Various Artists - It's Magic: Capitol Sings Sammy Cahn

Sammy Cahn still weaves his magic--BRAVO, SAMMY CAHN !!!

It's Magic: Capitol Sings Sammy Cahn has twenty wonderful numbers written by the great Sammy Cahn. Cahn doesn't get the recognition he deserves but hopefully as CDs of his music continue to sell this will change. Cahn was a genius who wrote many numbers; and the sound quality of what we get here is excellent. The artwork is very nicely done as well.

"I've Heard That Song Before" is a stunning number with a big band arrangement that really works so well even after all these years; I first heard this tune in a Woody Allen movie and I could never forget this tune after that! Dean Martin sings "The Things We Did Last Summer" with great feeling and Dean never misses a beat. The backup vocalists enhance his performance and the strings again are used very well without drowning out Dean Martin! Keely Smith also performs a divine rendition of "It's Magic;" I associate this number much more with Doris Day but Keely does this such great justice that I'm sure Doris must have been very proud! In addition, there's also Nat King Cole singing "Teach Me Tonight;" Nat King Cole delivers this like the masterful pro he always was and the horns work wonders for the melody.

Dinah Washington weighs in with a superlative interpretation of "Call Me Irresponsible;" Dinah certainly does this one up right and her voice is strong and very vibrant. I always liked Dinah Washington--she was anything but elevator music! In addition, The Andrews Sisters do their usual fantastic job on "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön (Means That You're Grand);" "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön (Means That You're Grand)" never sounded better than when The Andrews Sisters sang it.

Dinah Shore performs "I'll Walk Alone" with great sensitivity; and her voice is as clear as a bell. The woodwind instruments add to the number and overall "I'll Walk Alone" is a very pretty melody. Dean Martin returns to do a great job on "Ain't That A Kick In The Head;" Dean always sang this much, much better than anyone else ever could--and just one listen will prove it to you! Nat King Cole also comes back to us to perform "(It Will Have To Do) Until The Real Thing Comes Along;" Nat sings this with heart and soul and this impresses me greatly.

Lena Horne sings "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!;" I bet you didn't know this was a Sammy Cahn number! Lena showcases the wonderful qualities of her voice as she sings this tune; and the CD ends so nicely with "It's Been A Long, Long Time." This big band style musical number oozes good taste and class--what a wonderful ending for this CD!

Sammy Cahn's fans will want this without a doubt; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will want this as well for their collections.
May 9, 2008

Great-But What About Jimmy Van Heusen?

Sammy Cahn wrote many of Frank Sinatra's biggest hits, most of which were co-written with Jimmy Van Heusen who deserves a collection of his own. These songs are fabulous & if you enjoy wonderful, relaxing music, this & all the other "Capitol Sings" collections are worth your while. March 12, 2000

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