without that beautiful rich voice more as a cookie singing. I have a
voice of a Twix Bar. Not the same. Very few baby ovations. Mom's song
phrasing probably borrowed from Ella Fitzgerald who, in this
collection, simply makes me feel like I landed in a silk scarf.
If I Could Only do this..

I teach 1st grade. On Valentines Day I taught them, My Funny
Valentines which Ella makes so wistfully enchanting. The way she hits
'sweet' ...boy. It's nice to sit and listen to anytime. Each day is
Valentines Day...we had fun with it.
I actually think for young kids singing with a woman it is somehow
easier, but it's just a theory...which on the surface this particular
tune is a bit sad but...it was pretty enough to us. It carried
something I was feeling then. If I do nothing else I try to teach the
songs I grew up loving. Some say, what is she doing in there? Is that
"doing her own thing?" Is that in the adopted curricular kit? Others
kind of wonder what Standard this is. My answer...the Old Standards.
Rodgers and Hart are among my older Standards, the ones we used to
recall when we "planned instruction" considering life. Now replaced by
a workbook. If you want to learn language try some music...but I
suppose that's not clear enough to the everyone who seem more
comfortable with rote. Not only can you no longer afford music, you
can't hear it in school either. At least in my hood. When you consider
the roots of the music that's almost the most amazing thing I can
imagine. The death of culture rising from who we are, remarkable. I
suppose like bees and oxygen the assumption is we will go buy it.

Ella sings these Rodgers and Hart songs on Verve and it's
delightful.Enough...I like a little romance.

5 out of 5 stars A Best Seller in Heaven.......2007-01-06

The only thing better than a collection of Rodgers and Harts songs to delight the soul and lift the Spirit, is to have the songs performed by the Ella Diva! Sheer perfection!

Vaishali, Naples, FL

5 out of 5 stars "I Could Write A Preface On How We Met . . . So The World Will Never Forget".......2006-12-09

"If they asked me
I could write a book
About the way you walk
And whisper and look
I could write a preface on how we met
So the world will never forget
And the simple secret of the plot
Is just to tell them that I love you a lot." ~ I Could Write A Book ~ Rodgers & Hart

A music critic, William Simon, described the First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald, as a musician with ear, instinct and training who never actually has been instructed in vocal technique and yet she can command such breath control, can shape a tone with such color sense, and with such flawless intonation.

She was once called "A Melody's Best Friend" for her special ability to turn an ordinary song into extraordinary with her outstanding vocal artistry and her creativity in scat singing. Ms. Fitzgerald's elegant interpretations and Buddy Bregman's striking arrangements of these appealing melodies from Richard Rodgers and the meaningful lyrics from Lorenz Hart truly made this album worthy to any listener who appreciates great music.

On Liner Notes' Foreword, Oscar Hammerstein II wrote the following about music.

"Music is a difficult subject - anybody's music. Words are easier to analyze. Everyone speaks and writes words. Few can write music. Its creation is a mystery. There are mathematical principles to guide its construction, but no mere knowledge of these can produce the emotional eloquence some music attains. We are made sad or happy, romantic, thoughtful, disturbed or peaceful by someone else's singing heart. To me this is a most exciting and inexplicable phenomenon. Certain experiences have an effect on us quite beyond the capacity of any symbols that can be written on paper, and what music can sometimes do to us is quite beyond the ken and lingo of academicians."

It's absolutely true. It's so amazing how music can deeply affect us in terms of our experiences in life. Music is the soundtrack of our lives. And in this age and time, nobody creates great music as brilliantly as Rodgers & Hart and their colleagues. Their music has captured the ears of millions of listeners who truly admire their talents in creating the most appreciated melodies and lyrics of all-time.

This two-CD-set is a confirmation on how Ella Fitzgerald became one of the greatest singers of all-time. It contains the best-loved Rodgers & Hart songs taken from different shows from 1925 thru 1942. "Blue Moon" is the only song that is not published as a part of a show or a movie score. Some of my highlights are: "I Could Write A Book" and "Bewitched" (1940 Pal Joey), "Isn't It Romantic" (1932 Love Me Tonight), "Manhattan" (1925 The Garrick Gaieties), "My Romance" (1935 Jumbo), "This Can't Be Love" (1938 The Boys from Syracuse), "My Funny Valentine" and "Where or When" (1937 Babes In Arms), "Spring Is Here" and "With A Song In My Heart" (1938 I Married An Angel).

Nostalgically recommended for your listening pleasure.

5 out of 5 stars Going By The Book.......2006-04-28

On a summers day in August of 1956. One of the greatest vocalist of her time went into a Los Angeles recording studio and took on "The Rodgers and Hart Songbook".The name of the great vocalist was Ms Ella Fitzgerald also known as "The First Lady Of Song".It was back in 1918 when composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Lorenz Hart would form a collaboration that would change american music forever.During their lengthy careers they would come to write hundreds of songs.And some of those songs would become what we call "American Standards".Songs that would one day be perform by entertainers like Judy Garland,Frank Sinatra,Johnny Mathis and so many others the list is endless.After the death of Lorenz Hart.Richard Rodgers would team up with Oscar Hammerstein and continue his career.But that"s another story.This story is about Ella Fitzgerald who takes these Rodgers and Hart songs.And turns them into her own songs.These greatly entertaining songs are sung by Ella with perfect interruption,humor and style.Backed up the Buddy Bregman orchestra Ella sings songs that were written by Rodgers and Hart between 1925 and 1943.A naturally gifted singer who could sing anything Ella is at her best on this album.On the song "Where Or When" Ella uses her sweet voice to give us a sweet look at deja vu. On "Manhattan" she brings back the charm of the old city around the year 1925.On songs like "Isn"t It Romantic and I Could Write A Book" Ella sings these songs in such a way. It makes you want to fall in love.On "Give It Back To The Indians" Ella ready brings out the humor in this song.And Ella"s masterpiece on this album is "Bewitched" all the talent that made her such a unique vocalist are demonstrated on this song.This album is filled with classic Rodgers and Hart songs.Sung by one of my favorite vocalist Ms Ella Fitzgerald.Lyrics just roll off her lips like sweet melted butter.This is one of her best songbooks.And I just love listening to it.
Sings the Jerome Kern Song Book
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Lovely listening
  • Maggie's sensational tribute to a family friend
  • Maggie's best recording!
 Sings the Jerome Kern Song Book
Margaret Whiting
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Traditional Jazz GeneralTraditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music
Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Traditional PopTraditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Moonlight in Vermont
  2. Yes Indeed
  3. Autumn in New York/Starring Jo Stafford
  4. I Had the Craziest Dream
  5. Till the Clouds Roll By: The Songs of Jerome Kern

ASIN: B00006316K
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Tracks:

  1. Why Was I Born?
  2. Remind Me
  3. The Song Is You
  4. I Won't Dance
  5. Don't Ever Leave Me
  6. I'm Old Fashioned
  7. All In Fun
  8. Why Do I Love You?
  9. Dan't Help Lovin' Dat Man
  10. A Fine Romance
  11. Look For The Silver Lining
  12. All The Things You Are
  13. Poor Pierrot
  14. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
  15. Let's Begin
  16. Dye Love Me?
  17. Dearly Beloved
  18. Long Ago (And Far Away)
  19. The Way You Look Tonight
  20. You Couldn't Be Cuter
  21. Yesterdays
  22. Bill
  23. She Didn't Say Yes
  24. The Touch Of Your Hand

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Lovely listening.......2005-03-22

My initial impression of this album, which is a collection of some beloved (and some quite rare) Jerome Kern standards sung with impeccable good taste by Margaret Whiting, was that is was slightly bland. I know now that was an unfair estimation of this music, because the style itself is intentionally subtle and lovely and soft.. Margaret Whiting possesses one of the most magical voices ever to grace a record, and when she sings about love you know she means it. Margaret Whiting was not about sex and sizzle (Peggy Lee, Julie London). She was about love, and beautiful, tender ballads. Her music was sophisticated and gorgeous, and so was her soaring yet restrained style of singing. She has a range and tone more perfect than even Rosemary Clooney and Jo Stafford, yet her style is more restrained.

Many people of my younger generation only know about jazz singers such as Billie Holliday or Ella Fitzgerald. They don't appreciate the Doris Days, Jo Staffords, and most have never heard of the great Margaret Whiting. All I can say is they are missing out on the best singer of the 20th century!

Best reasons to buy this album? How about Maggie's beautiful interpretations of "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" (the definitive version), "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," and "Look For the Silver Lining"? If that sounds good to you, as it should if you know anything about music, definitely pick up this album on CD while it is available!

5 out of 5 stars Maggie's sensational tribute to a family friend.......2002-07-07

Jerome Kern was one of the great composers of the first half of the twentieth century, though not as well known as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter or George Gershwin. This is as it should be, because his overall catalog is not as strong as theirs, but it is still a very impressive catalog.

Smoke gets in your eyes is the most famous of his songs, on the strength of the Platters' rock'n'roll version, but Maggie's tribute shows that he was no one-hit wonder. Among the other songs included here are I'm old fashioned and A fine romance, but the quality of this collection is such that none of these songs stand out - and Maggie can be proud of each and every track here.

I can understand why people think this is Maggie's finest music. Certainly, Maggie recorded this in her mid-thirties, when her voice had matured just nicely, but I also love her pop hits of the forties (see Complete Capitol hits, which I've also reviewed). We don't have to choose between them, we can just play them one after the other.

So, this is an absolutely stunning collection, mostly of exquisite love songs written by a man who was a family friend of the Whitings, but who died while Magic Maggie was still in her teens.

If you are a fan of the Great American Songbook, you surely won't find a better tribute to a single composer anywhere (and that includes Ella, Rosie, et al - but they are also brilliant).

5 out of 5 stars Maggie's best recording!.......2002-04-24

Margaret Whiting beat Ella at the "songbook game" in this 50's Verve release. It must have been a labor of love for Ms. Whiting, as Jerome Kern was a dear family friend. Beautiful arrangements & perfect vocals of those gorgeous songs. If you're a student of the great American popular song, this is required listening. Sum it up as "simply heavenly"!
Sings the Irving Berlin Song Book
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Defining American Music
  • Bluest of Skies
  • How Can You Miss With Ella And Berlin
 Sings the Irving Berlin Song Book
Ella Fitzgerald
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Swing GeneralSwing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Traditional Jazz GeneralTraditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music
Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Traditional PopTraditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Songbook
  2. Sings the Rodgers and Hart Song Book
  3. Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook
  4. Sings the Johnny Mercer Songbook
  5. Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook

ASIN: B000050J5Y
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

  1. Let's Face The Music And Dance
  2. You're Laughing At Me
  3. Let Yourself Go
  4. You Can Have Him
  5. Russian Lullaby
  6. Puttin' On The Ritz
  7. Get Thee Behind Me, Satan
  8. Alexander's Ragtime Band
  9. Top Hat, White Tie, And Tails
  10. How About Me?
  11. Cheek To Cheek
  12. I Used To Be Color Blind
  13. Lazy
  14. How Deep Is The Ocean?
  15. All By Myself
  16. (You Forgot To) Remember

Tracks:

  1. Supper Time
  2. How's Chances?
  3. Heat Wave
  4. Isn't This A Lovely Day
  5. You Keep Coming Back Like A Song
  6. Reaching For The Moon
  7. (Let's Go) Slumming On Park Avenue
  8. The Song Is Ended
  9. I'm Puttin' All My Eggs In One Basket
  10. Now It Can Be Told
  11. Always
  12. It's A Lovely Day Today
  13. Changes Partners
  14. No Strings (I'm Fancy Free)
  15. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
  16. Blue Skies

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Defining American Music.......2006-09-04

Irving Berlin's music, performed as originally written, does not sound at all like it would "fit" Ella's style.

But it does.

In fact, Ella's interpretation of these classics just about defines uniquely American music. I was so taken with my "personal discovery" of these classics, and this collection finds and displays only the very, very best.

You'll love it, and wonder how you could claim to understand American music before you've given it a thorough hearing.

5 out of 5 stars Bluest of Skies.......2004-08-07

Ella is superlative. We know that. Berlin's tunes neither have the wry urban sophistication of Porter nor the jazzy complexity of Ellington, but they have a compelling simplicity and honesty. Ella's versions are the best out there. In fact, "Blue Skies" is in my mind one of the top five Ella songs, and that says a great deal indeed. There are many standouts here, including "Putting on the Ritz", which is a great party song. Enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars How Can You Miss With Ella And Berlin.......2000-11-18

This handsomely repackaged collection of 32 masterfully crafted songs by American composer Irving Belin stands as part of the greatest body of work produced by any 20th century popular singer. In compiling her monumental songbook collection Fitzgerald paid tribute to America's "big five", Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Richard Rogers, George Gershwin and Irving Berlin. She also recorded the works of Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer and Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, superb but arguably second tier composers.

Of the "big five", Berlin is admittedly the most sentimental and perhaps least urbane. Where Richard Rogers could tell of ladies playing craps, (The Lady Is A Tramp) and Cole Porter could write of sniffing cocaine, (I Get A Kick Out Of You) and illicit love, (Love For Sale) Berlin was content to praise the joys of Easter Bonnets, White Christmas and Alexander's Ragtime Band. But let's not forget his more than capable hand at romance with the likes of Cheek To Cheek, Blue Skies and I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.

As with all of Ella's songbooks, the arrangements, the selections and of course her superlative styling make this essential listening. I do have a preference for the Cole Porter and Rogers & Hart songbooks, but this collection still rates five stars. How could you miss with Ella and Berlin?
Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Song Book
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • The best sings the best
  • As good as it gets
 Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Song Book
Ella Fitzgerald
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Swing GeneralSwing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Traditional Jazz GeneralTraditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music
Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Classic VocalistsClassic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Traditional PopTraditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook
  2. Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Songbook
  3. Sings the Jerome Kern Song Book
  4. Sings the Irving Berlin Song Book
  5. Sings the Johnny Mercer Songbook

ASIN: B0000046WV
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Sam And Delilah
  2. But Not For Me
  3. My One And Only
  4. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
  5. Beginner's Luck
  6. Oh, Lady Be Good
  7. Nice Work If You Can Get It
  8. Things Are Looking Up
  9. Just Another Rhumba
  10. How Long Has This Been Going On?
  11. 'S Wonderful
  12. Man I Love, The
  13. That Certain Feeling
  14. By Strauss
  15. Someone To Watch Over Me
  16. Real American Folk Song (Is A Rag), The
  17. Who Cares?

Tracks:

  1. Looking For A Boy
  2. They All Laughed
  3. My Cousin In Milwaukee
  4. Somebody From Somewhere
  5. Foggy Day, A
  6. Clap Yo' Hands
  7. For You, For Me, For Evermore
  8. Stiff Upper Lip
  9. Boy Wanted
  10. Strike Up The Band
  11. Soon
  12. I've Got A Crush On You
  13. Bidin' My Time
  14. Aren't You Kind Of Glad We Did?
  15. Of Thee I Sing (Baby)
  16. "The Half Of It, Dearie" Blues
  17. I Was Doing All Right
  18. He Loves And She Loves

Tracks:

  1. Love Is Sweeping The Country
  2. Treat Me Rough
  3. Love Is Here To Stay
  4. Slap That Bass
  5. Isn't It A Pity?
  6. Shall We Dance
  7. Love Walked In
  8. You've Got What Gets Me
  9. They Can't Take That Away From Me
  10. Embraceable You
  11. I Can't Be Bothered Now
  12. Boy! What Love Has Done To Me!
  13. Fascinating Rhythm
  14. Funny Face
  15. Lorelei
  16. Oh, So Nice!
  17. Let's Kiss And Make Up
  18. I Got Rhythm

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars The best sings the best .......2006-06-05

Ella Fitgerald is arguably the greatest popular female vocalist the planet has yet seen. The Gershwins were the song- writing team supreme, and there is no one who tops the music of George. Put them together and you not only swing, you lilt and coo, and stomp and woo.
Ella can do it all with a lyric, and the pure tone of her voice brings out the essence of that musical freshness , that bright beauty which is the signature sound of young roaring twenties America.

5 out of 5 stars As good as it gets.......1998-12-21

If I have any warning at all before I leave this world, I will ask to hear Fitzgerald singing Gershwin while I eat my last meal.

On the heels of Ella, the glory of the angels' voices won't be so much of a shock.
Sings the Jerome Kern Song Book
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Once more, Ella makes me amazed about her vocals
  • What can I say?
 Sings the Jerome Kern Song Book
Ella Fitzgerald
Manufacturer: Verve
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Traditional Jazz GeneralTraditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music
Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Classic VocalistsClassic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Traditional PopTraditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
VerveVerve | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Sings the Johnny Mercer Songbook
  2. Sings the Rodgers and Hart Song Book
  3. Sings the Irving Berlin Song Book
  4. Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook
  5. Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook

ASIN: B0006UYQUO
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

  1. Let's Begin
  2. A Fine Romance
  3. All The Things You Are
  4. I'll Be Hard To Handle
  5. You Couldn't Be Cuter
  6. She Didn't Say 'Yes'
  7. I'm Old Fashioned
  8. Remind Me
  9. The Way You Look Tonight
  10. Yesterdays
  11. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
  12. Why Was I Born?

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Once more, Ella makes me amazed about her vocals.......2007-05-07

This album has some of the classic Hollywood and Broadway songs, with really great arrangments from Nelson Riddle...and with Ella's amazing vocals, this album can make any jazz newcomer or jazz expert become even more passioned about Ella's interpretations.
Bright, classic, chic and too special for words.
I am amazed ( as everytime I get to know one of her recordings ).
Even if you don't like standards, this album is a "must have" doesn't matter if you are a jazz freak like me or not, this album will turn you into one, no doubt about it.

5 out of 5 stars What can I say?.......2007-03-09

Ella is the best. Perfect pitch, tone, phrasing and armed with great songs every second is a joy. I play saxophone, so I listen to music in a different manner now and Ella is pure music. I have all of the song books, so don't ask me which one is my favorite but this one is high on the list. GET IT.
Ballads of the Book
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Ballads of the Book
    Various Artists
    Manufacturer: Chemikal Underground
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Scottish FolkScottish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
    BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
    ScotlandScotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music
    Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Hats off to the Buskers
    2. Mirrored
    3. Yours Truly Angry Mob [Deluxe Edition CD/DVD Combo]
    4. Back Numbers
    5. Once

    ASIN: B000NOKBRA
    Release Date: 2007-04-03

    Tracks:

    1. Song For Irena by Mike Heron & John Burnside
    2. Steam Comes Off Our House by De Rosa & Michel Faber
    3. A Calvinist Narrowly Avoids Pleasure by James Yorkston & Bill Duncan
    4. Dreamcatcher by Foxface & Rody Gorman
    5. A Sentimental Song by Lord Cut-Glass & Alasdair Gray
    6. The Sixth Stone by Aidan Moffat and the Best-Ofs & Ian Rankin
    7. Girl bu Norman Blake & John Burnside
    8. The Good years by Karine Polwart & Edwin Morgan
    9. The War On Love Song by Sons & Daughters & A. L. Kennedy
    10. The Leaving by Alasdair Roberts & Robin Roberston
    11. Message In A Bottle by Strike the Colours & Rody Gorman
    12. If You Love me You'd Destroy Me by Aerogramme & Hal Duncan
    13. The Rebel On His Own Tonight by Malcolm Middleton & Alan Bissett
    14. Half An Apple by Trashcan Sinatras & Ali Smith
    15. The Fire by Vashti Bunyan & Rodge Glass
    16. Where and When by King Creosote & Laura Hird
    17. Jesus On The Cross by Emma Pollock & Louise Welsh
    18. The Weight Of Years by Idlewild & Edwin Morgan

    Album Description

    2007 collection, an elaborately ambitious project featuring some of Scotland's best writers and musicians. The brainchild of Idlewild's Roddy Woomble, Ballads Of The Book began as a simple idea to bring together the literary talents of Scotland's writing community with a diverse range of new and established recording artists. Following Idlewild's work with Edwin Morgan on their Remote Part album, Roddy wanted to explore the possibilities of more artistic collaborations with various writers providing original lyrics for recording artists to interpret in whichever way they saw fit. Having enlisted the enthusiastic support of the Scottish Arts Council and with Chemikal Underground onboard, it wasn't long before the nascent idea and fledgling list of interested parties flourished into a brilliantly realized collection of songs: as musically eclectic as they were elegantly poetic. From the literary world, the list of those involved reads like a who's who of the great and the good in Scottish literature. The giants of Edwin Morgan and Alasdair Gray rub shoulders with cutting edge, contemporary writers like Ali Smith, A L Kennedy, Louise Welsh and Ian Rankin. Esteemed poets like Robin Robertson, Bill Duncan and Rody Gorman feature alongside successful writers and novelists like Michel Faber, Alan Bissett, Laura Hird, Rodge Glass, Hal Duncan and John Burnside. From the musical world there is a rich collection of both established artists and upcoming, even unsigned acts. Idlewild, James Yorkston, Norman Blake, Sons And Daughters, Karine Polwart, King Creosote, Alasdair Roberts and The Trashcan Sinatras contribute tracks alongside Chemikal Underground acts Aereogramme and De Rosa. There are rare appearances from both Vashti Bunyan and The Incredible String Band's Mike Heron as well as solo performances from Emma Pollock and Malcolm Middleton. In short, Ballads Of The Book is an extraordinarily ambitious and original piece of work: simplistic in its origins and imaginatively executed, it's hard to imagine an album with more impeccable credentials. Chemikal Underground. 2007.
    Ultimate Collection
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Good, but hardly "ultimate"!
    • the power and beauty of the longest note
    • Wonderful collection of Lanza music
    		 Ultimate Collection
    Irving Aaronson , Nicholas Brodszky , Eduardo di Capua , Luigi Denza , Rudolf Friml , Garinei , Charles Gounod , Guy d' Hardelot , Isadore de Lara , Ruggero Leoncavallo , Jose Padilla , Panzeri , Giacomo Puccini , Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov , Richard Rodgers , Sigmund Romberg , Italian Traditional , Giuseppe Verdi , Frederick Edward Weatherly , Carlo Savina , Constantine Callinicos , Franco Ferraro , George Stoll , Henri Rene , Ray Sinatra , Mario Lanza , Eudice Shapiro , and Luisa di Mio
    Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( 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
    All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Lanza, MarioLanza, Mario | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    RussianRussian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    Traditional PopTraditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Broadway & VocalistsBroadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music
    InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
    ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
    PopPop | Imports | Stores | Music
    Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    MusicalsMusicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B0000071HM
    Release Date: 1995-10-12

    Tracks:

    1. Be My Love
    2. Drink, Drink, Drink
    3. Rigoletto: Act IV: La Donna Mobile
    4. Danny Boy
    5. Granada
    6. Because You're Mine
    7. Ave Maria
    8. Valencia
    9. Loveliest Night of the Year
    10. Song of India
    11. Because
    12. O Sole Mio
    13. Donkey Serenade
    14. I Pagliacci: Act I: Vesti la Giubba
    15. Serenade
    16. FuniculFunicul
    17. Golden Days
    18. Arrivederci Roma
    19. You'll Never Walk Alone
    20. Beloved
    21. Come Prima
    22. Tosca: Act III: E Lucevan le Stelle
    23. Santa Lucia
    24. I'll Walk With God

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Good, but hardly "ultimate"!.......2001-08-20

    As a Lanza admirer of many years, I find this CD disappointing. True, there are magnificent recordings scattered throughout (Serenade, Beloved, E Lucevan Le Stelle, Drink! Drink! Drink!, etc) but there are too many weaker moments for the collection to deserve the accolade "Ultimate". The poorly reproduced Valencia, for example, suffers from pitch problems, and the ubiquitous Funiculi Funicula (oddly in mono here, for a change, with the singer pushed right back) does not represent Lanza at anywhere near his magnificent best. Ironically, this selection is the only below-par performance from his otherwise superb Neapolitan collection, Mario! Lanza At His Best.

    The sound quality is inconsistent. Because You're Mine, for example, is reproduced here to dazzling effect with all the colors of Lanza's voice at their most gorgeous. Granada and O Sole Mio, on the other hand, suffer from even more distortion than usual, and the aforementioned Valencia has been inflicted with an echo chamber.

    My other gripe is that inferior versions of several of the selections have been chosen. You'll Never Walk Alone is not Lanza at his best, and for a better performance seek out the alternate take on the CD of the same name. Vesti La Giubba and La Donna E Mobile, though good, are not in the same class as his later recordings of these arias.

    Still, as introductions go, this release basically serves its purpose. And if there is one day an "Utimate Collection, Volume 2", may I suggest that BMG considers such gems as Lanza's 1949 Che Gelida Manina from "La Boheme", M'appari from "Martha", the Improvviso from Andrea Chenier and his unsurpassed Otello Monologue. Let's also not forget his thrilling Some Day (the 1951 Coke performance and *not* the illness-affected 1959 rendition, please note!), the gorgeous A Vucchella and Lanza's own favorite recording, the haunting Voce E Notte. Such a collection would offer a truer sampling of Lanza's versatility and vocal prowess.

    5 out of 5 stars the power and beauty of the longest note.......2000-02-03

    Within the first 20 seconds of Granada can be found the longest note that only Mario Lanza is capable of delivery. Power - beauty -timbre - awe,believe what you hear or explain it all that he had two extra lungs he never told anybody about

    5 out of 5 stars Wonderful collection of Lanza music.......1998-09-30

    Memorable recordings from a young singer destined to become another Caruso before his untimely death. Had he survived, the current Three Tenors would have had to be Mario Lanza and The Other Three Tenors.
    Artists of the Century
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • The Greatest Tenor
    • THE GREAT MARIO SINGS BEAUTIFULY!
    • The good and the bad in one collection
    • New Fan
    • Another CD from the best!
    		 Artists of the Century

    Manufacturer: RCA
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by DonizettiAll Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by HerbertAll Works by Herbert | Herbert, Victor | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by LeoncavalloAll Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by MeyerbeerAll Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by PonchielliAll Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( 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
    All Works by RossiniAll Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Film ScoresFilm Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Lanza, MarioLanza, Mario | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Donizetti, GaetanoDonizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Gounod, CharlesGounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Cardillo, SalvatoreCardillo, Salvatore | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Denza, LuigiDenza, Luigi | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Capua, Eduardo diCapua, Eduardo di | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Curtis, Ernesto deCurtis, Ernesto de | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Kern, JeromeKern, Jerome | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Hardelot, Guy d'Hardelot, Guy d' | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Herbert, VictorHerbert, Victor | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Lara, AgustinLara, Agustin | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Brodszky, NicholasBrodszky, Nicholas | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    RussianRussian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Folk SongsFolk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
    Traditional FolkTraditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
    Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    Traditional PopTraditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
    Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    MusicalsMusicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B00000J915
    Release Date: 1999-06-15

    Tracks:

    1. Be My Love
    2. Drink, Drink, Drink
    3. Rigoletto: Act IV: La Donna E Mobile
    4. Danny Boy
    5. Granada
    6. Because You're Mine
    7. Ave Maria
    8. Valencia
    9. The Loveliest Night Of The Year
    10. Song Of India
    11. Because
    12. O Sole Mio
    13. The Donkey Serenade
    14. I Paggliacci: Act I: Vesti La Giubba
    15. Serenade
    16. Funiculi, Funicula
    17. Golden Days
    18. Arrivederci Roma
    19. You'll Never Walk Alone
    20. Beloved
    21. Come Prima
    22. Tosca: Act III: E Lucevan Le Stelle
    23. Santa Lucia
    24. I'll Walk With God

    Tracks:

    1. And This Is My Beloved
    2. Cielo E Mar (La Gioconda)
    3. If I Loved You
    4. Deep In My Heart
    5. Core 'Ngrato
    6. Una Furtiva Lagrima (L' Elisir D'Amore)
    7. Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life
    8. Canta Pe' Me
    9. Santa Lucia Luntana
    10. Memories
    11. With A Song In My Heart
    12. O Paradiso! (L' Africana)
    13. Temptation
    14. Aida: Act I: Celeste Aida
    15. Feneste Che Lucive
    16. A Night To Remember
    17. Non Ti Scordar Di Me
    18. Somewhere A Voice Is Calling
    19. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
    20. All The Things You Are
    21. Passione
    22. One Night Of Love
    23. La Danza

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The Greatest Tenor.......2004-05-25

    I'm more a fan of classic popular standards than of classical music, but as the classical numbers give Mario Lanza a little more opportunity to show off his glorious voice, I find myself enjoying these fully as much as the popular selections.

    His approach to popular song is admittedly on the operatic side, and it's fascinating to hear how well such pieces translate into a more classical orchestration. And Lanza's versions stand as equals alongside the popular versions (by such greats as Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Kate Smith, Georgia Gibbs, Dean Martin, Vic Damone and Vaughn Monroe) that have been among my favorites for many years.

    The spoken introductions on the selections from his show are an added bonus, and (contrary to one of the reviews below) these songs are beautifully done. The fact that they are live and only minimally rehearsed only makes them all the more amazing.

    The 2-cd set consists of high quality recordings of 47 songs and is a real bargain at the price.

    4 out of 5 stars THE GREAT MARIO SINGS BEAUTIFULY!.......2002-03-03

    THIS IS A WINNER THE MUSIC GREAT! THIS IS A REALY GREAT CD! HE SINGS SO WELL IN ALL THE MUSIC. I GAVE IT 4 STARS. ENJOY!

    4 out of 5 stars The good and the bad in one collection.......2001-09-02

    This is (unintentionally, I'm sure) a warts-and-all illustration of Mario Lanza. True, there are magnificent recordings scattered throughout (Serenade, Beloved, E Lucevan Le Stelle, Passione, etc) but the overall impression one is left with is of a sloppy and undisciplined singer who just happened to possess a great voice. The fault lies squarely with BMG and their predilection for selecting the very worst of Lanza, and placing it next to the best. Many of the inferior choices come from Lanza's Coca-Cola radio show, recorded between 1951 and 1952, and featuring prominently on Disc Two. (Disc One is a more consistent selection, and repeats the same tracks from the British one-CD set "The Ultimate Collection", reviewed elsewhere on this site.)

    The "Coke" shows were generally under-rehearsed, and represent what in many respects was the most chaotic period of Lanza's short life. Thus it's not surprising that the tenor often sounds unfamiliar with his material, is sometimes off-key, and also makes numerous stylistic lapses. Never intended to be heard beyond their initial broadcast, these supposedly "one-off affairs" nevertheless did produce the occasional gem, but one needs to look elsewhere for examples of those. The three exceptions on this set are the gloriously romantic If I Loved You, One Night of Love, and the poignant Memories. Danny Boy also deserves honorable mention, although the ending should have been remade.

    O Paradiso, Somewhere a Voice is Calling, Core 'Ngrato, Deep in My Heart, and With a Song in My Heart represent low points from the Coke Shows. Other poor choices include And This is My Beloved, from the disastrous Lanza on Broadway LP; a rough-as-old-boots Una Furtiva Lagrima; and an off-pitch Cielo E Mar (ironically the one studio recording on this set that *is* inferior to Lanza's Coke Show rendition).

    Mario Lanza was blessed with the most spectacular natural tenor voice of the 20th century. Is it too much to expect for BMG to honor his memory more selectively? Where are Lanza's sublime recordings of Che Gelida Manina from "La Boheme", his M'appari, the Improvviso from Andrea Chenier and his unsurpassed Otello Monologue? Or the fabulous Some Day, the gorgeous 'A Vucchella and Lanza's own favorite recording, the haunting Voce E Notte? For the very best of Mario Lanza, buyers will need to look elsewhere.

    5 out of 5 stars New Fan.......2000-08-27

    I am an 18-year old student. I bought this album after I heard a few of Lanza's songs in the Peter Jackson film, "Heavenly Creatures" and I must say that it is one of the best albums I have ever bought. Lanza was a master of his vocal instrument, drawing every ounce of feeling and energy from the notes and words to create a masterpiece of every song. The resulting pieces in this album combine to make up a beautiful and varied work, with something for every mood you may be in. The classics (such as "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life"), are obviously appealing, but the lesser-known pieces (my favourite: "Una Furtiva Lagrima") make this a wonderfully enlightening experience. This is a truly Great album.

    5 out of 5 stars Another CD from the best!.......2000-03-18

    When I heard that Mario Lanza had died so many years ago, I was a college student who already owned five or six LP's of his songs. I was truly brokenhearted We had lost such a fine singer at such an early age. This CD is one of the best because of the diversity of songs, all marvelous.A fine addition to any collection.
    Sweet Power of Song
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Compilation release
    • Text Translations Please!
    		 Sweet Power of Song

    Manufacturer: EMI Records [All429]
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by BerliozAll Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( 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 BrittenAll Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chausson, ErnestChausson, Ernest | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by MassenetAll Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by Robert SchumannAll Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SullivanAll Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by RossiniAll Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Folk SongsFolk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    PartsongsPartsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B00004Z34R
    Release Date: 2003-01-07

    Tracks:

    1. Irish Songs: Sweet Power Of Song, Wo0152 No.2 - Felicity Lott/Ann Murray/Graham Johnson/Galina Solodchin/Jonathan Williams
    2. Irish Songs: The Elfin Fairies, Wo0154 No.1 - Felicity Lott/Graham Johnson/Galina Solodchin/Jonathan Williams
    3. Irish Songs: Oh! Would I Were But That Sweet Linnet!, Wo0154 No.9 - Felicity Lott/Ann Murray/Graham Johnson/Galina Solodchin/Jonathan Williams
    4. Irish Songs: English Bulls, Or The Irishman in London, Wo0152 No.12 - Ann Murray/Graham Johnson/Galina Solodchin/Jonathan Williams
    5. Liederalbum Fur Die Jugend, Op.79: No.24 Er Ist's - Felicity Lott/Graham Johnson
    6. Liederalbum Fur Die Jugend, Op.79: No.19 Fruhlingslied
    7. Liederalbum Fur Die Jugend, Op.79: No.27 Schneeglockchen - Ann Murray/Graham Johnson
    8. Liederalbum Fur Die Jugend, Op.79: No.16 Das Gluck
    9. Vier Duette, Op.61: No.1 Die Schwestern
    10. Vier Duette, Op.61: No.2 Klosterfraulein
    11. Vier Duette, Op.61: No.3 Phanomen
    12. Vier Duette, Op.61: No.4 Die Boten Der Liebe
    13. Pleure, Pauvre Colette
    14. Le Trebuchet, Op.13 No.3
    15. D'un Coeur Qui T'aime
    16. L'Arithmetique
    17. La Nuit, Op.11 No.1
    18. Reveil, Op.11 No.2
    19. Pastorale
    20. El Desdichado
    21. Pleurs D'or, Op.72
    22. Tarentelle, Op.10 No.2

    Tracks:

    1. Sound The Tpt
    2. I Attempt From Love's Sickness To Fly - Ann Murray/Graham Johnson
    3. Lost Is My Quiet For Ever
    4. Fairest Isle - Felicity Lott/Graham Johnson
    5. What Can We Poor Females Do?
    6. Wasserfahrt
    7. Volkslied, Op.63 No.5
    8. Auf Flugeln Des Gesanges, Op.34 No.2 - Ann Murray/Graham Johnson
    9. Neue Liebe, Op.19 No.4 - Felicity Lott/Graham Johnson
    10. Abendlied
    11. Maiglockchen Und Die Blumelein, Op.63 No.6
    12. La Pesca
    13. Anzoleta Co Passa La Regata - Ann Murray/Graham Johnson
    14. La Promessa - Felicity Lott/Graham Johnson
    15. Duetto Buffo Di Due Gatti
    16. La Siesta
    17. Les Trois Oiseaux
    18. Revons, C'est L'heure
    19. Joie!
    20. Au Bord De L'eau
    21. Cache-cache
    22. Trust Her Not
    23. Coming Home
    24. It Was A Lover And His Lass
    25. Mother Comfort
    26. Underneath The Abject Willow

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Compilation release.......2005-11-24

    This release is a remastering of the two previous releases: Sweet Power of Song and On Wings of Song. Both original CDs are still available if you hunt for them. The original releases do have the texts included in the booklets (lamented by a previous reviewer of this compilation release). The lack of text is not a problem for me. I just listen to these incredible singers. I don't need to read what they are singing.

    If you even slightly enjoy listening to the soprano voice, you will love these two luscious singers. Soprano duets are among my favorite classical music selections. Lott's clear, strong voice rings with authority and joy. Murray provides perfect harmony and occasional counterpoint.

    I prefer the first disk (Sweet Power of Song) because it is more balanced and seems to represent the sopranos' favorite selections. However, disk 2 (On Wings of Song) has Rossini's delightful Cat Duet which is worth the price of both CDs as performed by this amazing duo.

    Whether you buy this compilation set or the individual releases, I promise that you will love them and keep them near your player all the time.

    4 out of 5 stars Text Translations Please!.......2002-01-11

    Musically, I give this double CD set 5 stars. I love the warm soprano of Felicity Lott and the beautiful mezzo of Ann Murray. They always are a pleasure to listen to, each on their own, and together, they make music that is, more than simply beautiful and technically impeccable, but truly a joy to listen to. It adds so much to musical enjoyment to understand what the lyrics are, however, so rather than buying this double CD set, for which the text translations have been stingily omitted by the label, I would recommend buying each of them separately. I bought this CD set not realizing that one of the two CDS is one that I had bought previously, and been enjoying for many years. It is entitled "On Wings of Song" and the texts and the translations are all included. I highly recommend buying it. I don't know under what title the other CD might have been released. If you are so fluent in foreign languages that the lack of translation does not bother you, then I would highly recommend this CD.

    Music:

    1. By Special Request [Import]
    2. Carmen Miranda [Box set] [Import]
    3. Ceux Qui Ont Un Coeur/Les Jame
    4. Cha Cha Cha
    5. Coco Now! [Import] [Live]
    6. Dance Album
    7. Don't Smoke in Bed
    8. Dragonfly Summer
    9. Dream
    10. Feel The Magic

    Music

    Music