5 comments about Nice Work If You Can Get It: Songs by the Gershwins.

1. 
   Oh, yes!
   
   So, if you're in the mood for a pulls-out-all-the-stops, "Grand Production" number, you'll find none on any of his DVDs that's moreso than Mikey's rendition of the "Fascinating Rhythm" medley.
   
   But you can't stop there, oh, no. If what you want (and I so do) is his "fun-est" number ever (except, maybe, something from "Pure Imagination"....and that's just for kids--Ha, Ha), then grab a listen to his "Anything for You." If it doesn't stoke your fires for the next month, I don't know what will. (Oh, yeah, the title track's a kick, too).
   
   Enjoy!
   
   ****



2. Shortly before this CD was published, I had the pleasure to see Mr. Feinstein perform on a snowy April evening at RAINBOW AND STARS in New York City. The night was magic, his performance flawless, his charm contagious, and the memory is fixed into my "hard-drive" for the rest of my life. This CD is the closest I have been able to replicate that evening's performance. It captures the beauty of the night, and more importantly, the scope and magnificence of the Gershwin songbook. IF YOU ONLY OWN ONE FEINSTEIN CD, this should be the one.



3. The brilliance of George Gershwin in composing music, the ingenuity of Ira Gershwin in writing the lyrics and the artistry of Michael Feinstein in interpreting these timeless classics make this album one of the best recordings of all-time. It's a common knowledge among Gershwin fans that Mr. Feinstein has worked for Ira Gershwin for years until the songwriter's death in 1983. He's one lucky guy to have worked with one of the greatest songwriters of all-time.
   
   He interprets thirteen selections of which six I consider the very highlights of this recording. My topmost favorite is an unpublished song until 1983, "Ask Me Again," one of the less famous songs of the Gershwins but its words and music are simply splendid and I love it! The flawless arrangement complements his outstanding vocal artisty. Thank you Mr. Feinstein, for being one of the key figures in keeping the music of Gershwin brothers alive forevermore.
   
   The rest of the highlights are "Nice Work If You Can Get It," a medley of "A Foggy Day" (In London Town)/"Things Are Looking Up," a song arranged by the singer himself with Harvey Cohen, "Who Cares?" from the musical comedy "Of Thee I Sing" (who would think this song is 73 years old?) and "Someone To Watch Over Me," a song Ira Gershwin wrote about himself around the time he married his wife Leonore ("he may not be the man some girls think of as handsome..."). This charming version was arranged and conducted by a fine arranger, Don Sebesky. And my all-time favorite - Oscar-nominated "They Can't Take That Away From Me," from the 1937 film "Shall We Dance?" To me, this is the most ear-catching interpretation I've ever heard and has become my favorite for its hauntingly beautiful orchestral arrangement, which was based on the original arrangement by Conrad Salinger in 1948 recording. This charming arrangement was reconstructed by Christopher Palmer and Jeff Atmajian, and conducted by Larry Blank.
   
   "But I'll always, always keep the memory of
   The way you wear your hat
   The way you sip your tea
   The way your smile just beams
   The way you sing off-key
   The way you haunt my dreams
   No, no they can't take that away from me."
   
   Don't miss out on this CD. This is one of Michael Feinstein's nicest compilations of songs by the Gershwins. A must-have for all Gershwin and Feinstein fans. I enjoyed listening to it and I'm sure you will, too.



4. If you get only one Feinstein CD, make it this one. Each lovingly presented track stands on its own. Most of the songs are accompanied with lush and imaginative orchestrations, some with Michael at the piano. Those are the ones whose sweet simplicity will stay with you the longest. My two favorites are "For You, For Me, Forevermore", and the very obscure "Will You Remember Me?" both of which are hauntingly beautiful. Michael has the rare gift of making you feel that he is singing only to you. If you ever have the opportunity to see him perform live, grab it. He is funny, charming, and loves his audiences.



5. Michael Feinstein worked with Ira Gershwin during the last six years of the elder Gershwin's life and this helped form a bond between him and the musical legends.

   His first Gershwin album was a pianist's tribute, and quite good. This album being vocal is a welcome addition indeed. We hear the familiar songs such as "Someone To Watch Over Me", "Fascinating Rhythm", "They Can't Take That Away From Me," but more importantly, he introduces a number of previously unpublished songs. "Ask Me Again", "For You, For Me", "Luckiest Man In The World", all are noteworthy.

   Feinstein has a large range, and ability to encompass several styles. On "A Foggy Day", one may well recall Fred Astaire. Basically, though, his interpretaion is his own.

   This CD is especially recommended for those with a Gershwin collection as well as those who are seeking to develop such a collection.

5 comments about Safe Return.

1. Jane took 20 years off before standing in front of a microphone to sing again and her 'Return' was worth the wait. She's SO superior to most female vocialists today that I never forgot about her or her talent. She's taken great care of her one-of-a-kind voice and her "pipes" are in pristine condition. Her choice of songs are still caberet-ish, if only she'd update the repertoire!



2. This is wonderful! My only complaint? There aren't any encore recordings yet. Hopefully Jane will make some more for all of us. She is magnificent. I saw her in concert in the early 80's and she is every bit as good now as she was then!!



3. I missed the deep passion that Jane Olivor put into her songs. Seeing this out was a blessing. The sultry tones of Some Enchanted Evening haunt the recesses of my mind. My first remembrance of Jane Olivor was "One More Ride on the Merry-Go-Round". A song that my brother said I "Had to Hear". I searched out any and every CD she ever did and sent them to him. One of our own special memories. My brother is gone now - but the haunting melodies of Jane Olivor keep him alive whenever I hear them.



4. If you've never seen Jane Olivor in concert before, this CD may bother you a bit because you're used to hearing her flawless studio recordings. But having seen her in concert, this CD brings back how funny and personable she is on stage. She connects with her audience and you can hear her doing that on this CD and that makes this very special. With the exception of "Let's Make Some Memories", I loved every song on this CD and wanted more. (I didn't care for the few changes she made to the lyrics on that song). If you love Jane, buy this CD-you'll be glad you did!



5. Jane Olivor's mellifluous voice is timeless and captivating and angelically majestic; unfortunately the production value of her live recording tracks of her 'cabaret' standards as well as some of her new songs incorporated in SAFE RETURN are disappointing. Why? For a gifted and unique singer as Ms. Olivor, I am surprised that a major investment firm or an extremely wealthy "benefactor" hadn't offered their support by investing/producing this particular live recording production CD by hiring a full orchestra such as The Chicago Symphony Orchestra or The Boston Symphony Orchestra, or whomever - to give Ms. Olivor a well deserved "icing on the cake" sound and quality that Ms. Olivor so richly deserves (Hint... Mr. David Foster? Mr. Richard Carpenter? - are you reading this?) Ms. Olivor deserves the best in production values because she is still in top notch vocal form along with an inherent centering of security and maturity to let us know that the show goes on - no matter what, and knows that we - her fans - will always adore her - no matter what.
   I had the pleasure of attending her live concert with my cousin at The Henry Ford Theatre in Los Angeles a couple of years ago and it was superb - though again, limited in her orchestral arrangements and musicians.
   Ms. Olivor - if I had the wealth as many of our fellow "artists" and "industry" people have who work within the entertainment industry (and they know who they are), I would have gladly supported your efforts with this CD. The help that we - fellow `cabaret' musicians and singers know about - such as investing in orchestral music charts including charts for real string players - all to enrich this particular "live" recording CD project that would have adequately complimented your gorgeous voice a hundred times more. Let's hope that some "heavyweight industry people" who are reading this will wake-up and know that another future "live" recording with a full orchestral production complimenting your voice will be a gamble well worth the effort with an excellent financial "payday" return for their investment as well as for you. Perhaps, these "heavyweight industry people" could also utilyze savy marketing techniques by including your future recordings within various television and motion picture feature film productions, etc.?

4 comments about You Are My Sister.

1. These might be the best four songs I've ever heard in a row. "You Are My Sister" is a supplemental ep to the full length album "I am a bird now" but stands as a singular work of melancholic genius. "Paddy's Gone," the last track on the ep, will forever be (for me) the most somber and sincere song written to express an individuals experience of loss.



2. Regarding Bill Smith's review, this is the only studio version available of "You Are My Sister". The liner notes clearly state the person singing with Antony - BOY GEORGE. His voice and vibrato are shot due to hard core drug addiction and two decades of hard living. It's a great song, nonetheless!!!



3. The Title of this CD threw me off; the description and the first review didn't help either. The primary reason for buying this CD was the song "You Are My Sister", but this version is a duet with someone that can't sing. I can't tell which CD has a version of the song as seen on Letterman. Disappointing.



4. I first saw Antony and The Johnsons on David Letterman; I had never heard of them but from the moment he opened his mouth and began to sing "You Are My Sister", I was immediately moved! I've since listened to other music by this beautiful artist and all of his music is haunting, literally, it will linger in your mind and in your heart long after you have listened to it. I ordered "You Are My Sister" for my own sister for Christmas; it explains what I feel for my sister perfectly. This music is very different and more than likely you will either love it or completely hate it, but I think either way, it will stay with you. There is simply nothing else quite like this sound out there anywhere!

5 comments about Michael & George (Feinstein Sings Gershwin).

1. "Many other writers were deeply envious of him, wishing they too had that magic spark endowing his creations with an evergreen energy even now still combustible. George is one hundred and his music is ageless. His songs are sung, re-sung and reinterpreted in every conceivable genre, and they thrive. His concert works are beloved. Surely, as long as we care, Gershwin is here to stay." ~ Michael Feinstein, Liner Notes, 1998 ~
   
   Michael Feinstein recorded this great centennial tribute to George Gershwin in 1998. This is one of the best-ever Gershwin tributes of all-time. Thanks to the innovative talents of Michael Feinstein, Bruce Roberts and David Tobocman, who wrote the incredibly beautiful, smooth jazzy arrangements of these timeless songs from the Gershwins. It's so nice to listen to these chestnuts with new arrangements and styles.
   
   I have always cherished all Michael Feinstein CDs from my collection. They're absolutely gorgeous and worthy of repeat listenings every now and then. He's truly one of the greatest interpreters of the Great American Songbook and he's one of the best things that ever happened in the history of popular music. Additionally, all of his Liner Notes are self-written and so informative. You'll learn a lot about the origins of each song in the repertoire.
   
   The best tracks for me include "Embraceable You" so uniquely rendered with its beautiful arrangement, which incorporates an overlapping instrumental background of the songs "Fascinating Rhythm," "Somebody Loves Me," "Someone To Watch Over Me" and "Rhapsody In Blue" and Gary Foster bridges it with his superb alto sax solo. It's one of my favorite versions of this gem.
   
   Of course my perennial favorite "Love Is Here To Stay" is also a beguiling version sung with the intro verse, which was written by Ira shortly after George's death. It goes . . .
   
   "The more I read the papers
   The less I comprehend
   The world and all its capers
   And how it all will end
   
   Nothing seems to be lasting
   But that isn't our affair
   We've got something permanent
   I mean, in the way we care."
   
   Listen closely to two more remarkable tracks, "Do It Again" and "Love Walked In." They have similar arrangements and I think they are the best arrangements I've ever heard for these songs. "Love Walked In" has background vocals. All I can say is wow!
   
   Join Michael Feinstein as he takes you to a sentimental journey to the world of George and Ira Gershwin.



2. If Michael is singing - I want to hear it! His Gershwin is always superb. Alongside all the previous Gershwin releases - this earns a treasured spot. To hear the neglected verses or intros to the songs as well as his illuminating notes is a much welcomed pleasure. This is some of the best Gershwin of our time! This singer always delivers the goods and here more so.



3. Feinstein is probably the best contemporary interpreter of the music of the Gershwins, however this partiuclar CD is a bit too somber. Yes, Ira and George could be somber and brooding, but this offering has too much of that for this man's taste.



4. I've a confession....before actually purchasing this wonderful cd I had been a 'closeted' Michael Feinstein fan for many years. But, at last, it's time to come out and express my deep rooted admiration for this amazing artist! For years I have respected the work of Micheal Feinstein and upon the release of "Michael & George" thought I might enjoy this as well. Much to my surprise my then "current girlfriend" who generally disliked anything to do with Broadway musicals, actually liked it so much she ended up keeping the copy I eventually purchased before we parted ways. Mmmm...typical! So, seeing how I was beginning to miss having this cd around (which,I'll confess, may be more than I actually missed having HER around!) I quickly bought another copy to add to my collection.

   This cd was a slight change of departure for Michael (for convienience sake we'll keep this on a first name basis). While he had previously released two cd's featuring the music of George and Ira Gershwin he had never, up to this point, put out a collection of their songs using a slightly more contemporary approach. And, at the risk of losing any 'street creed' among fellow readers, I applaud him for this inventive approach! If nothing else his choice of using more modern charts actually,for me, enhances my enjoyment of these classic pieces. Michael approaches this cd in a singing style that is subtle, hushed yet also, dare I say,very intimate. His voice has always had such a warm texture and he sings these songs with a certain "playfulness" that is generally missing when performing Gershwin. If there is one problem that I constantly come across when listening to other singers attempt these wonderful tunes it is simply that in many instances they are being "overly sung" by the artist. I'm simply not a fan of "vocal gymnastics! It isn't easy to do but Michael is able to convey more in a quiet, almost imperceptible whisper( see " Embraceable You") than most singers do when 'tackling' a song and beating it to death ( see Celine Dion). The vast majority of these songs were written for musicals and should be sung with a certain,how to say,"Joie De Vivre" but how I wish more singers subscribed to the "less is more" theory when it comes to approaching a piece of music. I think we may all agree that Gerswn's songs are truly strong enough to under go a slight moderation...every now and than. C'mon, these are only songs...not the Ten Commandments!

   Overall, I simply adore this cd. Although I know it's a cliche but when he performs "Funny Face", "Embraceable You" and "Lonely Boy" I swear I am hearing these songs for the first time. And when it comes to "Do It Again"...well, let's not go there! This is a wonderful package and if you've been a Gershwin fan as long as I have please give Michael's "Michael & George" a listen. Just promise to listen with an open mind! It's a disc that is at once warm, intimate and oh so sexy. Mmmm....now I wonder what happened to that ex-girlfriend of mine!

   Four and One-Half Stars!!




5. This award-winning album of Gershwin songs is not your standard Feinstein balladeering. He is a master at interpreting these wonderful, old standards. If only he had included my favorite Gershwin, BUT NOT FOR ME; that would have capped it off and made it the most special.

5 comments about Ultra-Lounge: Christmas Cocktails, Part One.

1. It is what exactly what it says it is. Nice jazz renditions of Christmas classics. Pour your self an eggnog and enjoy



2. This is such a hip Christmas disc! Every one who hears it loves it. It is one of our favorite holiday discs.



3. Christmas Cocktails, part one gives you twenty-one awesome tracks to make you feel toasty warm all over this holiday season! The quality of the sound is excellent and anyone who likes lounge music is bound to want this album.
   
   There are several highlights of this album. The first track is Billy May's "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer Mambo." This tune's Latin beat uses the brass, percussion and perfect timing to make a great arrangement. Peggy Lee's "Winter Wonderland" is another track I really like; her excellent diction bolsters her performance. Moreover, listen for Ray Anthony's medley of "Christmas Trumpets/We Wish You A Very Merry Christmas;" this one's wonderful, too.
   
   The incomparable Julie London does a perfect job on "I'd Like You For Christmas;" her voice conveys all the romance a man could ever want from a woman. Of course, Kay Starr's excellent "(Everybody's Waitin' For) The Man With The Bag" features Kay singing at her best; the big band style arrangement lacks nothing, either.
   
   Dean Martin croons his way through "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm;" and Jackie Gleason and Jack Marshall give us a great medley of "I'll Be Home For Christmas/Baby, It's Cold Outside." Now THIS is mood music!
   
   Nancy Wilson performs a charming, sensitive rendition of the classic "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?;" and the immortal Nat King Cole performs "The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)."
   
   There are three bonus tracks. I especially liked the one that features several different artists encouraging people to contribute to "Toys For Tots;" and Billy May's eclectic version of "Jingle Bells" is a cute way for Capitol Records to wish us all a Merry Christmas.
   
   The liner notes feature an essay by R. J. Smith; and we get two drink recipes--including one of the famous Hot Toddy. The artwork is excellent.
   
   In short, if you like lounge music--and especially pop Christmastime music from the 1950s and 1960s--you have got to get this album. It's worth every penny you'll spend on it.



4. Am I the only one who can't seem to download the music into iTunes? My computer won't even acknowledge the existence of the CD. Grrrrrr - that's not the true Christmas spirit... (or IS it?)



5. Nothing can be finer that Ultra Lounge - never a bad thing to say.

5 comments about The Boy from Oz (2003 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Hugh Jackman made an incredible debut as the legendary (if somewhat little known) Aussie singer songwriter. The problem with bringing this show to Broadway is that people basically remembered Allen for starring in the flop musical "Legs Diamond" (some of the songs are resurructed from that score) Although some somes are out of place and sung by the wrong character ("Don't Wish Too Hard was sung in the Australian production during Peter and Liza's wedding while Judy sings it here.
   For future productions it should come later because it is a disco song.
   And of course "The Best That You Can Do" was written in 1982)
   Many of the "Ozalots" (the show's fans want it made into a movie. With Hugh's busy movie schedule and a possible return to Broadway while we'll have to see...



2. One of the most amazing shows I've ever seen, period!!! Hugh Jackman is an absolute musical theater treasure and is so absorbed in the role you think, at times, that Peter Allen is guiding his movemens and his expressions. Jackman has a perfect voice for this role, and the supporting cast is no less talented. The talented ladies who performed the roles of Judy and Liza had courage that equaled their ability. I saw the show three times and was time and again grateful for its enormous energy, its love and sympathy for its principal characters and, finally, the music of Allen. When Hugh sings "Once Before I Go," the audience jumps to its feet to give him a standing ovation that lasts and lasts and lasts. You don't think it'll ever end. Even Jackman seemed stunned. I hope that someone has the good sense to release this show on DVD so the average theatergoer will have the opportunity to see this once in a lifetime performance!



3. Peter Allen was all but forgotten until he was resurrected by Hugh Jackman in the musical "The Boy from Oz", a biographical musical rendition of the zany and fabulous life that Allen lead. Born in the Australian outback to a troubled drinker father who committed suicide, Allen sought escape with dreams of international stardom from a young age. When he met Judy Garland and married Liza Minnelli, Allen's career took off on Broadway and in many iconic 70's era songs, such as "I Honestly Love You" sang by fellow Aussie Olivia Newton-John. Allen epitomized the heady hedonistic 70's with his songs and lifestyle before dying of AIDS in the early 90's. The soundtrack of the Boy from Oz tells Allen's story in his own words - his songs - and paints a picture of a boy from the Australian bush who achieved fame and fortune only to go out with a bang in his signature style. From "All the Lives of Me" to "I Still Call Australia Home" to "I Go to Rio", Jackman brings back Allen to life through song and dance that pays authentic tribute to an almost forgotten musical legend.



4. This is not only one of the best performances I have ever heard on CD it is also touching and quite moving as the story of Peter Allen. Hugh Jackman is pure excellence.



5. Don't listen to the people who gave it one star. The songs are beautiful and Hugh Jackman has an amazing voice!!! The songs are wonderful and the cast is too.

5 comments about Billie Holiday: The Complete Decca Recordings.

1. I'll state the obsevation, and then give my solution. What I observed with this collection (as with many other complete sets) is that they include the unreleased alternate takes with the released takes. 9 times out of 10, there's a reason why it was never released in the first place.
   However, there are those that like that about the album, thus it is not to shoot them down.
   
   Also, I really question whether this was her "peak" period. People that say this have not heard her Commodore releases, or her Verve releases.
   
   Here's a good solution for those that don't want more than the original release of the songs. Pick up "The Lady Sings" boxed set from Proper recordings (it's a boxed set, and dirt cheap, with primo sound quality). This collection has almost all of her songs from Brunswick to Decca (not everything, but certainly her best, and about 5 hours long). For the Verve releases, there are three sets to choose from. Complete (including alternates), premium (complete minus alternates), and a best of. The best prices are (of course) from Amazon. Happy Hunting.



2. This is Lady Day at her peak and is probably the definitive collection showcasing how phenomenal a talent she was as a vocalist. As the title implies these are pretty much all her surviving tracks cut for the Decca label from 1944 to 1950 when she was in her peak vocal form and the songs here are a white-knuckle rollercoaster ride of emotions. There weren't many other vocalists anywhere near Billie's prowess at this time and her delivery runs the gamut of emotions from wistful sadness, to savage beauty, to a warm embrace. Many of her signature songs are here: "Lover Man," "Don't Explain," "'Taint Nobody's Business If I Do," "God Bless The Child," and "Good Morning Heartache." Some have complained that it is not a truly "complete" recordings package, but many of the original recordings were lost or destroyed years ago. If I had to chose a starting point for Billie Holiday you'd be hard pressed to pick a better choice than this set.



3. Billie Holiday's great talent and music has been adequately reviewed elsewhere. My comments are directed at the packaging of the songs. First, I give the music and performances 5 stars. The sound quality is excellent considering the vintage, especially on the originally released tracks. However, I have a suggestion for track sequencing and disc packagaging, thus the 4 star rating. My preference is that this set be repackaged as a 3 disc set, but remain priced as a 2 disc set with the 3rd disc listed as a bonus disc. I'd rather have a 3rd disc that comprises the early and unreleased versions of the songs.
   
   I followed my own suggestion and re-sequenced the 2 discs into a 3 disc set by burning new copies on my computer. I am much happier with the outcome, and love listening to the original released versions of songs without experiencing a duplication of titles. This presents the music in a way I think the artist would have preferred and greatly enhances the experience for me. When I'm in the mood for the additional material, the 3rd disc I created includes the early versions and previously unreleased tracks to give me the illusion of being present at the recording sessions. I find this a much more satisfying way to experience this great music.



4. What more can be said about this box-set that other reviewers haven't said yet? Lady Day at her best, with an absolute control of her voice; marvelous performances; unsurpassable sound quality; a booklet with all the information that you'll ever need... If any release deserves six stars, is this one. Don't doubt it, buy it and prepare to enjoy Billie Holiday at her most brilliant moment!!



5. The most essential cd set on the planet, I couldn't go a single week without pulling this beautiful set out and listening to her pure no-hold back from the heart singing. Beuatifulk string arrangements and a hautning voice. Simple beautiful jazz vocals.

5 comments about Remember: Michael Feinstein Sings Irving Berlin.

1. The CD came in no time and in perfect shape. Thank you.



2. This tribute to Irving Berlin is wonderful. This CD is one of Mr. Feinstein's earlier works, and the youthful enthusiasm of his vocals are as vibrant as the work of Berlin himself. Berlin would have loved Feinstein's interpretations and performance.



3. I would rather hear Michael Feinstein sing Irving Berlin's songs than anyone else. My only complaint is the choice of some of the songs. That's my problem, however, and not the fault of the CD. I would have loved to hear him sing "I Love A Piano" as he did on Irving Berlin's 100th birthday celebration. He really gave it a rousing rendition and I wish it had been included on this CD. I do like this CD enough to have bought extra copies for friends, however.



4. This cd tried to offer us a lot of songs via medleys, but really missed it's make in the end.

   I really like Michaels' voice. It is a one of a kind voice. This cd could had been great had Michael just concentrated on singing about 10 or 12 really good songs. I think the arranging was ok for this cd and Michaels' delivery seemed to sound good.

   This was one of his first cds and I agree he was just learing. I think in future cds Michael will be much better. It's just a shame we had to be his ginny pigs.




5. Every tune terrifically sung, arranged and played. Check out the medley "Puttin' on the Ritz"/Slumming on Park Avenue" -- bouncy, joyous and undisputedly musical.

5 comments about First Night.

1. This CD needs to be digitally remastered due to lack of sound quality. Not some of Jane's best songs.



2. My father, me, my daughter....the music transcends the ages. You cannot be disappointed. You'll flip thorugh the songs, you;ll end up letting a couple play, you'll then find yourself either humming them or waking up wanting to hear them and that's when you know that sometimes musical quality is simply overlooked when not sensationalized. It tells you something that the album was Stereo Review's album of the year.......



3. Being a fan for almost 30 years, what can you say about an artist that is the ultimate in emotion and expression in singing a song?



4. Jane Olivor's first two albums, "First Night" and "Chasing Rainbows" are as good as vocal music gets. "First Night" is a bit more upbeat and Cabaret-style; "Chasing Rainbows" is more melancholy. Both feature Jane Olivor's marvelous voice, which seems best described as a cross between Edith Piaf and Judy Garland.
   
   Jane's exquisite turn of a phrase makes ordinary lines unforgettable. Two of the best are "Ragged men in ragged clothes, a silver thorn, a bloody rose" from Don MacLean's marvelous song "Vincent." Another is "I would trade the moon... for a string with an orange balloon" from the cynical, world-weary cabaret tune, "One More Ride on the Merry-Go-Round." Jane's "Some Enchanted Evening" is perhaps the best version of this standard ever recorded. Oddly enough, I don't like very much her signature song, "C'est La Rose" which seems a bit affected to me.
   
   Back in 1976 this album was cited as the best of the year by "Stereo Review." I wouldn't disagree much, although I think her later album "Chasing Rainbows" may be even better.
   
   Smallchief



5. I first heard Jane Oliver in the 1970's and was immediately captivated by her voice. To me it is like honey dropping into a nice warm cup of tea. I have looked in vain in record stores to find her recordings, and all they have is stuff like Madonna, Janet Jackson, etc. who purport to be singers?? They have no melody you can follow, just yelling!

   I was thrilled to find Jane's records are still available on this website, CDNow, although Amazon has acquired it. Thank you for continuing to offer great artists such as Jane Oliver and Johnny Mathis, and at a reasonable price! These are my opinions, they may not agree with others who like the above-mentioned "so-called artists"??

5 comments about The Wall: Live in Berlin, 1990.

1. Roger Waters' The Wall in Berlin was released in September of 1990.
   This performance of The Wall was first recorded on July 21, 1990 and I heard the original radio broadcast.
   Although this is a live album, portions of it were taken from a re-do of the show after the original performance and the previous night's dress rehearsal. The original radio broadcast had the microphones all messing up and the power going out during The Thin Ice and Mother.
   Initially, in a July, 1989 radio interview, Roger initially thought of having ex-bandmates David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Rick Wright play with him. Even David went through lawyers to get the OK to do it when asked at the Knebworth 1990 show backstage but then Roger shot down his ex-bandmates' offer in early July of 1990 (hypocritical of Roger at the time). Then, Roger tried to get artists like Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart and Peter Gabriel (this would have been superb IMHO) for the performance. Unfortunately, those artists were either unavailable or wanted money so in the end he got some good artists (The Scorpions (whom were excellent on In the Flesh), Joni Mitchell (pretty good on Goodbye Blue Sky), Bryan Adams (his Young Lust was not bad), Paul Carrack (he did Hey You very well)) and some very bad artists (Van Morrison and The Band (sans Robbie Robertson which is sacrilege) (they destroyed David Gilmour's parts on Comfortably Numb), Cyndi Lauper (her duetting with Roger on Another Brick in the Wall (pt. 2) was atrocious), Ute Lemper (tolerable on The Thin Ice but Mariah Carey-esquely annoying on The Trial), Sinead O' Connor (awful here on Mother but ironically was good on Rick Wright's Broken China) and Jerry Hall (her as the groupie was unnecessary)) for the performance.
   Whilst original Wall show stalwarts Snowy White and Peter Wood plus Andy Fairweather-Low and Graham Broad were good, Rick DiFonso desecrated David Gilmour's solos thinking he was Eddie Van Halen (enough of the divebomb things with guitar Rick Van Halen DiFonso).
   Fortunately, Is There Anybody Out There? The Wall Live 1980-81 (released in 2000) does great live justice to The Wall as it is the classic Floyd lineup performing The Wall (and there are videos filmed from those shows). If I were you, I'd spend my money on Is There Anybody Out There?.
   Grab The Wall in Berlin ONLY if you are a collector.



2. Who else can pull off all these complicated songs live and still sound great than the original songwriter of The Wall. Roger Waters did a great job on this concert. Every artist performing did a wonderful job on their part, except for Van Morrison. I don't think Comfortable Numb was a good song for him to perform. Rick DiFonzo did a great job recreating David Gilmour's solos, and Snowy White is always great. All musicians were on the top of their game in this concert. Roger even brought an orchestra, choir, and the Soviet Union's marching band to recreate this rock opera. It is so over the top, that it's unbelievable. Waters really outdid himself in this concert. I recommend this to any Pink Floyd, or Roger Waters fans.



3. How can anyone even give this thing one star? ever heard of Live in the FLesh? one of the best live cd's EVER? from anyone? this thing flat blows, you can hardly hear it, it sounds like it was recorded from some bootlegger in the back row. and none of the songs mesh for beans. just a flat out waste of payola. The Flesh, the one and only. waiting for the new tours output of a cd/dvd hope its as good as FLesh but I dunno Doyle pretty much about stole the show in FLesh and he is not playing guitar on current tour. but the ladies are singing backup again so hoping for the best!



4. First about the video then about the CD:
   
   I first saw this video about three months ago when i found it at my local CD/Video bargain place for a buck! I was blown away at the superb way this work, already a master in itself was presented for the show. I kinda wish i would of seen this version (the stage production) first before i saw the movie. the live stage production was easier to follow. i love the music of course and had to have the CD. All of the different artist doing the songs from the best album ever. All of the performances are outstanding!!!! It all fits like a good ole pair of your favorite comfy worn jeans. Buy this CD and the DVD you will be amazed. PS: I loved it so much i purchased the DVD right here on Amazon for a Christmas gift to my dearest friends.



5. While nothing will ever come close to the experience of being there, the DVD did a pretty good job of capturing the moment. As snap shot in history, the summer of 1990. The Belin wall had just come down the previous November. On July 1st, for the first time since the wall went up, East and West Belin could freely cross the "Wall", Check Point Charlie was out of a job. This concert took place in Potsdam Platz, only months earlier, this was no man's land. You could be shot for being there. On this night in July, the world was finally at peace (Iraq would invade Kuwait two weeks later), I was standing in a crowd with Germans, English, French and countless other nationalities. We were all there taking in one of he greatest stages ever contructed for a concert. Roger Waters did it proud, to compare it to Pink Floyd's the Wall conerts (which I saw in Nassua Colisium in 1979) would be unfair. This concert was more than just the music and show, it was about a time in history. "Tear Down The Wall!!" it was already coming down. To watch the DVD, brings these memories streaming back and in these troubled times, is comforting to know that at one time peace was achieved.