Dedicated to You

Amazon.com
Best known as the leader of Los Angeles's premier Western-swing revivalist group the Fly Rite Boys, Big Sandy takes a solo turn on Dedicated to You. Focusing on doo-wop and R&B--specifically sounds cut in the late '50s and early '60s by groups such as the Coasters, Platters, and Southern California's the Calvanes, who provide backup harmonies here--Sandy (a.k.a. Robert Williams) cruises through these vintage tracks with joy and enthusiasm, often sounding much like Frankie Lymon, especially on "Lonely Guy." "I'm Leavin' It All Up to You" is a smooth duet with Dewey Terry, who originally recorded the song for Specialty Records as one half of Don & Dewey. Dedicated to You is a treat that reveals that Big Sandy is more than just the current king of hillbilly boogie. He's a soulful crooner to boot. --Alexandra Russell

No Depression
[V]ocalist Robert "Big Sandy" Williams [pays] homage to two of his heretofore untended passions: early West Coast doo-wop and honkin' R&B. The sound is bright, spare and immediate, all the while evocative of the music's time and place.

Dedicated to You,Big Sandy,Hightone Records,Alternative Country-Rock,Americana,Blues Music,Pop,Rock,Rockabilly

Average customer rating: Good Jazzy Music Charles and Carter Beautiful!! Timeless Classic smooth and sexy..

Ray Charles and Betty Carter/Dedicated to You Ray Charles , and Betty Carter Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: His Best : The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection Inside Betty Carter Genius + Soul = Jazz/My Kind of Jazz Modern Sounds In Country and Western Music Devil Got My Woman ASIN: B0000063EW Release Date: 1998-04-21

Tracks:

1. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
2. You And I
3. Intro: Goodbye/We'll Be Together Again
4. People Will Say We're In Love
5. Cocktails For Two
6. Side By Side
7. Baby, It's Cold Outside
8. Together
9. For All We Know
10. Takes Two To Tango
11. Alone Together
12. Just You, Just Me
13. Hardhearted Hannah
14. Nancy
15. Margie
16. Ruby
17. Rosetta
18. Stella By Starlight
19. Cherry
20. Josephine
21. Candy
22. Marie
23. Diane
24. Sweet Georgia Brown

Amazon.com essential recording

Ray Charles's decision to cut an album of duets with then-rising jazz singer Betty Carter defines the phrase "unerring instinct." Charles responds to Carter's gorgeous voice and compelling melodic changes with some of his softest singing; you might say that this already masterful conduit of emotion got in touch with his feminine side on this 1961 date. The opening and closing cuts of the girls'-names theme album Dedicated to You, another '61 LP that fills out this 78-minute disc, demonstrate Brother Ray's touch for transforming unlikely material into expressions of his own funky essence. His amused big-band celebrations of "Hardhearted Hannah" and "Sweet Georgia Brown" sit alongside sublime portraits of "Stella by Starlight" and "Ruby" on an underappreciated set that's a perfect match for the Charles-Carter sides. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Good Jazzy Music.......2007-01-09

I love Ray Charles and Betty Carter individually. Listening to them sing together is nothing short of amazing. I love this CD and would highly recommend its purchase by any and everyone loving music.
My favorite on this CD is Baby It's Cold Outside. Great to listen to any time of the year.

Charles and Carter.......2006-07-13

Although a big Charles fan, I must admit that Betty Carter works on a different level, showing the difference between the genious of popular music and a great jazz-vocalist. However, this doesn't mean one should put Charles down; as he shows in the second half of the CD (without Carter), he is a brilliant singer, with a great sense for rhythm and emotion. Recomended both for jazz audience (thanks to Carter) and for Charles' fans.

Beautiful!!.......2005-11-23

I think most people decided to check out this CD after they watched the movie "Ray". I however, was looking for the song "Ev'ry Time we say Goodbye" and found it on this album. It is the title track and is beautiful! As I continued listening to the CD, I found that the music of Ray Charles and Betty Carter really tickled my fancy. Not all the songs are in the same genre of "Ev'ry Time we say Goodbye", but they all have a certain something to them which I found really good. This music is easy to listen to and is truly a pleasure on the ear.

Timeless Classic.......2005-06-07

I wore out my vinyl, but taped it first, then broke the tape over-playing it. This side never gets tired. Kowabunga. Buy it for your best friend.

smooth and sexy.........2005-04-25

for a few years i thought this cd was out of print...i cherished my one copy treating it like the precious jewel it is... my first trip to amazon.. and viola there it is.. bought many copies to give as wedding gifts. This album will play over and over and never get dull or dusty.. it is rock solid.

Average customer rating: Awful! Great CD! FANTASTIC CD! Another wonderful album for bonding with young ones!

Mommy and Me: More Playgroup Favorites Various Artists Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Educational | Children's Music | Styles | Music Sing-A-Longs | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Broadway & Vocalists | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Children's Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mommy and Me: Playgroup Favorites Mommy & Me - Playgroup Favorites Mommy & Me - More Playgroup Favorites Fun with Mommy and Me: More Than 300 Together-Time Activities for You and Your Child, Birth to Age Five 101 Toddler Favorites ASIN: B00012QMUE Release Date: 2004-01-20

Tracks:

1. Mommy & Me
2. Shake My Hand (Hello Song)
3. If You're Happy And You Know It
4. Old MacDonald Had A Farm
5. Head, Shoulders, Knees And Toes
6. Row, Row, Row Your Boat
7. The Farmer In The Dell
8. The Mexican Hat Dance
9. Ta Ra Ra Boom De Ay
10. Ring Around The Rosie
11. London Bridge
12. Where Is Thumbkin
13. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
14. Take My Hand (Goodbye Song)
15. Mommy & Me (Jazz version)
16. Take My Hand (Goodbye Song - Instrumental version featuring Tom Scott)
17. Take My Hand (Goodbye Song - Jazz Version)
18. - 31. Instrumental Versions Only

Amazon.com

More Playgroup Favorites piles on a second batch of predictable songs--nothing you won't find on any preschool compilation--the main difference being that they're sandwiched between a solid five tracks of Mommy & Me-specific songs. "Shake My Hand (Hello Song)" and "Take My Hand (Goodbye Song)," call to mind snuggly together time for moms and tots across the country, and this CD capitalizes on their lovey-dovey devotion to the weekly groups that make interacting (goofing around on the floor and clapping out simple rhythms together) mandatory. Nothing wrong with that--some parents will even salute themselves for extending the enriching environment to their living room rugs. But this kind of fun, can grow formulaic fast, despite the performers' best stabs at loopiness. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Awful!.......2007-03-19

The writers have taken classic songs and added really poor quality lyrics:
Ride ride ride your bike
Down the busy street
Isn't it surprising
All the kangaroos you meet

Awful!

The song segments are terribly edited: the moms' mouths don't sync with the soundtrack at all. The cartoon segments are cheesy and poorly animated. The belching kangaroo only adds to the nausea I get when my wife plays this video.

To be fair, my daughter really enjoys it. But she also enjoys Sesame Street and Disney stuff. Don't waste your time.

Great CD!.......2006-03-24

My son has this one and the Playgroup Favorites, and he loves both (and has since he was an infant). The songs are catchy and not too annoying for the grown-ups. Really keeps him entertained! Highly recommend buying.

FANTASTIC CD!.......2004-02-21

My daughter, Emily and I are having the BEST time in the car since we've been listening to "Mommy and Me, More Playgroup Favorites." Now when we get in the car, Emily immediately yells out: "MOMMY ME!" which means, crank up the tunes mom! Once the CD starts playing, Emily recites all the words to the songs, which I was very surprised to hear. The original songs like "Mommy & Me," "Shake My Hand," and "Take My Hand," written by Marty Panzer, are quickly becoming cherished favorites in our family. Panzer has also written fresh new lyrics to classics like, "If You're Happy And You Know It," " Head Shoulders Knees and Toes," and "Row Row Row Your Boat," among others. It's shocking that this wonderful CD has replaced the Wiggles as my daughter's new favorite obsession! Even my husband hums the tunes to himself when we get in the car for a family outing. Thank you for bringing such wonderful music into our lives!

Stephanie Berk, mom of Emily, 21 months

Another wonderful album for bonding with young ones!.......2004-02-20

More Playgroup Favorites is another great album to play while spending bonding time with your baby and young ones! Check out the first album- Playgroup Favorites, too! Both feature sophisticated and modern arrangements of classic childhood tunes, produced by an award-winning team, including jazz versions of well-known favorites. Both CDs are PERFECT for playgroups, playdates, parties, and at-home fun. Not only is the music sensational, but parents cherish the time they spend with their young children, and they welcome tools like these CDs to help them make the most of the experience.

Average customer rating: Yama Yama Sing Along With Sandy! Different, awesome! First-rate reinterpretation of Doo-Wop and R&B classics Buy an Ace Compilation Instead

Dedicated to You Big Sandy Manufacturer: Hightone Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Night Tide Big Sandy Presents The Fly-Rite Boys Radio Favorites Feelin' Kinda Lucky Swingin' West ASIN: B000007RQL Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

1. Lonely Guy
2. Pretty Girls Everywhere
3. Gloria
4. Oochie Coochie
5. Baby Baby Me
6. Hey Senorita
7. Hey Girl-Hey Boy
8. Love You So
9. Death Of An Angel
10. Guided Missiles
11. Have Love Will Travel
12. Heaven And Paradise
13. I'm Leavin' It All Up To You
14. Dedicated To You
15. Yama Yama Pretty Mama
16. Queen Of My Heart

Amazon.com

Best known as the leader of Los Angeles's premier Western-swing revivalist group the Fly Rite Boys, Big Sandy takes a solo turn on Dedicated to You. Focusing on doo-wop and R&B--specifically sounds cut in the late '50s and early '60s by groups such as the Coasters, Platters, and Southern California's the Calvanes, who provide backup harmonies here--Sandy (a.k.a. Robert Williams) cruises through these vintage tracks with joy and enthusiasm, often sounding much like Frankie Lymon, especially on "Lonely Guy." "I'm Leavin' It All Up to You" is a smooth duet with Dewey Terry, who originally recorded the song for Specialty Records as one half of Don & Dewey. Dedicated to You is a treat that reveals that Big Sandy is more than just the current king of hillbilly boogie. He's a soulful crooner to boot. --Alexandra Russell

Customer Reviews:

Yama Yama.......2006-08-13

Being a fan of Big Sandy and his Fly-rite boys, I just had to buy this CD. And I must say, though it differs from everything he has done before, I wasn't disappointed. Granted, 'Death of an Angel' isn't my kind of song but songs like 'Oochie Coochie', 'Hey Senorita' and 'Yama Yama Pretty Mama' do the trick for me.
All in all, it's not my favorite cd by Sandy (that will always be Jumping from 6 to 6) but I will listen to it and enjoy it once in a while.

Sing Along With Sandy!.......2003-10-10

All you baby boomer, old-school, R&B fans should get this labor of love cd and (if you're not a lush or tea totaler) a six pack of your favorite suds, and then you won't need a big crowd of people to pull a party. You'll soon be singing and/or hucklebucking all by yourself to beat the band!
Although the singing on four cuts is somewhat flat, that leaves twelve that are toes on the nose. My faves are the hypnotically driving, "Louie, Louiesque," Richard Berry song "Have Love Will Travel" and the resplendently warm "Guided Missiles," which definately will transport you back to the Eisenhauer era!
No surprize--another big success from Big Sandy!

Different, awesome!.......2003-09-01

Granted, this album is different from some of Big Sandy's other stuff. But, who wants to hear the same thing over and over again from an artist? Diversity is the hallmark of true art and music, and in "Dedicated to You," Big Sandy shows us his amazing range. As the title of the album implies, most of the tracks are slower pieces, the kind of music you want to listen to when you're feeling romantic or a little blue. This one is definitely worth buying!

First-rate reinterpretation of Doo-Wop and R&B classics.......2001-06-04

Together with his Fly-Rite boys, Big Sandy has recorded Rockabilly, Western Swing and Country. But on his first solo flight, he channels the spirits of West Coast doo-wop and R&B singers with a new level of passion. The sixteen tracks transcend mere cover status, crackling with the fire and electricity these songs delivered at their birth.

Sandy's sweet delivery is catapulted to new heights by the background and harmony vocals of The Calvanes (whose Dootones labelmates The Penguins and The Cufflinks are covered here), the piano of Dewey Terry and saxophones of Cad Kadison. The groove on Richard Berry's "Have Love Will Travel" nearly obliterates every fuzzed-out garage band rendition of the 60s. Similarly, the street-corner harmony of "Lonely Guy," the call-and-response of "Pretty Girls Everywhere," the doo-wop scatting of "Hey Señorita," and Sandy's duets with Vicky Tafoya all wail with unbridled spirit.

From romantic ballads to the most swinging R&B, Big Sandy hits the bull's-eye every time.

Buy an Ace Compilation Instead.......1999-05-28

I am a huge fan of Big Sandy, and also a huge fan of the songs covered on this cd, and I have to say that I was disappointed - the whole cd sounds like Pat Boone crashed an Elvis movie. Instead I recommend the Ace Compilation "Teenage Rock and Roll Party", it contains the originals of a few of the songs. Brightest spots were the title track, Queen of My Heart, and Hey Senorita... worst was YamaYama Pretty Mama, it does a disservice to the extremely fun original. Buy Swingin' West or On the Go if you want high-quality Big Sandy music!

Average customer rating: firme jams SOULFUL

Art Laboe's Dedicated to You, Vol. 4 Various Artists Manufacturer: Original Sound ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Oldies | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Philly Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life) Old School, Vol. 1 Born In East L.A. My Family ASIN: B0000034L0 Release Date: 1994-03-01

Tracks:

1. The Payback - James Brown
2. Firma Hina - Proper Dos
3. It's Okay - The Sunglows
4. Let's Stay Together - Al Green
5. Between The Sheets - The Isley Brothers
6. It's Gonna Take A Miracle - Deniece Williams
7. Break Your Promise - The Delfonics
8. Forever Mine - The O'Jays
9. Break Up To Make Up - The Stylistics
10. Take Me Back - Little Anthony & The Imperials
11. Oh Honey - Delegation
12. Distant Lover (Live Version) - Marvin Gaye
13. Smile Now, Cry Later - Sunny & The Sunliners
14. Never Give You Up - Jerry Butler
15. Oh My Angel - Bertha Tillman

Customer Reviews:

firme jams.......2002-04-23

this is one of art laboes best compilations
comin from an ol school vato these are the jams

SOULFUL.......2000-05-08

This Set is Incredible.SO Many Great Talents on one Set WOW!JAMES BROWN,THE STYLISTICS,THE ISLEY BROTHERS,MARVIN GAYE,DELFONICS,O'JAYS too just name a few.This is what true Soul&R-N-B is all about.Feelings&timeless Quality Material.

Average customer rating: A CD that you can listen to over and over again!!! Great Songs

Art Laboe's Dedicated to You, Vol. 3 Various Artists Manufacturer: Original Sound ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Oldies | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life) Old School, Vol. 2 Old School, Vol. 1 The Ultimate Collection R in R&B Collection 1 ASIN: B0000034KY Release Date: 1994-01-01

Tracks:

1. Atomic Dog - George Clinton
2. More Bounce To The Ounce - Zapp
3. Cutie Pie - One Way
4. Genius Of Love - Tom Tom Club
5. Where Did Our Love Go - Donnie Elbert
6. Darling Baby - The Elgins
7. Only The Strong Survive - Jerry Butler
8. Sad Girl - The Intruders
9. Silly - Deniece Williams
10. Always And Forever - Heatwave
11. I'd Rather Go Blind - Etta James
12. The Agony And The Ecstasy - Smokey Robinson
13. I'm So Proud - The Impressions
14. I'm On The Outside (Looking In) - Little Anthony & The Imperials
15. Thin Line Between Love & Hate - The Persuaders

Customer Reviews:

A CD that you can listen to over and over again!!!.......2005-09-14

If you like oldie love songs this that cd! After I bought it I was checking the mail every single day until it got here, I cant even tell you which song is the best cause when they put this collection together they really hit that spot.. Joliet,IL

Great Songs.......2000-07-26

While this Collection doesn't really have a Theme it's all Great Songs here.FUnk Jams Such as Atomic Dog&More Bounce to The Ounce then Smooth out Jams Like Agony&The Ectasy,Always&Forever.Great Classic Material by Some of The Greatest Artists Ever in Music.

Average customer rating: slow jams

Art Laboe's Dedicated to You Various Artists Manufacturer: Original Sound ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Doo Wop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Girl Groups | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Beach Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music 1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music Oldies | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music 1960-1969 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1950-1959 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Latin Rock | Latin Music | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life) ASIN: B0000034JT Release Date: 1992-06-26

Tracks:

1. Dedicated To The One I Love - The Shirelles
2. I'm Your Puppet - James & Bobby Purify
3. Since I Don't Have You - The Skyliners
4. Angel Baby - Rosie & The Originals
5. Memories Of El Monte - The Penguins
6. Hypnotized - Linda Jones
7. I Do Love You - Billy Stewart
8. Me And You - Brenton Wood
9. Gee What A Guy - Yvonne Carroll & The Roulettes
10. Confessin' A Feeling - Sly, Slick & Wicked
11. I Want You Back - Don Julian & The Larks
12. Ooo...Aaah - Jakki O
13. Together - Tierra
14. What You Won't Do For Love - Alma
15. Low Rider - War

Customer Reviews:

slow jams.......2000-08-17

I think this album is wonder full to just relax at the end of the day and get a good cuddle with you mate. just Lay and rest and enjoy life as it comes. I especially like the way the wonderful Vol number`1 start out the sries. Hope you enjoy too. My favorite song on the album is I'm your Puppet.

Average customer rating:

Art Laboe's Dedicated to You, Vol. 9 Various Artists Manufacturer: Original Sound ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Oldies | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life) ASIN: B00003GNXH Release Date: 2000-01-11

Tracks:

1. Ridin' Low - L.A.D.
2. I'm Still Here - The Notations
3. My Cloud - Joe Bataan
4. I Pledge My Love - Peaches & Herb
5. Nite Owl - Tony Allen
6. Two Lovers - Mary Wells
7. I Want To Pay You Back (For Loving Me) - The Chi-Lites
8. Crystal Blue Persuasion - Tommy James & The Shondells
9. Being With You - Smokey Robinson
10. Make It With You - Ralfi Pagan
11. Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time) - The Delfonics
12. Dedicated To You (Those Oldies But Goodies R) - Khaliq
13. A Thousand Miles Away - The Heartbeats
14. I Like The Way You Love Me - Foxy
15. Maria Elena - Los Indios Tabajaras

Average customer rating: She Pulls It Off (with help from a friend) "We must share her with friends who have passed from sight." BEST FINAL ALBUM EVER! Homage at its best!!! fantastic stylist & great tribute

Sarah: Dedicated to You Carmen McRae Manufacturer: RCA 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 Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Carmen McRae Sings Great American Songwriters Two for the Road The Sound of Silence/Portrait of Carmen Carmen Sings Monk Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley ASIN: B00009PJRP Release Date: 2003-06-17

Tracks:

1. Poor Butterfly
2. I've Got The World On A String
3. Misty
4. Wonder Why
5. Send In The Clowns
6. Black Coffee
7. Tenderly
8. The Best Is Yet To Come
9. I Will Say Goodbye
10. The Lamp Is Low
11. It's Magic
12. Dedicated To You
13. I'll Be Seeing You
14. Sarah
15. If You Could See Me Now
16. Wave
17. Embraceable You
18. Sarah

Customer Reviews:

She Pulls It Off (with help from a friend).......2006-06-17

Truthfully, I had low expectations of Carmen's final recording date. Her smoking and emphysema had led to considerable unevenness in her recording sessions during the 1980's, as increasingly she went to lower keys ("Misty" takes her down to C below middle C) and to emphasizing the drama of a song's lyric at the expense of melodic line. Moreover, in choosing to do a tribute to, of all singers, not a Billie Holiday but the virtuoso Divine One, Carmen would seem to be courting overachievement.

Never underestimate a superb, all-around, wise and savvy musician such as this. Carmen's note choices and pitch-perfect tones enable her to transform the songs associated with Sarah into moving tributes, and there are moments when her soprano register even recalls the warm vibrato and slightly honeyed quality of her early vocalizing.

But of equal importance to the success of this project is the piano trio of Shirley Horn, doing for Carmen here what it does for Shirley on "Here's to Life" and all of her own stunning recordings. When Carmen's notes don't sustain or her melodic lines connect, Horn's piano is there to provide the continuity or sustenuto. She's simply an extraordinary accompanist--from the placement of those upper-register octaves to the way she "breaks" her chords from the top down. Horn has few peers when it comes to ballads, and this is a ballad album, though there are moments when the light, 4/4 ball-bearing swing of the rhythm section levitates the musical proceedings to supremely satisfying effect.

Clearly, Carmen was inspired by Horn's presence on this project. At the same time, this is a McCrae recording best recommended for someone already familiar with her earlier work. To hear Carmen at her very best--as a supreme interpreter of the American Songbook, whether bringing new life to old torch songs or swinging harder than virtually any other singer--go to her work from the late fifties and early sixties. The voice is lighter and higher while retaining the expressive edge that made her such a potent interpreter of a song's lyric. Still in print but largely ignored are two of her superior recordings with her trio, both from 1963: "Live at Sugar Hill" and "Song Time." As for her recordings from the mid to late 1980's, there's one largely overlooked gem: "Any Old Time" (her reading of this tune written by Artie Shaw for Lady Day is itself worth the price of a CD full of many such scintillating moments).

"We must share her with friends who have passed from sight.".......2005-10-05

In "Sarah," a hauntingly beautiful song written as a tribute to Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae sings these words about her friend, who had died just months before, in 1990. It was the seventy-year-old McRae's last album, and one of her most intimate. Throughout the CD, McRae seems totally in touch with Vaughan's style and music, but she remains herself, paying homage to Vaughan by interpreting the music her own way, rather than by imitating. The remarkable Shirley Horn, as piano-accompanist, and the rest of her trio (Charles Ables on bass and Steve Williams on drums) provide simple arrangements, totally in sync with McRae but not overpowering her, leaving room for her stylistic variations.

"Poor Butterfly" is a standout, its a capella introduction conveying an intimacy which enhances the narrative line. Sung unusually slowly, the song emphasizes McRae's range (and Vaughan's), and Horn's piano riffs show off McRae's simple variations nicely. "I've Got the World on a String" allows Horn to do some great jazz interpretation of her own, while the swinging "The Best is Yet to Come" gives Ables and Williams a chance to shine on bass and drums.

"Black Coffee," one of the most brilliant songs on the album, is six minutes of moody, bluesy rhythm, ending in a quiet scat, while "I Will Say Goodbye," a less familiar song, sounds confidential, filled with interesting changes from major to minor and back. "The Lamp is Low," one of my favorites, is faster than many others, with great drums and piano solos, and "I'll Be Seeing You," another favorite, lets it all out at the end.

This tribute album is wonderfully poignant, but many songs are unusually slow. "Tenderly" sounds almost funereal, a mood emphasized by McRae's low register. The fact that it is more than five minutes long (and follows the long and slow "Send in the Clowns," and the stunning, but slow, "Black Coffee," which lasts six minutes) made me wish that some of the livelier songs from later in the CD had been inserted here to vary the tempo.

McRae is stellar, however, and no one who hears this album will doubt the sincerity of her tribute. As she concludes the track "Sarah," and sings about the day when she herself will join Sarah "up there," her characteristic wit takes over, and she adds, "Just remind her that I sing lead." n Mary Whipple

BEST FINAL ALBUM EVER!.......2004-07-16

IS THIS THE BEST FINAL ALBUM EVER RELEASED BY A 70 YEAR OLD JAZZ ARTIST OR WHAT? Ms. Carmen Mcrae in her tibute to buddy, Sarah Vaughan, knew what she was doing by having Shirley Horn back her her on piano. Together they gave us an unbeatable cd. It's very ironic a singer who was sometimes thought to have an "inferior" voice could sound this great at 70 years old! BUT SHE DID! Carmen's song selection really elevated this to great jazz art. Carmen didn't dare imitate Sarah's vast singing style. But, this tribute may have surpassed the orginal versions. Too many comapared Carmen to Billie, even Carmen. This is trajic because Carmen was so much better. She was more versatile. Mcrae could be trajic & fun. Billie made even Irving Berlin a downer. Actually Carmen Mcrae & Sarah Vaughan should have been the jazz front runners & Billie & Ella runners up. I just adore the opening track, POOR BUTTERFLY, with none of that overly produced orchestral effect just the great dramatist alone, Carmen Mcrae, doing what she did best, weaving a tale. Shirl, as Carmen called her in BLACK COFFEE joined in on the main body of POOR BUTTERFLY. It surpassed Sarah, no easy task. Their BLACK COFFEE was one of the great recordings of all time, a true refreshment! It's nice & leisurely. Horn's solo in the middle enchances that arrangement so, elevating it from 5 to 6 stars! Carmen's voice, both lyrical & dramactic, made this critic picture what it was like to be alone in her room smoking & drinking BLACK COFFEE! Being that every song was done in C.M.'s own style, would we all have known that it was a Vaughan tribute if not told? So many of these songs are done by all the jazz singers. I WILL SAY GOODBYE, of which I didn't know about until I got the 1st cd version, is a song to which I had to learn the lyrics. It's all about a overly obliging soon-to-be ex-lover. That song & LAMP IS LOW wasn't on the cassette or lp & WHY NOT? Just becasuse they weren't famous is no reason for such superaltive songs not to be on all versions! If you own the 1st cd edition of this, you must buy this Bluebird version. It has 4 bonus tracks necessary to give a more complete picture of Mcrae's admiration for Vaughan. SARAH, 1 of the 2 title songs & the only bonus track that was a repeat, was done a bit differently the 2nd time. Those of you who own one of the the orginal versions, sell it or give it away, & get this vast improvement on a masterpeice. All types of musical tastes have adored this underappreciated jazz songtress once I turned them on to her.

Homage at its best!!!.......2004-06-29

The friendship between Sarah and Carmen is stuff of legend. So is this album. Not only is it a tribute to Sass but it is a swan song for Carmen as this was her last recording. From beginning to end the songs are chosen and arranged wonderfully by Carmen and Shirley Horn and her trio. The acapella intro of Poor Butterfly is superb and Carmen begins her tricks from the start bending phrase and playing with intonation something she shared in common with Sarah. Black Coffee, Send in the Clowns, and especially I Will Say Goodbye and It's Magic are wonderful interpretations from a mind that values pharsing and giving lyrics character. There is nothing transparent about this album it is all depth as was Carmen. A personal favorite and a jewel in Carmen's crown as one of the queens of Jazz!

fantastic stylist & great tribute.......2004-01-20

This is a great album, not only do you get the fantastic interpretation's of Carmen but you get Shirley Horn's piano playing, a double treat. The standouts on this are, "The lamp is low" & "it's magic". You won't find it done any better by two of the best in the business.

Average customer rating: Brilliant - Superb - 5 stars are not enough Very energic and creative jazz / rock MAGIQUE

Dedicated To You But You Weren't Listening Keith Tippett Group Manufacturer: Vertigo ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Best of Keith Tippett and Julie Tippetts ASIN: B0000074HQ Release Date: 1971-01-01

Tracks:

1. This Is What Happens
2. Thoughts to Geoff
3. Green and Orange Night Park
4. Gridal Suite
5. Five After Dawn
6. Dedicated to You, But You Weren't Listening
7. Black Horse

Album Description

Full title - Dedicated To You, But You Weren't Listening. Recorded in 1971 with the help of Elton Dean, Robert Wyatt, Gary Boyle and Roy Babbington, Tippett gives birth to a personalized avant-garde style that puts him in a class of his own. 7 tracks. Repertoire.

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant - Superb - 5 stars are not enough.......1999-07-21

Keith Tippett, Elton Dean and friends, as always, amazing me every time I hear them.

Very energic and creative jazz / rock.......1999-06-25

I strongly recommend this one. This is one of the best albums of english jazz rock i've ever heard. The music is energic and bright and you can feel the pleasure musicians are having in playing.

MAGIQUE.......1998-12-21

Keith nous fait visiter ses reves, fantasmer, s'evader... et heureusement on peut l'ecouter!

Average customer rating:

Superhits: 1967 (Time Life Music) The Bee Gees , Stone Poneys , Harpers Bizarre , Bobby Vee and the Strangers , The Casinos , Petula Clark , The Monkees , Bobbie Gentry , The Young Rascals , and Spanky and Our Gang Manufacturer: Time Life Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000SJUXGE

Product Description

Released by Time Life Music . SONG LIST :1. Up-Up And Away---The 5th Dimension 2.Happy Together--The Turtles 3.Daydream Believer--- The Monkees 4. Dedicated to the One I Love---The Mamas and The Papas 5. How Can I Be Sure---The Young Rascals 6. Sunday Will Never Be the Same--- Spanky and Our Gang 7. I Second That Emotion---Smokey Robinson and The Miracles 8. 98.6--- Keith 9. I Say a Little Prayer--- Dionne Warwick 10. To Love Somebody---The Bee Gees 11. Tell It like It Is--- Aaron Neville 12.Windy---The Association 13.Don't Sleep in the Subway--- Petula Clark 14. Come Back When You Grow Up--- Bobby Vee and The Strangers 15. Different Drum--- Stone Poneys 16. The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)--- Harper's Bizarre 17. The Rain, the Park And Other Things---The Cowsills 18. Love Is Here And Now You're Gone---The Supremes 19. (The Lights Went Out In) Massachusetts---The Bee Gees 20. Green, Green Grass of Home---Tom Jones 21. Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye--- The Casinos 22.Ode to Billie Joe- Bobbie Gentry

Music Album:

1. Dock Boggs: His Folkways Years 1963-1968
2. Earliest Recordings: Complete Rich-R-Tone 78s (1947-1952) [Original recording remastered]
3. Eats Away the Night
4. For the Ladies [Enhanced] [Live]
5. Forget About It [SACD]
6. Foster & Lloyd
7. Friday Night in Dixie
8. Genuine Rhythm & the Blues
9. George Strait
10. Girls I Have Known/Intimate Jim Reeves [Import]

Music Album