Natalie Cole - Take a Look

Natalie Cole's "Take a Look" is neither a sharp departure nor a close copy of her eight-million-selling 1991 album Unforgettable. She once again sings her daddy's songs, but this time she only does three of them, all obscure non-hits known only to the most fanatic Nat "King" Cole fans. The other 15 songs pay tribute to a wider circle of influences--Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson, Julie London and Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. The most welcome change is the new confidence the younger Cole now brings to the standard repertoire. Her voice has always had the satiny ease that makes listeners feel comfortable, but on this new album Cole reclaims some of the spunk and playfulness of her R&B hits. --Geoffrey Himes Amazon.com essential recording

This is a fine, fine album

Natalie Cole's follow-up to her hugely successful UNFORGETTABLE tribute to her dad, hits all the right notes. She returns to the "Unforgettable" era and picks an eclectic mix of songs -- most are jazz tinged, but there's some Caribeean flavor and some traditional R&B as well as classic pop sound mixed in for good measure. Natalie, by this point, had matured into a performer who was capable of working her way around a wide swath of material and she does herself proud with this collection.

She swings when she needs to, she mellows it out when necessary and she goes full throttle when the song calls for it.

I buy everything Natalie Cole puts out and she seldom disappoints. Enjoy this one! It's a winner! November 9, 2007

Jazz Blast

I suppose one can't own everything! This 1993 CD only recently came to my collection thanks to a $2 sidewalk sale. What a sweet sounding set! Natalie Cole is in fine form on this timeless set that has worn well in the 14 years since it was first released. On the standard "Cry Me a River," Cole's sleek lounge arrangement is so moody and dreamy that it makes feeling bad seem sweet, "You drove me nearly out of my head while you never shed a tear; Remember? I remember all that you said, told me I was too plebian, told me you were thru with me and now you say you love me, Well just to prove you do..." "It's Sand Man," a classic scat singing track that was a Count Basie favorite, is put through the roof with Cole's exciting jazz blast. Nat King Cole -- Natalie's dad for the three people who don't know that -- wrote the music for "Calypso Blues," which is given a delightful arrangement with percussion and Natalie's teasing vocals, "Des Yankee girls give me big scare, Is black de root, is blond de hair, Her eyelash false, her face is paint, 'An what you see is what she ain't." Natalie's original song "Lovers" blends seamlessly with the classic tracks on the set. The Duke Ellington song "I'm Beginning to See the Light" is another flirtatious delicacy. This is a wonderful set. I'm finally glad that it's hit my changer. Better late than never! Enjoy! October 29, 2007

Good Stuff

I have enjoyed this album on a tape for years and was thrilled to get it on CD. The best of Natalie as far as I am concerned. I especially love her rendition of "Cry me a River." The "Swingin Shepherd Blues" and "Calypso Blues" pull you up on your feet and make you want to dance! All around good jazz numbers written by a variety of great people.
March 1, 2007

Great Music

This is a great CD of Natalie Cole's beautiful singing. Good dancing music as well. (fox trot) November 3, 2006

BETTER THAN EVER!!!!!

Natalie Cole brings all of her passion into her father's music and more with these jazzy standards. The songs in this collection flow effortlessly from one to the next. She takes the ultimate songs of some of the finest singers and makes them her own. (and then some)

Listen to the fine opening song "I Wish You Love" which has been previously recorded by Frank Sinatra, Nancy Wilson, and Barbara Streisand. Natalie's version of the standard "Swingin' Shepherd Blues" really DOES swing. This one has been recorded in the past by greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie. Natalie's vocal of "Cry Me A River" is unique. She has joined the ranks of the legends: Peggy Lee, Julie London, and Ella Fitzgerald. That jazz tribute, "Fiesta In Blue", has a certain playfulness in it. Legendary artists such as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Diana Ross have sung "Don't Explain". While each of these versions have been great, Natalie's interpretation is the definitive one for me. There is something haunting in her style that brings me back to hear it over again. "Too Close For Comfort" is infectious and rousing. Natalie brings a new energy to her father's song "Calypso Blues". "Take A Look" is a grand diva vocal finale.

The visionary musicians who participated in this collection each add something special to the mix. Artists like Alan Broadbent, Grover Washington Jr., and Herbie Hancock are just a few of these famous talents. This cd is a must for anyone who enjoys a classic jazz vocalist. August 29, 2006

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