Spotlight on

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Caveat emptor: this does not contain Stafford's '50s pop hits like "Shrimpboats Are A-Comin'" or "Jambalaya". Instead, this concentrates on her career as a standards singer for Capitol in the early '50s. Miraculously, it even dented the Billboard Top 200! A fine selection of standards, wonderfully heavy on the slower stuff. The arrangements (largely by hubby Paul Weston) are understated and dignified, and Stafford proves she can hold her own with anybody in the great American songbook sing-off. For those who first came to this style via Harry Connick, Jr., this disc is a wonderful next step. --Skip Heller --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

Buena Vista - Glynis Johns
Overture - Glynis Johns
One Man Band - Glynis Johns
Sister Suffragette - Glynis Johns
The Life I Lead - David Tomlinson
The Perfect Nanny - Karen Dotrice
Air Mail/Admiral Boom/The Not-So-Perfect Nannies/Mary Poppins Arrives - Julie Andrews
A Spoonful Of Suger - Julie Andrews
Pavement Artist - Dick Van Dyke
Jolly Holiday - Marni Nixon
Jolly Holiday (Reprise) - Julie Andrews
Penguin Dance - Richard Sherman
The Carousel Horses - Richard Sherman
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious - Richard Sherman
Pavement Artist (Reprise) - Dick Van Dyke
Stay Awake - Julie Andrews
Trouble At Uncle Albert's - Julie Andrews
I Love To Laugh - Julie Andrews
A British Bank - Julie Andrews
Feed The Birds - Julie Andrews
Father's Footsteps - Bill Lee
Fidelity Fiduciary Bank - Bill Lee
Panic At The Bank - Julie Andrews
Chim Chim Cher-ee/March Over The Rooftops - Julie Andrews
Step In Time - Dick Van Dyke
A Man Has Dreams (The LIfe I Lead/A Spoonful Of Sugar) - Dick Van Dyke
Mr. Banks Is Discharged - Dick Van Dyke
Let's Go Fly A Kite - Dick Van Dyke

Tracks:

Cherry Tree Lane (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
Mr. Banks Dcided To Hire A Nanny Himself (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
The Children Write Their Own Advertisement (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
The Line Of Applicants And Marry Poppins Arrives (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
Notes On Mary Meeting The Banks (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
Up To The Nursery (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
Bert And The Talking Pictures - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
A Carousel Horse Ride To The Seashore (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
The Return Home (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
The Next Morning We Meet The Sweep (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
Uncle Albert's (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
A Change In The Wind And Adventure With Admiral Boom (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
The Bird Woman (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
Mr. Banks And The C ompass (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
The Compass Sequence: Timbuktu (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
The Compass Sequence: The Land Of Sand (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
The Compass Sequence: Tea In China (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
The Compass Sequence: The North Pole (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
The Return Home (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
Everyone Descends On Cherry Tree Lane (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
Mary Departs (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts) - Mary Poppins (Special Edition): An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
Hollywood Spotlight Microphone - (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts)
The Sherman Brothers Reminisce About Their Work On Marry Poppins - (The Mary Poppins Story Meeting Excerpts)

Amazon.com

Winner of five Oscars (including two for Richard and Robert Sherman's memorable slate of songs), Disney's 1964 adaptation of British author P.L. Travers' beloved children's tales melded live action, animation and music more successfully than any film before or since. Containing the most complete version of the Sherman Brothers' score and a wealth of previously unavailable behind-the-scenes treasures, this double-disc, 40th anniversary soundtrack edition becomes the ultimate musical tribute to the beloved family masterpiece. The Sherman's memorable songs are showcased here in a more comprehensive musical context than ever before; indeed, a number of the expanded or previously unreleased pieces of the Irwin Kostal-arranged underscore now included were truncated in editing the film itself. The generous bonus disc contains the set's greatest historical treasure: a 40+ minute pre-production story meeting between the Shermans, gag writer Don DaGradi and author Travers herself. Also included is a lengthy 1964 audio documentary featuring the Shermans and stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, an audio montage of the songwriting team reminiscing and playing their original demos for the project and an illustrated 40-page companion booklet containing a history of the project as well as complete song lyrics. -- Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Practically Perfect..........2007-06-20

A really wonderful re-issue of this classic score, made even richer by the inclusion of much of the orchestral score. My only quibble, rather small, is that the expanded overture heard on the original lp has not been included. That overture goes on a little longer than the film version and is quite beautiful. Has this version been on any cd issue of the soundtrack? As I said, small point, and this cd belongs in every soundtrack collection - it's just great - and far better than the current stage version.

A Classic.......2007-05-13

This CD is not of the caliber of a Sound of Music and West Side Story as far sheer volume of great songs go; most songs are good and classics.

This CD is one to have in your collection of musicals.

Loved by young and old...I mean older :) .......2007-03-15

My son and mother-in-law love to sing to the music, so we bought this for her birthday to replace the record (album) that she has been using. Yes, I did say record! It really is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

What a soundtrack!.......2006-11-10

I wish I would have gotten this a long time ago. I never knew soundtracks could be so much fun! My whole family enjoys singing along with these songs and visioning the movie while we sing. Even my husband enjoys singing Chim Chim Cher-ee! The price is amazing to boot.
Perfectly pleased.

Mary Poppins Soundtrack is supercalifriglisticexpialidocious.......2006-11-10

The CD expansion of the score from the original vinyl is delightful and a must for any soundtrack collection.

Spotlight on Keely Smith (Great Ladies of Song)

Average customer rating:

Keely Rocks
When Your Lover Has Gone
The best in the business
Cool collection of a cool singer's repertoire!
Keely - the voice that could bring an audience to a hush

Spotlight on Keely Smith (Great Ladies of Song)
Keely Smith
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Jump Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
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Keely Sings Sinatra
Keely Smith - The Best of The Capitol Years
Absolutely the Best of Keely Smith
Vegas '58 -- Today
Louis and Keely!

ASIN: B00000DR4Q
Release Date: 1995-03-21

Tracks:

It's Magic
You Go To My Head
Stardust
I Can't Get Started (With You)
When Your Lover Has Gone
Sweet And Lovely
Stormy Weather
Fools Rush In
The Song Is For You
Mr. Wonderful
It's Been A Long, Long Time
I'll Never Smile Agian
Someone To Watch Over Me
I'll Get By
Don't Take Your Love From Me
Lullaby Of The Leaves
There Will Never Be Another You
Imagination
On The Sunny Side Of The Street
I Wish You Love

Customer Reviews:

Keely Rocks.......2007-01-23

This album really showcases the great talent that is Keely Smith. Her range and voice control come through beautifully. She is too much unheralded among the female vocalists of her era.

When Your Lover Has Gone.......2006-03-10

I bought the album because I heard the above titled song on live365 (Music from the Blue Light, I think). But I like most of the other songs on the album too. I had no idea she did much without Louis Prima. Her voice is sultry and soft and sexy, but really strong at appropriate moments.

I may buy other albums of hers.

The best in the business.......2004-12-29

Of the classic era women standards singers, Keely is the best. It's as simple as that-her only rival in my mind is the late Susannah McCorkle, who recorded much later and died relatively young. And there's no denying that while McCorkle often had a more introspective, intellectual approach to the song, Keely swung and did so effortlessly, without the appearance of thought (which had to be deceiving-Keely has to be very intelligent to do what she does).

A lot of the difference is that Keely faced a mike with working 50's and 60's orchestras with Billy May and Nelson Riddle charts whereas modern singers like McCorkle and Karrin Allyson have-if they're lucky- Concord Jazz bands, who mostly play bop jazz and other hophead stuff.

You just can't go wrong with this compilation if you want the pure Keely Smith.

Cool collection of a cool singer's repertoire!.......2004-10-29

For those who are not familiar with Keely Smith's voice, this CD will have you hooked. Keely's range can go from silky smooth to jazzy hot from song to song. Her voice can lull you or make you jump up and want to sing along with her. This collection shows off Keely's range very well. There are some jazzy numbers, such as ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET and some lush torch songs, like I WISH YOU LOVE. Her voice can be powerful, but not overwhelming, soft, but not breathy. If you like listening to female lounge-style singers, you'll love Keely!

Keely - the voice that could bring an audience to a hush.......2004-10-14

I first saw Keely perform with her husband Louis Prima on Ed Sullivan's TV show. I was instantly curious to get a good look at the face that matched such a silky-smooth voice. Alas, black-and-white TV complete with snow foiled me on at least two occasions. However, I never forgot that voice - and once you hear it, neither will you. It is remarkable in its quality and timbre.

Nelson Riddle and Billy May, as well as a few other of the great Capitol arrangers and bandleaders, provide solid and top-notch backing for a legendary performer. DON'T TAKE YOUR LOVE FROM ME, SWEET AND LOVELY, and a host of other standards, performed ballad-style, will keep you enthralled and wondering why, with all of her style, she backed out of performing for so long.

And yes-the face does match the voice. Thank goodness for COLOR television!

Average customer rating:

Excellent compilation. . . .
great singer
Spotlight on Nancy Wilson: A Rich Treat
Great Starter CD to the Genius of Nancy Wilson
You'll fall in love

Spotlight on Nancy Wilson
Nancy Wilson
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Yesterday's Love Songs/Today's Blues
The Best of Nancy Wilson: The Jazz and Blues Sessions
Anthology
R.S.V.P. (Rare Songs, Very Personal)
Guess Who I Saw Today: Nancy Wilson Sings Songs of Lost Love

ASIN: B000002TP1
Release Date: 1995-05-30

Tracks:

What A Little Moonlight Can Do
Little Girl Blue
My One And Only Love
The Best Is Yet To Come
Midnight Sun
The Good Life
You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
Time After Time
All Of You
The Very Thought Of You
Back In Your Own Back Yard
When The Sun Comes Out
At Long Last Love
You've Changed
Someone To Watch Over Me
I Wish You Love
Angel Eyes
Here's That Rainy Day
The Song Is You
Miss Otis Regrets (She's Unable To Lunch Today)

Customer Reviews:

Excellent compilation. . . ........2007-04-10

Like a lot of aging divas, Nancy Wilson is not the same singer today that she was in the 1960's (see also Aretha Franklin and Barbara Striesand), but this spotlight compilation of Nancy Wilson in her prime is an excellent showcase of a singular jazz interpreter: her voice was at once glamorous and muscular: she could be as slinky as Diana Ross; as playful and saucy as Dinah Washington (a major influence on the young Wilson's vocal style) or Eartha Kitt; or nearly as brilliant and interpretive a belter as Striesand. As with Aretha and the young Striesand, Wilson's emotional connection to the songs keeps the listener hanging onto every word. There are over-the-top big band numbers, like the superlative "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home to" and "What a little Moonlight will do." Wilson handles the mesmerizing ballads like "Midnight Sun" and "Here's that Rainy Day" with such care and finesse that these versions rank among the best EVER recorded. In short, those who are just discovering Ms. Wilson are in for a rare treat, those who have never heard of her are missing out on something profound.

great singer.......2006-08-12

I would put Nancy Wilson in the top five of lady singers.
This album has great audio quality and shows her great singing talent.

Spotlight on Nancy Wilson: A Rich Treat.......2006-06-07

I bought this CD on the behest of all the enthusiastic Amazon reviewers, and I am adding myself to their ranks. I didn't know the music of Nancy Wilson, prior to buying this, and was basically looking to add some sophistication and depth to my music collection, which, up until recently, consisted primarily of classic rock, Goth, and world dance.

To fully appreciate the romance, the emotion, and the shine of this incredible collection of songs, I recommend you listen to it 1. with your one and only love, or 2. listen to it while in the company of your most affectionate feline, or 3. listen to it while eating your favorite chocolate...ignoring all guilt, of course. I was, if you'll pardon the expression, triply blessed, to be doing all three, when this arrived late on a Friday afternoon. You want sweet? Add all those elements to this music, these lyrics, performed by this woman, and the result was almost like being high on something that seemed it would never ever drop me off. It was so sweet, that it created a moment like those that many of these songs are about. That is the wonderful thing about this CD; listened to under the ideal circumstances, it will create such moments, while NW sings about them.

Every time I think I have picked out the songs that are my absolute favorites, I listen to the CD again, and another song expands in my mind, to fit whatever happens to be going on with me, at the moment...but without a doubt, the Mercer/Hampton song, "Midnight Sun," which I had never heard before, always stops me in my tracks, and stops the clock, with its dreamy descriptions, adding both shadows and gold leaf, like mixing an old Joseph Von Sternberg film,with Maxfield Parrish's golden brush. Such lines as, , Your lips were like a red and ruby chalice, warmer than the summer night
The clouds were like an alabaster palace rising to a snowy height," and, Was there such a night, it's a thrill I still don't quite believe,
But after you were gone, there was still some stardust on my sleeve," complimented by the most subtle, minimalist and dreamy music, cannot, in my mind, be topped, as far as romantic songs are concerned.

The quality of the transference to CD is seamless, unlike a lot of CDs of older songs, like "I Want To Be Evil," by Eartha Kitt, or "The Very Best of Fairuz," by Fairuz, both of which I rate a 5, due to the flawless performances of the artists, and the strength of the songs they contain....but what a treat it is to listen to such rich, subtle, delicious music, and not be reminded, at any point, that it is not being sung to me directly. Most of the songs on this collection I have heard bits of, over the years, but never actually sat and listened to them, and now I am not at all sure of who I heard them sung by...but I can say with certainty that now that I have heard Nancy Wilson singing them, they belong to her. Her voice is rich, yet cool,but never cold, emotional, yet restrained. I now understand what it means to perform a song, not just sing it, as every song seems to come from her alone, not a lyricist and composer, and so it just connects with the listener, this one, anyway; I even feel that way about, "The Best Is Yet To Come," when in reality, things look pretty rough ahead, for the time being. She sings it with an excitement, sultriness and confidence, that is so contagious, I just wish the song was longer.Less ebullient songs, like "Little Girl Blue," are crystallizations of the low moments I can slide into with astounding ease...and she just nails it on the head. All the songs are rich and true and wonderful, and NW makes them all the more so. If you don't have this one, you should get it...and don't forget the chocolate!

Great Starter CD to the Genius of Nancy Wilson.......2004-10-06

Of the glut of Nancy Wilson Capitol CD's out there, this is a very nice one to start with. Part of the "Spotlight Series" that Capitol Records issues of their top-selling artists, this is indeed one of the best "Spotlight" CDs. First of all, sound quality is terrific. This may come as a shock, but I've discovered that Capitol doesn't always have the strictest sound quality control for their reissued discs, but this one is fantastic. The songs are culled from Nancy's Sixties stuff -- definitely her very best. This also shows that Ms. Wilson was comfortable with whatever music accompaniment thrown at her -- orchestras, strings, jazz trios, piano solo -- you name it and she excels in every musical setting. Definitely a very "Show-Off" CD to demonstrate the mastery and genius of Nancy Wilson when she was at her peak. Give her a great song and she'll do wonders with it. Get this one ! You won't regret it.

You'll fall in love.......2004-05-09

I had only heard one Nancy Wilson song on the radio "Guess who I saw today?" before I bought this CD. Bought it out of curiosity and fell in love. The arrangements are wonderful, the song choice timeless and Nancy's voice is to die for. Buying the CD again today to send to my mom who is a big Dinah Washington fan.

Spotlight on Al Martino (Great Gentlemen of Song)

Average customer rating:

The best of Al Martino's Recorded Albums
SPOTLIGHT ON AL MARTINO
Wonderful Sound
Al Martino at his best

Spotlight on Al Martino (Great Gentlemen of Song)
Al Martino
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
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Capitol Collectors Series - Al Martino
Twenty Great Love Songs
The Best of Al Martino
Merry Christmas
Come Share the Wine

ASIN: B00000DQPR
Release Date: 1998-04-16

Tracks:

These Are Such Things
Close To You
I'm In The Mood For Love
Fascination
Once Upon A Time
Don't Take Your Love From Me
That's My Desire
You Always Hurt The One You Love
I Wish You Love
And That Reminds Me
The More I See You
Love Letters
Autumn Leaves
This Is My Song
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
Till
For All We Know
An Affair To Remember

Customer Reviews:

The best of Al Martino's Recorded Albums.......2006-05-25

This album has one of the best collection of all time favorites sung by one of the greatest singers of the 20th century. Al Martino has a very unique way of expressing each of these songs in an honest and lyrical way that far exceed many great singers the like of Sinatra, Bennett etc. Personally it is one of the best CD of popular music that I own and I never tired of listening to it.

SPOTLIGHT ON AL MARTINO.......2003-04-05

WELL OK!!! ALL I KNOW IS THAT OF ALL THE SONGS THAT AL SING ON SOME 20 ALBUMS THE VERY BEST OF ALL MARTINO IS HIM SINGING ( TIL ) I VERY MUCH LIKE AL'S SINGING BUT I LOVE THE SONG TIL AND IT IS THE REASON I'M BUYING THIS ALBUM

Wonderful Sound.......2001-02-28

I can listen to these songs all day long. They are such beautiful love songs so well sung. Al sang these songs so smoothly with much warm feelings. I like the lyrics of 'You Always Love the Ones You Love'. It helps to hear it when we get mad at each other. Who cares if these songs were not top hits in the 60's. Many of my friends are buying their own copies.

Al Martino at his best.......1999-07-30

The selection of songs on this album are excellent

Average customer rating:

an exquisite, unique voice
I Thought That Was Sinatra!
A voice for the ages !!!
WHAT A TREMENDOUS VOICE................

Spotlight on Matt Monro
Matt Monro
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
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The Very Best of Matt Monro
This Is the Life/Here's to My Lady
Songs of Love
Hollywood & Broadway
These Years/The Late Late Show

ASIN: B000006X4Z
Release Date: 1995-08-01

Tracks:

My Kind Of Girl
I'm Glad There Is You
I Get Along Without You Very Well
I'll Take Romance
When I Fall In Love
Laura
Time After Time
Real Live Girl
Autumn Leaves
Ebb Tide
When Sunny Gets Blue
From Russia With Love
Sweet Lorraine
Stardust
When Joanna Loved Me
This Is All I Ask
The Good Life
September Song

Customer Reviews:

an exquisite, unique voice.......2004-07-03

Those of us who have been Matt Monro fans for decades know his voice was a one-of-a-kind sound, recognizable after a couple of notes, and not to be compared with any other singer. There is also a purity to his interpretations that has seldom been equaled; it is the song that is emphasized, not the singer, with few flourishes in the phrasing or deviation from what is on the sheet of music.
The velvety quality of his voice, with its hint of smokiness, is intoxicating, and one of my favorite attributes of a Matt Monro song is his flawless enunciation; other virtues are superb breath control and the sincerity of his delivery. He was able to convey deep emotion, and still keep his simple style of performing a song.

The compositions in this collection are fabulous, and include perfect renditions of many of my most loved melodies, like "Autumn Leaves", "Ebb Tide", "September Song", and one of the best soundtrack songs ever written and one that was sung by Monro in the film, the John Barry/Lionel Bart "From Russia With Love".
Other standout performances in this CD of mostly mellow ballads include "Time After Time" (Styne/Cahn), and "Laura" (Raskin/Mercer).
The foldout insert has some excellent liner notes by Joseph Laredo, giving a nice bio of Monro (1930-1985), from his birth and difficult youth in the East End of London, to his association with George Martin, and a rundown of what songs were to find their place on the charts, in the U.S. and Britain.

These recordings were made between 1961 and 1966, with most of the arrangements done by Johnnie Spence, who also conducts the orchestra, and are lovely and lush. The sound is good, and total playing time is 53'11.
I have always felt Monro was one of the most underrated singers of the 20th century, and I hope compilations like this will continue to find him new fans, and that his musical legacy will live on, for as long a people appreciate the beauty of an exquisite voice, and the artistry that was exemplified in Matt Monro.

I Thought That Was Sinatra!.......2003-01-28

That's what I said when I heard just about every track on here. I'd never heard of Matt Monro, so when I went looking for a particular song which I had thought was Frank Sinatra ("Real Live Girl"), Matt Monro's name kept turning up. So I listened to the wav file and lo and behold, that was the version I was looking for. According to the liner notes, his similarity to Sinatra was what helped launch his career, as Peter Sellers wanted a Sinatra imitator for a record he was making. Monro is not a ripoff artist, though, because even though his voice sounds similar, he still uses vocal tricks and signatures that make him his own voice.

These recordings are excellent renditions of the standards, plus a few songs I hadn't heard anywhere else. The sound quality is excellent. The liner notes have some biographical information about Matt Monro. There are some great ballroom dance songs to be found on here, and some beautiful ballads. What else do you really need to know?

Highly recommended.

A voice for the ages !!!.......2002-09-13

I've always loved the standards and I was a little suprised I had never heard of Matt Monro up until a few years ago. Now i'm convinced he's the most underrated singer I ever heard. His voice is pure velvet. Nothing against the other great voices of our time, ( Sinatra, Dino, Bennett ), but there's something about Matt's voice that reaches you. I'm down to buying an entire CD because there's one song on it I don't have. Try this guy and you won't be sorry.

WHAT A TREMENDOUS VOICE.......................2000-06-19

I have been a fan of Matt Monro since he recorded "From Russia With Love". What a great voice he has. It is truly a shame that he died at such an early age. This cd is one of the best of all cds. He really has a great delivery on his songs. The material that he uses is out of sight. I have always thought of Matt was a cross between Frank Sinatra and Steve Lawrence. Anyway i think anyone who loves the sound of a great crooner should buy this cd. It will not disappoint.

Average customer rating:

Look no farther, here is real quality.
A Touch of Class
Forever Young
Blast from the Past!
Outstanding harmonizations

Spotlight on Sandler & Young
Tony Sandler & Ralph Young
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Portraits
Happy Holidays
Love Songs
Peace on Earth
Guantanamera/The Sandpipers

ASIN: B00000DQPY
Release Date: 1995-05-30

Tracks:

Cabaret
Harmonize
C'est Si Bon
Senimental Journey (Previously Unreleased)
Chicago
Can I Trust You?
Odds And Ends
Dominique
Yesterday I Heard The Rain
Bon Soir Dame
Seven Lonley Days
If You Go Away
Side By Side
Malaguena Salerosa
Put On A Happy Face
Gonna Build A Mountain
Pretty Things Come In Twos
Mr. Bass Man (French Version)
French Lullaby
Cotton Fields (The Cotton Song)

Customer Reviews:

Look no farther, here is real quality........2002-11-06

Sandler & Young are truly great artists. The way they blend their voices in beautiful harmony is a skill I will forever admire. This CD has brought me many hours of enjoyment. I just wish there were more.

A Touch of Class.......2001-01-12

What a delight to discover a CD of "Sandler & Young". Wonderful mix of great harmony and outstanding music of great class. Too bad there are not that much CD's available. This album is highly recommended!

Forever Young.......2000-08-18

Just received and listened to "Spotlight on Sandler & Young" and I feel that their blend of voices is like a delicate musical instrument. Such harmony, and the choice of material is "forever young". It is my understanding that they no longer record together, and it is unfortunate that in this world all good things must come to an end.

Blast from the Past!.......1999-12-19

Used to listen to a copy of their album "Pretty Things Come in Twos" as a kid. What great memories!

As an adult, I realize what terrific singers they really are -- and you gotta love those "shag-a-delic" instrumentations.

Long before Austin Powers, these two put "Grrr" in "Groovy."

Outstanding harmonizations.......1999-05-25

Listening to this CD brings back so many memories of when I was a child listening to the Ed Sullivan Show with my parents on Sunday nights. These artists were popular in the 60's & 70's. I wish Sandler & Young were still around to give us more entertainment and enjoyment of their musical style. There has been no other duo that I have ever heard of that can come close to matching the harmonizations of Sandler & Young. The abilities of these two to match, harmonize and complement the other's voice is outstanding and really even quite remarkable when you consider that Young sings in English while Sandler may sing in English, French or one of 7 other languages he speaks fluently. Listen to their deep, rich baritone voices, their harmonizations... Give any of thier CDs a try, you'll not regret it.

Average customer rating:

BB through the years.
Highlights B.B. King as a superb instrumentalist.
For what it is- it is the best
Schooling for guitar players
BB KING/LUCILLE

Spotlight on Lucille
B.B. King
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chicago Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Memphis Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

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Lucille Talks Back
My Kind of Blues
Blues on the Bayou
Why I Sing the Blues
West Side Soul

ASIN: B000000WI0
Release Date: 1992-06-29

Tracks:

Slidin' And Glidin'
Blues With B.B.
King Of Guitar
Jump With B.B.
38th Street Blues
Feedin' The Rock
Just Like A Woman
Step It Up
Calypso Jazz
Easy Listening Blues
Shoutin' The Blues
Powerhouse

Amazon.com essential recording

B.B. King is the most influential guitarist in the instrument's electric history. His string-bending, vibrato, and phrasing are the raw material that players as diverse as Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and Pink Floyd's David Gilmour have spun into their own epic solos. This CD draws on King's '60s efforts for the defunct Kent label, tapping rarely heard instrumental tracks to present a crash course in his unique fusion of country blues, the single-string soloing perfected by Lonnie Johnson, and the swinging phrasing of jazz guitar pioneers like Charlie Christian and Django Reinhardt. Tunes like "Slidin' and Glidin'" and "Calypso Jazz" are tickets to blues heaven. --Ted Drozdowski

Customer Reviews:

BB through the years........2004-08-04

It's time for an update of this cd! BB's guitar sound is always his own, but it's changed over the years much more than his voice: technical changes have more influence over instruments than vocals. To hear this time compression of so many of his sounds on this one cd is to enlighten the listener to the truth behind the seemingly unchanging BB. Hey, BB, let's start at the end of this one and do it again!

Highlights B.B. King as a superb instrumentalist........2004-06-28

This is an all instrumental sampler from BB's classic 50's and 60's lp's, no vocals. B.B. seems inspired, and improvises a bit on a jazz level. B.B. is backed on each track by inoovating big bands, with jazz or swing based arrnagements, which feature jazz horn solos written in teh arrangements. This is a great cd taht casts BB in the light of a jazz/blues guitarists, and prooves he's a pretty gutsy player, in the smoothest & most accesible way possible. Fun rumblin' blues and jazz.

For what it is- it is the best.......2002-09-03

Cut between 1960 and late 1961 this is one of the King's most brilliant works. It is all instrumental and all perfect. So maybe all the songs don't sound different from each other to an untrained ear. However this couldn't be a classier album. If you enjoy the horn layden [ extremely tasteful and unintrusive horns ] blues, this is it. It is blues that blues lovers and jazz lovers of all kinds can listen to. The Bobby Bland fan- the Tony Bennet fan, the guitar player, the piano player, the human being with taste-Anybody! 43 minutes long. Good with headphones or without. This is one of my absolute favorites. It shines and swings and stings. Tougher tone than lucille usually takes but it is okay, it works. This is a masterpiece of a record with no dullness at all. It makes sure that you don't get bored listening casually or intently. B.B. has a lot of records that are sort of- more of the same. Good stuff, or great stuff, but same stuff. This is sort of a breath of fresh air in the catalog. No it doesn't have that great booming voice with the exciting high notes thrown in here and there. But it doesn't have any downfalls in what it does have- perfect blues music with style and soul and class. Nothing quite as beautiful and brilliantly crafted as his instrumental ''Blues Boys Tune'' from his Blues on The Bayou album but just as bright and with tremendous energy. B.B. Picks the licks with pure intuition on all albums, this is no exception even if it is not as signature as some of his other records. It is completely based off of feel and touch music, not technical logic, and as always it works perfectly and probably better that way. Whoever played bandleader kept the horns tight and let Lucille take the spotlight with whatever she wanted to play. The other instruments at hand are totally sympathetic to her needs as well. I recommend this album for anybody who wants something that sounds good.

Schooling for guitar players.......2001-03-11

I suspect that many of BB's listeners are, like myself, amateur (or professional) guitar players. This CD has enough brilliant musical ideas to keep a player occupied for quite a long time. A lot of it can sound deceptively simple and easy to play but the beautifully musical way BB shifts back and forth between major and minor scales and blues and jazz licks is awe inspiring. If all a player ever learns is the stuff BB plays on this disc it'll be more than enough.

BB KING/LUCILLE.......2000-06-26

HOW LUCILLE GOT HER NAME. IN A CLUB SOMEWHERE WHERE BB WAS PLAYING AT A ROWDY PLACE DOING A GIG AND A FIGHT BROKE OUT BETWEEN SOME FOLKS AND SOMEHOW STARTED A FIRE AND THE PLACE BURNED DOWN AND BB MADE IT OUT OKAY AND LATER FOUND OUT WHAT STARTED THE BRAWL WAS A WOMEN NAMED LUCILLE. THIS IS A GOOD CD ALL INSTRUMENTAL MY BEST BB KING CD SO FAR.

Horace Silver Trio, Vol. 1: Spotlight on Drums

Average customer rating:

The beginning of a great collaboration
This is an essential collection of hard bop jazz.

Horace Silver Trio, Vol. 1: Spotlight on Drums
Horace Silver
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Horace Silver and the Jazz Messengers
The Cape Verdean Blues
Dial "S" for Sonny
Finger Poppin
Six Pieces of Silver

ASIN: B0000AC8N9
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Tracks:

Safari
Ecaroh
Prelude To A Kiss
Thou Swell
Quicksilver
Horoscope
Yeah
Knowledge Box
How About You
I Remember You
Silverware
Message From Kenya
Opus De Funk
Nothing But The Soul
Buhaina
Day In Day Out

Customer Reviews:

The beginning of a great collaboration.......2003-10-04

This historically very important album was recorded on three different dates from 1952/1953. Art Blakey is on drums on all that occasions, so that's where the great, dynamic team between Silver and Blakey, the foundation of the "Jazz Messengers" had started. Even at this early stage of Silver's career, he was a great composer: "Opus de Funk" turned out to be very successful, even Woody Herman's band played it. "Safari" and above all "Quicksilver"(based on the changes of "Lover come back to me") are my favorites here. Horace is really superb on these tunes. Although he was influenced by Powell and Monk, he really had his own, personal style....fanstastic melody lines and really tricky left-hand stuff. Both of that mentioned tunes later were recorded as quintet-versions. Another interesting thing about theses early trio-sides are the ballad interpretations ("Prelude to a kiss" and "I remember you"): Hoarce Silver plays those lyrical tunes in a very pianistic manner, really pretty. Few years later, most of his ballads were originals with a more brooding mood.
The last two tracks "Message from Kenya" and "Nothing but Soul" are early examples of Blakey's percussion-dates, the first track also featuring Sabu Martinez, who later made a BlueNote Album of his own and collaborated with Blakey on "Orgy in Rhythm".

This is an essential collection of hard bop jazz........2003-09-12

"Horace Silver Trio" is a taut, expertly-paced and plain fun CD for any music collection. But for jazz lovers, this set features two of the architects of "hard bop": Horace Silver and Art Blakey. My favorite tracks are the wonderful "Yeah" and exquisite "Knowledge Box." This set serves as a great introduction to Horace Silver, a true jazz legend. This is a great collection at a good price.

Tracks:

Albany Bound (Previously Unreleased)
Blue Skies
You'll Never Know
Standing On The Corner (Previously Unreleased)
I'm Beginning To See The Light
The Good Life
Oh! Look At Me Now
Just In Time (Previously Unreleased)
You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want To Do It)
All Of You (Previously Unreleased)
There's A Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder
Fly Me To The Moon
I Got Rhythm (Previously Unreleased)
All By Myself
I Wanna Be Around
A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
Call Me Irresponsible
My Buddy
Always
I'm Sitting On Top Of The World

Customer Reviews:

Gentleman Yes!.......2007-02-19

Reviewer Bradley Briggs has said it all. Have recently heard Rod Stewart on Michael Parkinson show doing Nightingale sang in Berkley Square and commented that's not a patch on Bobby's recording. Have only recently purchased this one and just love it.

The One and Only Bobby.......2007-02-07

Thank you for giving us some of his unreleased tracks. Made me love Bobby even more.

BOBBY DARIN = GREATEST GENTLEMAN OF SONG!!!!.......2004-01-02

In the late 1950's, God bless my older sister for all of the great singers she turned me on to and none better than Bobby Darin!!! Sis must have played "Beyond The Sea" hundreds of times and I never tired of it!!! We loved Frank, but Bobby was it!! When the compact disc started I decided to complete my Bobby Darin collection and have purchased every release available on this great under-appreciated artist!! When I came to this collection I was completely amazed and blown away!! From the boarding on "Alabamy Bound", you know that you are in for a great ride and it is a wildly exciting one!!! "Blue Skies" are beautiful and clearer than ever before and the pathos of "You'll Never Know" may draw a tear!! Who could take something corny like "Standing On The Corner" and make it great??? Another lightweight "I'm Beginning To See The Light" becomes really great to listen to and you soon realize there is no stopping this giant!!! "The Good Life" and "I Wanna Be Around" were Tony Bennett (who is a really fine singer!) singles but are more gutsy and soulful in Bobby's versions. Bobby does "Just In Time" haunting and ethereal and never before has this song had an interpretation like this! Standards such as There's A Rainbow On My Shouldler" and "All By Myself" will have you humming these tunes for months (in my case years!) on end and every song in this incredible collection is dynamite and done to the max...don't miss this classic as never again will a singer or collection equal this level of greatness...thank you Bobby Darin!

Bobby with his best voice on.......2003-06-11

This is SPLENDID collection of the classic swingin' Bobby, including several "unreleased" versions including the perked-up "STANDING ON THE CORNER". B.D. shows off his tangy, confident style with a good selection of standards and then some (try "OH! LOOK AT ME NOW". The real bonus of this album (like all of the "Capitol Spotlight" series, etc) is the TERRIFFIC quality of these re-mastered versions - wow! "I'M BEGINNING TO SEE THE LIGHT" is a perfect example - as sweet and rich as if it were recorded yesterday (instead of 30 years ago). Short of unique in song selection (and lacking many of his "biggest" hits) this is still a sweet addition to your Bobby section.

Bobby was Incapable of the Second Rate!!!.......2001-12-16

In fact, it's tough to find anyone, who died at such a young age (37),and left behind such an oeuvre of popular songs! The question is,"Why is Bobby so underrated today?" True,other sounds come and go,and he did pass on in 1973. Still,he covered just about every type of tune, from teen-age, adult jazz/pop, folk-rock,and wrote some of his best material. This "Great Gentlemen" collection shows him at his swingin best.True, some of the material is not first rate (could you imagine Sinatra doing "Standing on the Corner? No,that's a Dino type.) But everything here is top of the line,even given some less than superior songs.My favorite is "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" dating from WWII England,and just about always done as a ballad. The arrangement here flies right along with some of the best swinging horns ever. The Billy May arrangements do fly,and Bobby was smart (and lucky) to get such veterans. This is essential Bobby,along with his GREATEST HITS, II,which includes the phenomenal "Beyond the Sea", "Mack the Knife", and "Artificial Flowers". Try to get them both at some point in the near future.

Average customer rating:

Oh No, Not My Baby!
Splendid New York City Soul

Spotlight on Maxine Brown/Greatest Hits
Maxine Brown
Manufacturer: Kent Records UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Shirelles Sing to Trumpets & Strings
Back to Mono (1958-1969)

ASIN: B00004U35H
Release Date: 2004-12-27

Tracks:

Oh No, Not My Baby
It's Gonna Be Alright
Ask Me
I Cry Alone
Coming Back To You
He Does Something To Me (AKA You Do Something To Me)
Wonder What My Baby's Doing Tonight
Since I Found You
Gotta Find A Way
Yesterday's Kisses
You Upset My Soul
Little Girl Lost
We Can Work It Out
I Don't Need Anything
Anything For A Laugh
If You Gotta Make a Fool Of Somebody
One Step At A Time
I've Got A Lot Of Love Left In Me
One In A Million
Soul Serenade
Anything You Do Is Alright
He's The Only Guy I'll Ever Love
Slipping Thru My Fingers
Do It Now
When I Fall In Love
I Got Love
Listen To My Heart
Wrong Number, Right Girl

Product Description

1. Oh No, Not My Baby
2. It's Gonna Be Alright
3. Ask Me
4. I Cry Alone
5. Coming Back To You
6. He Does Something To Me - (Aka You Do Something To Me)
7. Wonder What My Baby's Doing Tonight
8. Since I Found You
9. Gotta Find A Way
10. Yesterday's Kisses
11. You Upset My Soul
12. Little Girl Lost
13. We Can Work It Out
14. I Don't Need Anything
15. Anything For A Laugh
16. If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody
17. One Step At A Time
18. I've Got A Lot Of Love Left In Me
19. One In A Million
20. Soul Serenade
21. Anything You Do Is Alright
22. He's The Only Guy I'll Ever Love
23. Slipping Thru My Fingers
24. Do It Now
25. When I Fall In Love
26. I Got Love
27. Listen To My Heart
28. Wrong Number, Right Girl

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Oh No, Not My Baby!.......2004-01-07

I am listening to this CD as I type this. A previous customer-reviewer claims that "Oh no, not my baby" isn't on the CD, but it is indeed the first track. "All in my Mind" and, as he said, "Funny," are not included. But there are 28 great tracks, and some that you can't find elsewhere. An odd misstep by not somehow including "Funny" and "All in my Mind" from the usually top notch Ace/Kent label. But we should all own more than one CD by Maxine Brown, just make sure the OTHER cd you get by her has those hits.

Splendid New York City Soul.......2000-09-03

Maxine Brown recorded for the Scepter label's Wand subsidiary during the same period as the Shirelles, Chuck Jackson and Tommy Hunt -- which means that among the writer-producers she worked with were Carole King, Luther Dixon and Burt Bacharach. This album, it's claimed, contains two complete albums and eight "bonus" tracks. Be warned, though: the material on this Kent album is fine (stereo, with a severe left-right spread, when available) and the notes are good. But two songs from the original "hits" album, "Funny" and "Oh, No, Not My Baby", listed on the front cover and discussed in the liner notes, are absent here, without explanation. Admittedly, both were first released on the Nomar label, but they did appear on the Wand "Hits" album.

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