{songbook}

Track Listings

 
1. How Do I Live
2. The Song Remembers When
3. The Wrong Side of Memphis
4. In Another's Eyes
5. The Woman Before Me
6. Perfect Love
7. Thinkin' about you
8. Down on my Knees
9. She's in love with the boy
10. Walkaway Joe
11. XXX's and OOO's (An american girl)
12. Like We Never Had a Broken Heart

{songbook},Trisha Yearwood
It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Rod Stewart
  • Another Great CD
  • Save Your Money!
  • a real disappointment
  • Rod Stewart, Crooner
It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook
Rod Stewart
Manufacturer: J-Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. As Time Goes By...The Great American Songbook: Volume II
  2. Stardust... The Great American Songbook, Vol. III
  3. Thanks For The Memory...The Great American Songbook IV
  4. Still the Same...Great Rock Classics Of Our Time
  5. Moonlight Serenade

ASIN: B00006JL4J
Release Date: 2002-10-22

Tracks:

  1. You Go To My Head (feat Dave Koz)
  2. They Can't Take That Away From Me (feat Arturo Sandoval)
  3. The Way You Look Tonight
  4. It Had to Be You (feat Michael Brecker)
  5. That Old Feeling (feat Arturo Sandoval)
  6. These Foolish Things (feat Dave Koz)
  7. The Very Thought of You
  8. Moonglow (feat Arturo Sandoval)
  9. I'll Be Seeing You
  10. Everytime We Say Goodbye (feat Dave Koz)
  11. The Nearness of You
  12. For All We Know
  13. We'll Be Together Again
  14. That's All

Amazon.com

Rod Stewart's mellowing years have neatly coincided with a commitment to smart ballad choices and a generally warmer musical persona. Rod the Mod liberated at last? Like many a pop singer, Stewart returns here to what's become generally known as the Great American Songbook, that evergreen body of mid-20th century songcraft that continues to inspire singers across oceans and generations. It's said that Stewart has been vocalizing many of these songs in private for years, and given the warm, human scale of most of the performances here, it's not hard to believe. Producer Phil Ramone's spare, unobtrusive arrangements inspire the singer to some of his most subtle and rewarding performances in years. Stewart's slightly weary vocal tack handsomely suggests the smoke, booze, and aching heart that lie at the best of these songs. Such back-to-the-future efforts can often sound like a last career gasp; here, they seem a refreshing breath of fresh air. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Rod Stewart.......2007-06-28

It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook
~ Rod Stewart
Given as gift to my 73 yr old aunt.
She requested it!

5 out of 5 stars Another Great CD.......2007-06-02

Once again, Rod Stewart "Great American Song Book" Series is great. We now have all of them and enjoy them all. He has always been a talent and these series of CD's are just as wonderful as all of Stewart's music. Highly recommend.

1 out of 5 stars Save Your Money!.......2007-05-15

I already had his "As Time Goes By" album and listen to it constantly so I figured it would be a natural to buy this one. Couldn't wait for it to be delivered. Played it once and it was Awful all the way around. His voice, the accompanyment, the sound! It's sitting in front of me as I type this and I have no desire to ever play it again, that's how bad it is. On the other hand, his "As Time Goes By" disk is fabulous! But if I had bought "It Had to Be You" first it would have ended there. Unfortutely, I can't get my money back. Don't make the same mistake unless you adore this guy and will put up with anything he recorded no matter how bad it is.

2 out of 5 stars a real disappointment.......2007-05-15

I bought this CD with great expectations,however after hearing it several times I have to say that Rod Stewart failed.His singing is unable to convey the soft swing mood which is fundamental to this beautiful songs.His voice sounds dull and does not transmit any emotion.I think Mr Stewart should return to what he really does masterfully,pop/rock

5 out of 5 stars Rod Stewart, Crooner.......2007-05-07

Wonderful! If you ever danced to or just listened to these songs way back then, you will love the new Rod Stewart singing about romance.
Stardust... The Great American Songbook, Vol. III
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • So nice
  • Rod Stewart Revisited
  • Nice listening tunes
  • igottaview
  • If works once - do it over and over and over....
Stardust... The Great American Songbook, Vol. III
Rod Stewart
Manufacturer: J-Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  2. Thanks For The Memory...The Great American Songbook IV
  3. It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook
  4. Moonlight Serenade
  5. Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook

ASIN: B0002X94Y8
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

  1. Embraceable You
  2. For Sentimental Reasons (feat Dave Koz)
  3. Blue Moon (feat Eric Clapton)
  4. What A Wonderful World (feat Stevie Wonder)
  5. Stardust
  6. Manhattan (duet with Bette Midler)
  7. S'Wonderful (feat Dave Grusin)
  8. Isn't It Romantic (feat Dave Koz)
  9. I Can't Get Started
  10. But Not For Me
  11. Kiss To Build A Dream On (feat Arturo Sandoval)
  12. Baby, It's Cold Outside (duet with Dolly Parton)
  13. Night And Day
  14. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square

Amazon.com

It's a little hard to take Rod Stewart seriously when, on the first track of this third installment in his Great American Songbook series, he sings ruefully about his love life being "lean" ("Embraceable You"). But otherwise, Stardust...Volume III is as note-for-note solid as its predecessors--a cozy-up-to-the-fire treat that's also a pleasant reminder of these songs' staying power. "S'Wonderful" settles on the ears winningly, and Stewart's scratchathon voice scalpels the cobwebs off of "Isn't It Romantic" in a way that compels the average listener to reconsider thinking it dopey. In addition, the parade of high-wattage pals recruited to pitch in continues here, resulting in a couple of must-hear combinations. Eric Clapton delivers a rather un-Clapton-like guitar solo on "Blue Moon" and Stevie Wonder blows harp like he means it on "What a Wonderful World," but it is the duets--"Baby It's Cold Outside" with the unsinkable Dolly Parton and "Manhattan" with the indomitable Bette Midler--that the dazzle most. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars So nice .......2007-07-16

I have played this cd over and over and enjoy it so much. It is wonderful for those of us who know those songs and just enjoy beautiful music. Just nice to hear lovely music once again.

5 out of 5 stars Rod Stewart Revisited.......2007-05-07

A nostalgic trip to the romantic past. Who would ever think Rod Stewart of "Hot Legs" fame could do such justice to these "Oldies but Goodies"?

4 out of 5 stars Nice listening tunes.......2007-04-01

I received a defective CD and Amazon promptly sent me a new one ... great customer service.

5 out of 5 stars igottaview.......2007-03-08

There is only 1 ROD STEWART and this album WILL NOT DISAPPOINT his fans! AWESOME! TIMELESS!

1 out of 5 stars If works once - do it over and over and over...........2007-03-05

I really like this music! Truly! And I'm only 25... It scares me that the ones who are gonna open "my generation" to this music are Rod Stewart & Westlife!
The choices of songs are good and the orchastration on the firts 2 are more the okey. But his torn old tired voice over these beautiful musical settings just doesn't do them justice. And why bring in Dolly Parton & Cher? They're both fantastic singers but jazzsingers they're NOT!
Why buy this when there's an limitless world of original jazz singers/musicians to choose from? It's just beyond me!
If you still want someone contemporaray - stick to Natalie Cole, Madeleyne Peyroux or my favourite: Stacey Kent (check her out - you WONT regret it!!!)
Back to Rod: The last effort (number 4 in the series) was so hastily put together the tracklist isn't even correct. I could just see him: "Alright people! I have an hour to record this, so just gimme the mic so I can get back to chasing women! How many millions is this cd gonna make me?! Really!? Great! We'll make another next month! Just throw something together - they'll buy anything!"
No - stick to the originals people!
As Time Goes By...The Great American Songbook: Volume II
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • igottaview
  • ANOTHER GREAT ONE!!
  • Incredible
  • Smooth and Easy Listening
  • Not Happy
As Time Goes By...The Great American Songbook: Volume II
Rod Stewart
Manufacturer: J-Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  2. Stardust... The Great American Songbook, Vol. III
  3. Thanks For The Memory...The Great American Songbook IV
  4. Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook
  5. Still the Same...Great Rock Classics Of Our Time

ASIN: B0000C9ZEX
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

  1. Time After Time
  2. Im In The Mood For Love
  3. Dont Get Around Much Anymore
  4. Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered (Duet with Cher)
  5. 'Till There Was You
  6. Until The Real Thing Comes Along
  7. Where Or When
  8. Smile
  9. My Heart Stood Still
  10. Someone To Watch Over Me
  11. As Time Goes By (Duet with Queen Latifah)
  12. I Only Have Eyes For You
  13. Crazy She Calls Me
  14. Our Love Is Here To Stay

Amazon.com

At least Rod Stewart is consistent. Long accused by critics of selling his considerable interpretative talents short and playing it safe for the trappings of fame, Stewart revisits the font of his latest career revival here. But while 2002's It Had To Be You at least turned on the novelty of hearing raspy Rod the Mod tackle a slate of American pop standards with a boozy, world-weary tone that sometimes reinforced the originals' intent with trans-generational flair, the British rock icon unfortunately reverted to form a year later on this 14-track sequel. Set against the laconic, cocktail-friendly productions of vets Richard Perry and Phil Ramone, Stewart's performances seem strangely detached throughout. Even when offered the chance at some real human interaction on a pair of ill-conceived duets with Cher (who at least attempts to bring some dramatic flair to "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered") and Queen Latifah (whose recent turn in Chicago informs the title track), Stewart seems almost blissfully unaware of their presence. These are songs that virtually demand to be acted out, not phoned in. Brilliant vocal performances often reinforce the notion of "the singer, not the song;" here that old adage sounds more like a suggestion of where to place the blame for this album's disappointments. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Produced again by luminaries Richard Perry, Phil Ramone and Clive Davis, Volume II consists of 14 all-timers such as "I'm In The Mood For Love," "Smile," "As Time Goes By," "I Only Have Eyes For You," "Someone To Watch Over Me," "Til' There Was You," and a delicious duet with Cher on "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered," with the almost-never-heard original sexy lyrics.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars igottaview.......2007-03-08

There is only 1 ROD STEWART and this album WILL NOT DISAPPOINT his fans! AWESOME! TIMELESS!

5 out of 5 stars ANOTHER GREAT ONE!!.......2007-01-23

AGAIN, HERE IS THE GREAT SOUND OF ROD STEWART! AND HIS DUETS ARE GREAT ALSO. THAT IS HALF THE FUN, LISTENING TO THE SPLENDID BLENDING OF VOICES!! I HAVE ALL FOUR OF HIS COLLECTION AND CAN'T WAIT UNTIL #5 ARRIVES IN THE STORES!!!

5 out of 5 stars Incredible.......2007-01-12

I got this CD along with "Thanks for the Memories" by Rod Stewart for my dad and he absolutely loves them. Next time I see him, he said he would save a dance or two for me. Great music!

5 out of 5 stars Smooth and Easy Listening.......2007-01-11

Can't go wrong with this CD and it will keep your feet tapping.

1 out of 5 stars Not Happy.......2007-01-11

I ordered this item thru Amazon but with another company. I never received the album and could not get them to respond to my e-mails.

I finally called Amazon and they refunded my money. Amazon is a stand up company; just don't get envolved with and of there sub companys.

I've since ordered many things from Amazon and usually can't believe how fast they get things to me.
Thanks For The Memory...The Great American Songbook IV
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Spare the Rod
  • Rod Stewart: Songbook IV
  • raves for rod
  • Thanks For The Memory...The Great American Songbook IV
  • Vibrating, exciting and mesmerizing recordings!
Thanks For The Memory...The Great American Songbook IV
Rod Stewart
Manufacturer: J-Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  2. As Time Goes By...The Great American Songbook: Volume II
  3. It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook
  4. The Greatest Songs of the Fifties
  5. Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook

ASIN: B000B7HZXM
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

  1. I've Got a Crush on You - featuring Diana Ross
  2. I Wish You Love - featuring Chris Botti
  3. You Send Me - featuring Chaka Khan
  4. Long Ago and Far Away
  5. Makin' Whoopee- featuring Elton John
  6. My One and Only Love
  7. Taking a Chance on Love
  8. My Funny Valentine
  9. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
  10. Nevertheless - featuring Dave Koz
  11. Blue Skies
  12. Let's Fall in Love - featuring George Benson
  13. Thanks for the Memory

Amazon.com

Accuse Rod Stewart of what you like--through the years he's been called a philanderer, a has-been, a pageant-ish progenitor of puff rock--but as he has consistently proved with his Great American Songbook series, the concept of dignity is not lost on him. There is a time, after all, for leaping across stages in leopard-print spandex while shamelessly parading an unparalleled gift for scratchy-voiced seduction, and he is past it. Past his prime is another thing. On this fourth installation of the Clive Davis-produced series, Stewart again makes excellent use of his rolodex: Diana Ross, whose affection for this material comes through as convincingly as her spike-haired partner's, cuddles up for opener "I've Got a Crush On You," Chaka Khan packs her bags but not her mighty vocals for "You Send Me," and Sir Elton shelves the recent balladeer's instincts for a rip-roaring run through "Makin' Whoopee." A handful of marquee instrumentalists also returned Rod's calls-- Dave Koz blows sax on "Nevertheless," and trumpeters Chris Botti and Roy Hargrove turn up the heat on "I Wish You Love" and "My One and Only Love" respectively. As on earlier discs, though, it's when Rod rules the spotlight alone that he can be most compelling: Cue up "My Funny Valentine" in the right frame of mind and you may never need to hear it sung by another. Retiring the satin shirts in favor of this material was the smartest move Stewart ever made. --Tammy La Gorce

More from the Great American Songbook


It Had To Be You

As Time Goes By

Stardust

Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook

Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook

The Great American Songbook

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Spare the Rod.......2007-07-09

Great listening. Not the smoothest voice, but a real stylist. And I want his HAIR

4 out of 5 stars Rod Stewart: Songbook IV.......2007-07-04

We have purchased all four of the songbook CD's, and enjoy all equally. This is a nice and easy listen, for relaxing times. Stewart seems to feel the moods of the songs, and performs them with style. My wife plays them at her restaurant and gets many good compliments also.

4 out of 5 stars raves for rod.......2007-06-27

as always rod is fabulous. anything he does he does beautifully.it is a great album for those of us who appreciate theseb classics.

5 out of 5 stars Thanks For The Memory...The Great American Songbook IV.......2007-05-15

Wonderful album of Rod Stewart! Fast shipping and great customer service.

5 out of 5 stars Vibrating, exciting and mesmerizing recordings!.......2007-04-09


Rod Stewart, apart to be a living legend on stages through over three decades and a half, , is a singer who has known to reinvent himself over and over. This successful idea, so desired for many others singers have found in his original voice, the perfect instrument to bring us back to all these vanished memories,
Unforgettable melodies that found the widest resonance in the decade of the forties, fifties and sixties.

Supported by a fabulous big leaguer musical team, Stewart has know to sharp every song he sung, with adequate emotion, accuracy and commitment. The result of this initial experiment has been materialized until this date in four extraordinary registers.

In what concerns this special album the result has been particularly gratifying. The achieved maturity has been reached until the last consequences. He is a crooner of a huge charisma and extraordinary melodic vein, reason which this CD has figured so many weeks in enviable ranking sellers as one the most fortunate since its release the last year.

Under any circumstance you should miss this fabulous compilation, that somehow complements decades that will never get back but that certainly feed and flamed the romantic imagination and were motives of special and pleasant attention for many couples around the world that nowadays are grandfathers or even great grand fathers.
Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Songbook
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • I Love Ella in Paris!
  • A Best Seller in Heaven
  • The First Lady of Song Sings Cole Porter Gems
  • I LOVE THIS WOMAN!!!
  • new ella fitzgerald fan
Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000047EG
Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

  1. All Through The Night
  2. Anything Goes
  3. Miss Otis Regrets
  4. Too Darn Hot
  5. In The Still Of The Night
  6. I Get A Kick Out Of You
  7. Do I Love You?
  8. I'm Always True To You In My Fashion
  9. Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love)
  10. Just One Of Those Things
  11. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
  12. All Of You
  13. Begin The Begiune
  14. Get Out Of Town
  15. I Am In Love
  16. From This Moment On

Tracks:

  1. I Love Paris
  2. You Do Something To Me
  3. Ridin' High
  4. Easy To Love
  5. It's All Right With Me
  6. Why Can't You Behave?
  7. What Is This Thing Called Love?
  8. You're The Top
  9. Love For Sale
  10. It's De-Lovely
  11. Night And Day
  12. Ace In The Hole
  13. So In Love
  14. I've Got You Under My Skin
  15. I Concentrate On You
  16. Don't Fence Me In
  17. You're The Top (Alternative Take)
  18. I Concentrate On You (Alternative Take)
  19. Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love) (Alternative Take)

Amazon.com

Long considered a jewel in Verve Records' very impressive crown, Fitzgerald's songbook collections of various composers--a series that was started by the success of this set--are all wonderful, but her natural wit and intelligence was at its most perfect with Cole Porter's erudite, urbane songs. While not as scat-oriented as her small group outings, these Porter sets offer her most realized pop performances. Also, the gold remastering does a fine job of bringing out the nuances in the arrangements, making this a treasure for the serious collector and the casual listener alike. A true American music gem. --Skip Heller

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars I Love Ella in Paris!.......2007-01-30

I received this CD for Christmas. I never listened to
another Christmas carol after this started playing.
This not only has Ella's great vocals, but it has songs
that everyone, at least everyone of my age, knows
and loves. On a trip to Paris we listened
to it every evening in our apartment while sipping our wine and watching
the barges glide down the Seine. When Ella sang "I Love
Paris", that did it for my friend. She bought it as soon as she got back home.

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

The de-lightful-est! The de-lovely-est! It doesn't get better than this!

Vaishali, Naples, FL

5 out of 5 stars The First Lady of Song Sings Cole Porter Gems.......2006-12-13

"In Ella Fitzgerald there is a basic purity of sound and of style; she sings truly and she sings honestly. She is the Hemingway of the singers. Is there another singer alive today whose work, like Hemingway, is so basic and simple on the surface and yet so meaningful? There are none, of course. In the jargon Hemingway loves so well, today it is Ella, the champion, against the field." ~ Norman Granz ~

"What it is we recognize and enjoy as distinctively "Cole Porter" in Cole Porter lyric? Actually there are many great things in Porter lyrics and this gives them a continuing charm by always giving us something new to discover. But there is a key trait or quality that is paramount in a Porter lyric. It is intelligence that is the reigning force in Porter, putting all his facts, facilities and philosophies into the right balance to make good entertainment. And that, after all, is his purpose." ~ Fred Lounsberry ~

This two-CD-set presents the very best of Cole Porter songs as interpreted by the legendary songbird, Ella Fitzgerald at her best, and arranged and conducted by Buddy Bregman so remarkably wonderful. It's one of the best-ever Songbook series she recorded. This set offers a compilation of the most popular Cole Porter gems from stage shows and motion pictures from 1929 thru 1954, except for one track, "Miss Otis Regrets," which is neither from stage nor screen.

Cole Porter was one of the few great songwriters who can creatively write a song by himself and didn't need a songwriting partner. He was at par with Irving Berlin and Frank Loesser in that category. In these recordings, his songs really shine through with Ella Fitzgerald's beautiful interpretations, from "Begin The Beguine," "Do I Love You" and "Every Time We Say Goodbye" to "You Do Something To Me," "Easy To Love" and "I Concentrate On You."

This is essential not only to all Ella Fitzgerald and Cole Porter fans, but also to anyone who loves the Songbook series.

A collector's item.

5 out of 5 stars I LOVE THIS WOMAN!!!.......2006-09-02

I love this cd so much that at least one of them (it is a 2-cd set) are in my cd changer at ALL times. This is truly one of the best investments in music I have EVER made and I am so glad I bought it!!! This has to be one of the best ella cds out there...PERIOD.

4 out of 5 stars new ella fitzgerald fan.......2006-07-03

I never listened to this type of music before. I am a Jewel fan & had saw that this was her favorite cd, so I decided to give it a try. I am very impressed. Great cd!
Songbook: A Collection of Hits
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • I love Trisha's Voice...
  • The best!
  • Trisha Yearwood
  • Better Than the Best!!!
  • Simply Beautiful...
Songbook: A Collection of Hits
Trisha Yearwood
Manufacturer: Mca Nashville
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000005KRD
Release Date: 1997-08-26

Tracks:

  1. How Do I Live (From The Touchtone Motion Picture 'Con Air')
  2. The Song Remembers When
  3. The Wrong Side Of Memphis
  4. In Another's Eyes
  5. The Woman Before Me
  6. Perfect Love
  7. Thinkin' About You
  8. Down On My Knees
  9. She's In Love With The Boy
  10. Walkaway Joe
  11. XXX's And OOO's (An American Girl)
  12. Like We Never Had A Broken Heart

Amazon.com

Trisha Yearwood ended up in the middle of one of 1997's music-industry storms when her version of the big ballad "How Do I Live" aced out teenage sensation LeAnn Rimes' on the soundtrack of Con Air, an action flick everyone immediately forgot about. Also somewhat lost in the commotion was Yearwood's own honorable half-decade-plus of hits, so many that some of her best (like a masterful version of Melissa Etheridge's "You Can Sleep While I Drive") didn't make it to this roundup of singles. That's OK; there'll be another. And for now, Songbook honorably recapitulates the career so far of one of current country's most-reliables. --Byline

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars I love Trisha's Voice..........2007-01-30

Great songs, wonderful voice and great production.
Have always been a fan of Trisha.
Not many artist can hold my attention very long, but she can.

5 out of 5 stars The best!.......2006-11-04

It is truly what the title says - a collection of hits! My favorite CD of Trisha Yearwood!

5 out of 5 stars Trisha Yearwood.......2006-07-22

Bought the CD specificly for the song on it "Blanket On The Ground". I use to sing it when I sang with a band a few years back. Ok, quite a few years ago. LOL. Liked the CD

5 out of 5 stars Better Than the Best!!!.......2006-02-24

Trisha Yearwood puts together a diversity of her finest songs.
Topically she ranges from teenagers in love(She's In Love With The Boy") to memories of young love(The Song Remembers When),and then a more mature love (Perfect Love) and its effects(How Do I Live ).

Along the path she joins with Garth Brooks in the duet"In Another's Eyes",and Trisha joins with Don Henley(Eagles) for the duet"Walkaway Joe".

This is truly a collection of hits,because it's a right on target sensation all around!

5 out of 5 stars Simply Beautiful..........2005-10-01

Trisha Yearwood has a talent like no other. Her voice is just beautiful and her delivery is perfect! This CD includes all of her major hits from the '90s and even three new songs which have all since became standards for Trisha! She is definetly gonna go down in history as one of Country's brightest stars! Everyone needs to own a copy of this CD!
Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • GREAT, but....
  • You can BETTE it'll please ya !!!
  • Excellent
  • This CD is Outstanding
  • Bette is the Bomb
Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook
Bette Midler
Manufacturer: Sony/ Columbia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook
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  4. As Time Goes By...The Great American Songbook: Volume II
  5. Stardust... The Great American Songbook, Vol. III

ASIN: B0000BYMYK
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

  1. You'll Never Know
  2. This Ole House
  3. On a Slow Boat to China
  4. Hey There
  5. Tenderly
  6. Come On-A My House
  7. Mambo Italiano
  8. Sisters
  9. Memories of You
  10. In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening
  11. White Christmas

Amazon.com

It's nice to see Bette Midler putting her spin on an American classic after less-than-convincing detours through adult-contemporary cheese. This tribute focuses on Rosemary Clooney in the early to mid-1950s--so we don't get any of the fabulous Nelson Riddle material--but it's a fairly strong offering. It was produced and arranged by Midler's old musical director, Barry Manilow--who actually dueted with Clooney on a couple of songs in the 1990s and here replaces Bing Crosby on the duet "On a Slow Boat to China." Mostly, the CD is about hits: "Hey There" and "White Christmas" are done in straightforward manner, while Linda Ronstadt fills in for Rosemary's actual sister Betty on a slinky version of "Sisters." Happily, Midler plays "Come On-A My House" down instead of up (the old Bette would have milked its comic aspect) but the singer lets loose on "Mambo Italiano." That's pretty much the only time the Divine Miss M peeks out from behind Clooney's elegant persona, and it's a delight. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars GREAT, but...........2007-06-26

This is a fine tribute to a truly great singer. Bette is in wonderful voice, and does full justice to Rosemary Clooney. "Mambo Italiano", and "Slow Boat to China" are delightful; in fact, I prefer Bette's "Slow Boat" to the original. "Come On A My House" is quirky enough to be great. It's actually a historically important song; the harpsichord was ubiquitous in the days of Bach and Mozart, but by the 1950's, it was forgotten; Miss Clooney used one in the background, and the instrument made a comeback. Of course, Bette uses it, too. Most people don't know that "This Ole House" was originally a hymn by the late Stuart Hamblin...quite a story. "Sisters" is a pure joy, with Bette paired with Linda Ronstadt; I can't tell their voices apart, but I can't tell Rosemary and Betty apart on the original, either.

Great album...five stars for the musical quality. But, 31 minutes is kind of short for a full price album. Also, and this may be picky, the breaks between songs are a bit shorter than I like. Caveats aside, still a super choice. Enjoy.

5 out of 5 stars You can BETTE it'll please ya !!!.......2007-01-23

Bette Midler and Barry Manilow do justice to the masterful art of Rosemary Clooney with this album of Rosemary's hits. The sound is exceptionally crisp and clear; the song selection sublime and the musical arrangements very well executed. This CD proves it.

The album starts off with "You'll Never Know" and Bette begins this song with passion a cappella. The musical arrangement that then joins her is flawless and Bette's voice is strong, vibrant and full of energy. The CD changes gears somewhat for the next track, "This Ole House," which Bette performs with an awesome country twist.

Most of the CD boasts classic ballads that true music aficionados could never forget. These great songs include "On a Slow Boat to China" that offers some great chemistry and banter between Bette Midler and Barry Manilow; "Hey There;" "Tenderly;" "Memories of You;" "In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening" and "White Christmas." Excellent!

"Mambo Italiano" is a fun song and Bette works this number to the hilt with her passion; she communicates her emotions so well for this number. Linda Ronstadt does a great job with Bette for their duet of "Sisters."

The liner notes include great pictures of Bette and Barry Manilow as well as the credits for each song.

Unfortunately, however, although there are eleven songs on this CD, the total running time is barely more than 30 minutes. That's too short a songbook to honor and remember the great Rosemary Clooney. Where are some of the songs Clooney did with Nelson Riddle? Amazon correctly mentions that the focus of the material is too skewed toward the early to mid 1950s. Could a Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook, volume 2, come to fruition in the near future? It would sure please this author! Unfortunately, these drawbacks frustrate me so I will take off one star to make this a four star review.

Overall, Bette does a superlative job of honoring Rosemary Clooney with the help of Barry Manilow and Linda Ronstadt. Bette delivers a strong, upbeat and vibrant performance that leaves you wanting more! I agree with the reviewer who writes that this CD will make you want to hear Rosemary's original recordings of these classic songs. Fans of Rosemary Clooney and Bette Midler will definitely enjoy this album; and I highly recommend this CD for fans of classic pop vocals as well.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent.......2006-11-10

We thoroughly enjoy this CD and the song selections chosen. The combination of Bette's vocals and excellent background musicians make it a great choice for anyone who loves the nostalgic era of Rosemary Clooney. Makes you want to learn how to swing dance!

5 out of 5 stars This CD is Outstanding.......2006-11-10

My husband and I like Bette Midler to begin with . . . . but . . . this is by far the best album we have of hers. We dance, we sing and in general enjoy every song on the album.

We're going to purchase her new Christmas album in hopes that it is equally as great!

5 out of 5 stars Bette is the Bomb.......2006-07-28

Rosemary Clooney had some beautiful songs that needed to be shared with the younger generations. And who else but Bette could do them with such passion! This is a treasured CD.
The Disney Songbook
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Jim Brickman-The Disney Songbook
  • Incredible music
  • The Disney Songbook
  • Best Jim Brickman ever in a huge Disney fan's opinion!
  • Amazing
The Disney Songbook
Jim Brickman
Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000AYQO2E
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

  1. Beauty and the Beast
  2. Mary Poppins Medley: Chim Chim Cheree/Feed the Birds/Let's Go Fly a Ki
  3. Cruella De Vil
  4. Beautiful - Wayne Brady, Jim Brickman
  5. Reflection
  6. When I See an Elephant Fly - Jim Brickman, Josh Gracin
  7. Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah
  8. Baby Mine - Jim Brickman, Kassie Depaiva
  9. Can You Feel the Love Tonight
  10. Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes - Jim Brickman, Kimberley Locke,
  11. Someday My Prince Will Come
  12. I'm Amazed - Jim Brickman, Lila McCann
  13. When You Wish Upon a Star
  14. Beautiful [Music Video] - Wayne Brady, Jim Brickman

Amazon.com

New Agey pianist Jim Brickman's history with children-friendly material goes back a long way--one of his early assignments was writing for Jim Henson, after all. On this album, he tackles Disney songs, although that definition is rather flexible. New tracks "Beautiful" (featuring vocalist Wayne Brady) and "I'm Amazed" (featuring country singer Lila McCann) aren't actually from any movie or TV show but inspired by Cinderella. (Other singing guests of note include former American Idol contestants Kimberley Locke and Josh Gracin.) Brickman's approach is so mellow that it's hard to tell the tunes apart in a Mary Poppins medley made up of five different songs, including the usually upbeat "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." This actually extends to the entire album, which feels like an extended medley. On the plus side, nothing comes in to peskily disrupt the soothing vibe. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Jim Brickman-The Disney Songbook.......2007-05-14

I am a HUGE Jim Brickman fan. I love his music. This CD is probably my favorite.The Disney Songbook

5 out of 5 stars Incredible music.......2007-01-04

I love this CD! Will buy others by this artist...love the Disney music..wonderful to listen to anytime and a great CD to share with others.

5 out of 5 stars The Disney Songbook.......2006-11-10

I am a great fan of Jim Brickman and as usual he has not disappointed me.
All of the Disney favories sound great! I would definitely recommend this CD to all.

5 out of 5 stars Best Jim Brickman ever in a huge Disney fan's opinion!.......2006-05-25

I have been looking for this CD for a long time, and I bought it in a CD shop near my university yesterday. I think this is the best album of Jim Brickman, but not only because I'm a huge Disney fan.
I'm so happy that there is a lyric paper went with the CD, because I have been looking for the lyric of "Beautiful". However, my favorite track is "Beauty and the Beast". Even though it's without vocal and lyric, it's still so romantic, the sound of piano even made it more romantic! The track "Mary Poppins Medley" is also one of the best, some well-known Mary Poppins songs get together and played by piano, it gives me an all-new feeling, even better that the original in the movie. Before I listened to this album, I couldn't imagine how the track "Cruella De Vil" was, but I found it's wonderful when I listened to it, the initial comical feeling hasn't lost because of without vocal! I didn't like songs from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" before, but "Someday My Prince Will Come" in this album is very beautiful, then I realized that a Disney song can be more wonderful while it's without vocal. "When You Wish Upon A Star" is pretty good, the sound of piano feels just like the sound of shinning stars in the sky. "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" is good, but the beginning of this track made me a little confused. "Reflection" is very different from my anticipation, the principal tune seems lost, but it still gives me a different and good feeling.
In the songs with vocals, "Beautiful" is one of the best. Before I hear this original version, I have heard the Christmas Version in "Disney Princess Christmas Album" and all my roommates love this very much. The 2 versions have the same melody and rhythm but different lyric, but the romantic feeling is just the same! "Baby Mine" is the best in my opinion, it's warm and gentle, it makes me cry easily. "When I See An Alephant Fly" is good too, the tune has been changed a lot, but the wonderful feeling it gives me hasn't changed at all! I have never heard the song "I'm Amazed" before, maybe it's just as "Beautiful", it's not a song from Disney movies. However, it's tune and lyric is just great as every Disney song's.
Well, this album is wonderful, Jim Brickman takes us into a magical Disney world by playing piano. I bet every Disney fan won't miss this great album and the wonderful feeling it brings!

5 out of 5 stars Amazing.......2006-03-23

This CD is absolutly amazing. The talent displayed by Jim Brickman and all the other vocalists on the CD is superb.
Oh, Lady, Be Good! Best of the Gershwin Songbook
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Oh, Lady, Be Good! Best of the Gershwin Songbook by Ella Fitzgerald
  • no one like Ella...
  • Oh Lady Be Good is BETTER Than Good!
  • MUST HAVE!!!!
  • The Best of the Best....
Oh, Lady, Be Good! Best of the Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000004711
Release Date: 1996-01-30

Tracks:

  1. Fascinating Rhythm
  2. 'S Wonderful
  3. Someone to Watch over Me
  4. He Loves and She Loves
  5. Oh, Lady, Be Good!
  6. A Foggy Day
  7. How Long Has This Been Going On?
  8. Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
  9. But for Me
  10. My One & Only
  11. I've Got a Crush on You
  12. Nice Work if You Can Get It
  13. The Man I Love
  14. Funny Face
  15. Embraceable You
  16. They Can't Take That Away From Me
  17. I Got Rhythm

Amazon.com essential recording

Ella recorded five LPs' worth of Gershwin tunes for her songbook series, which was frankly a little much, so this single disc skims the cream. These songs are the ur-texts of American pre-war pop, straightforward love songs made to flow off a singer's tongue, and here they're in the hands of a master. Nelson Riddle's arrangements tend toward the soupy side--the bombastic string sections are distinctly nonjazz--but Ella, as always, sings with absolute taste and authority. She doesn't seem to be living inside the lyrics the way she does with, say, the Cole Porter songbook, but the simplicity of the Gershwins' melodies and sentiments let her get across some gently nuanced, technically exquisite singing. --Douglas Wolk

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Oh, Lady, Be Good! Best of the Gershwin Songbook by Ella Fitzgerald.......2007-01-09

I love Ella and I love Gershwin. They're both great! The musical arrangements by Nelson Riddle are another story. They take away from Ella's beautiful voice and misinterpret Gershwin beautiful music. You get over it after a few listenings however and the music is still enjoyable. I guess it's a product of the era it was made in.

4 out of 5 stars no one like Ella..........2004-08-18

frankly, there's no one out there i'd rather hear sing gershwin than ella fitzgerald, and this is an excellent compilation of ella singing some gershwin classics.

however, i was initially disappointed by this cd b/c i'd been searching for an album the showcased ella as opposed to the songs themselves. the highlights of this album are gershwin's songs (and ella does them sweet justice), but if you want a simple collection of ella at her best, in my opinion this isn't it.

5 out of 5 stars Oh Lady Be Good is BETTER Than Good!.......2003-07-11

For those who want to hear Ella weave her magic in crisp, sparkling STEREO this is one of the VERY best of her many CDs. On this one she performs a unique, slow-tempo "Oh Lady Be Good" (that's right, SLOW and MELLOW as you've never heard it before and as only she could do it - and this alone is worth the price of admission). All the other top Gershwin goodies ("A Foggy Day", "But not For Me", "The Man I Love", etc.) are enhanced by Nelson Riddle's incomparable arrangements recorded in magnificent wrap-around sound that puts you right in front row center. So buckle up. This is a thrill-ride you'll want to experience again and again and again!

5 out of 5 stars MUST HAVE!!!!.......2002-10-13

Anyone who enjoys Ella Fitzgerald has to have this album in their collection. Every since I bought it, it's played on a continual basis on my stereo system.You'll appreciate this album as one her her greatest.

5 out of 5 stars The Best of the Best...........2002-09-22

Ella's voice is part of my childhood. She and George Gershwin played my lullabies. Not a bad introduction to music. Even now when I can't sleep I bring her back and let her sing in my head. Was there ever anything as lovely as Ella's voice? Everything falls away except the for the pure magic of her voice, the orchestra soaring...
This CD comes as close to the old "Ella Sings Gershwin" LP my parents had that I have found. Only "Clap a'Yo Hands" is missing. These are songs you love to listen to and love to sing. All my life I'll be grateful that Ella taught me how to sing! How can you not sing when you hear "Someone to Watch Over Me"? "The Man I Love"? How sweet is "I've Got a Crush on You"? I feel like I've just found buried treasure! I've got more Ella recordings that anything else in my collection, but like the CD itself says, "The Best of the Best of the Best of the Best." It's fabulous to have the all these amazing songs on one CD.
I just got myself a great present. You should get one too!
Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • I love Bette, but...
  • Miss Lee meer the divine Ms M
  • I love being here with Bette
  • FANTASTIC!
  • Defective product
Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook
Bette Midler
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook
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ASIN: B000BBOFOK
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Fever
  2. Alright, Okay, You Win
  3. I Love Being Here With You
  4. Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe
  5. Is That All There Is?
  6. I'm A Woman
  7. He's A Tramp
  8. The Folks Who Live On The Hill
  9. Big Spender
  10. Mr. Wonderful

Amazon.com

Bette Midler and musical director Barry Manilow follow their successful tribute to Rosemary Clooney with a collection of songs immortalized by Peggy Lee. It starts off with the inevitable "Fever," which Midler does in a brassy, finger-snapping way that would feel more at home at the Sands c. 1960 than in a dimly lit 1950s boudoir. It's a deliberate, clever choice that works for Midler. The selection hits predictable bases ("Is That All There Is?", "Big Spender") but it's hard to argue when those bases are so loaded. Midler actually sounds a lot more at ease than on the Clooney disc. She handles the upbeat material as well as could be expected, but she also shines on the slower numbers, delivering sultry takes on "Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe," "I'm a Woman," and "He's a Tramp" (a song copenned by Lee, from the Disney movie Lady and the Tramp). The neglected gem in the collection is Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II's "The Folks Who Live on the Hill," popularized by Irene Dunne in 1937 before being covered by Lee. Manilow's arrangements are deliciously lush and Midler uses a slight vibrato at carefully chosen moments, somehow sounding as if she had suddenly been lifted back to the 1940s. It's a real treat that epitomizes an accomplished album. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars I love Bette, but..........2007-05-14

I cannot tell you how disappointed I was in this album. I love Bette Midler and think she is one of the greatest entertainers we have today. But, my impression of this album was that she came into the studio, sang a few Peggy Lee songs, told them where to send the check and went home. To add insult to injury, there isn't a photo or anything else on the CD itself, just barely legible "This side up." Sorry Bette, in the future I'll stick to you singing your own material.

5 out of 5 stars Miss Lee meer the divine Ms M.......2007-03-27

The trend in music lately is singers (Like Midler, Manilow, Rod Stewart)are recoring classics or standards. It seems to work, because it record sale magic.

Bette Midler has always been a great soulful singer, from the 1970's to present. Last year, Ms M took on the task for recording the Rosemary Clooney (that's George's aunt) songbook. This time she recorded the songs of Peggy Lee.

Lee has been a soulful jazz queen. Midler is one of the few singers today that could take on such Lee standards like "Fever", "He's a Tramp" , "Big Spender", and "Is that all there is?". Midler take on these pieces with such an aplome that you feel they were written today for Midler herself. The weakest song "The Folks who live on the Hill" does not fit Midler's vocal pattern range, she seem straining in that song. The duet with Barry Manilow on "I Love Being Here with you" reminds me of classic Ms M.

Talking about Manilow, who has recorded songs of the 1950, 1960, and the 1970, produced this CD for Midler. He has done a great job arranging & Producing this cd, Mailow make this seem so easy. It reminds that he was Midler's Piano man for years. He arranges these to suit her brassy style and it works so well

The DVD side has some rare Peggy Lee footage and interviews with Midler and others.

So, to quote Peggy Lee, "Is that all There is? Depressingly YES there is, and you want MORE

Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD




5 out of 5 stars I love being here with Bette.......2006-07-20

Bette follows up her tribute to friend Rosemary Clooney, with a tribute to the great Peggy Lee. This set may not be as adventurous as the Rosie tribute, as the arrangements are very traditional (which suites these songs), however this is still a wonderful album. The ballads "the folks who live on the hill" and Harold Arlen's lovely "happiness is just a thing called Joe" are simply stunning and two of Bette's finest ever vocal performances. "fever" (revelatory interpretation) and "he's a tramp" come up a treat, and "I am w-o-m-a-n" is the divine Miss M in all her glory. Bette's been recording standards since `am I blue" on her first album (1972) and with the possible exception of Linda Ronstadt no rock singer sings the standards better then Bette and this album is a testament to that. Great songs, great arrangements, great singing, great album and a lovely tribute to a dearly missed singer (and songwriter).

5 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC!.......2006-07-13

Bette midler has done justice to the talents of Peggy Lee! Not only does she add to the style of Peggy Lee, she embelishes it. An added feature are the DVD performances of some of the songs. Bette Midler's rendition of 'Is That All There Is' is unforgetable.

1 out of 5 stars Defective product.......2006-04-20

I wish I knew if this recording was good or not. The dual format CD/DVD does not work. I thought the first defective and Amazon promptly replaced it. The newer version does not work either, it just clicks away. I tried it both in my MAC G4 as well as my Sony CD player. Nada. Invest your money is something that might actually work and avoid dual format.

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