Irving Berlin - Puttin' on the Ritz: Capitol Sings Irving Berlin

An interesting compilation

Although Irving Berlin was an immigrant to this country, he became the epitome of American songwriters. Much of his music featured patriotic overtones and sometimes blatant nationalism. This aspect of his work is not represented on this recording, except for the closing "God Bless America." This is nicely and sweetly done by Margaret Whiting, but it is unfortunate that the Kate Smith rendition was not available.
This recording is interesting because of the variety in musical styles used in interpreting Berlin's music. However, a few of the numbers are "over-styled," keeping my rating from being higher. I can imagine Irving Berlin, listening to Kay Starr's "You're Just in Love," or Betty Hutton's "Blue Skies," and wondering "Who wrote that music?"
This recording is not bad; it just is not that good. April 21, 2008

fine compilation of hits by the great Irving Berlin

Puttin' on the Ritz: Capitol Sings Irving Berlin is an excellent CD. We get twenty-five wonderful Irving Berlin hits sung by some of the greatest at Capitol Records. The sound quality is excellent and I like the artwork, too!

Mary Martin & John Raitt kick off the track set with a great rendition of "There's No Business Like Show Business." The chorus backs them up well; but they needed no backup-- Mary Martin & John Raitt sing this so very well and the melody is very pretty. The great Judy Garland does a very jazzy rendition of "Puttin' On The Ritz;" Judy sings this better than I've ever heard it and she bats this one straight out of the ballpark.

"The Song Is Ended (But The Melody Lingers On)" by Dinah Shore starts with a great flute arrangement; and when Dinah comes in this number really takes flight! Dinah's voice is clear as a bell; she never sounded better! Listen also for Margaret Whiting to perform a rousing rendition of "Heave Wave." I always liked "Heat Wave;" it's a fun song and Margaret does it great justice. The male backup chorus bolsters Margaret's performance, too.

"Play A Simple Melody" by Jo Stafford gets a great musical arrangement; and this still sounds fresh and new today! Jo's voice is rich, warm and very vibrant. Johnny Mercer & The Pied Pipers also weight in with their version of "Alexander's Ragtime Band;" this classic oldie but goodie gets the royal treatment with a fine big band arrangement. Johnny Mercer sings this to perfection--and beyond! The Pied Pipers do a great job on this tune, too. Peggy Lee also does great on "Cheek To Cheek."

Betty Hutton sings "Blue Skies" very sweetly and the music uses the strings very well. "Blue Skies" is easily a major highlight of this album. Similarly, Nat King Cole does a smash-up job on "Let's Face The Music And Dance." Nat King Cole sings this so well you'd swear his rendition is THE definitive interpretation of this ballad. Dean Martin also does a wonderful job on "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm." Ooh, how Dean Martin could croon!

Jo Stafford also does a fine job on "White Christmas." Excellent!

This is certainly a fine CD for people who want nostalgic versions of classic pop vocals. People who enjoy the artists on this CD will want this one, too.
April 18, 2008

"The Song Is Ended . . . But The Melody Lingers On"

"Puttin' On The Ritz: Capitol Sings Irving Berlin," a 1992 Capitol Records-released-CD is a compilation of the most remarkable songs written by a great composer/lyricist famously known as "The Dean of American Songwriters," Irving Berlin, a Russian immigrant who came to New York in late 1800s. He rose to fame for his outstanding body of work and was eventually inducted to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, an ultimate honor and recognition for any songwriter. For his many musical attributes, he became one of the most brilliant and prolific songwriters America ever produced. His music and lyrics are among the most beautiful, most-loved and most-recorded songs from the Great American Songbook. Through the years, singers never fail to include his timeless songs to their recordings.

This is a collection of twenty-five Irving Berlin songs taken from different albums that were recorded between 1944 and 1963 by various artists with some of the most gifted arrangers and conductors in the industry - Nelson Riddle, Frank DeVol, Billy May, Red Norvo, Gus Levene and Paul Weston, just to name a few. Kudos to the expertise of Bob Norberg in remixing and digital-remastering of all the tracks -- these are old recordings, but the sound quality is superior, there's nothing to whine about. You can listen to it in full-volume and enjoy it to your heart's delight.

These are the most notably charming renditions from this wonderful collection.
"What'll I Do?" - Nat King Cole Trio
"Let's Face The Music And Dance" - Nat King Cole
"I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" - Dean Martin
"Play A Simple Melody" and "White Christmas" - Jo Stafford
"Isn't This A Lovely Day (To Be Caught In The Rain?") and "How Deep Is The Ocean? - Dick Haymes
"Be Careful It's My Heart" - The Four Freshmen
"Cheek To Cheek" - Peggy Lee
"Always" - Gordon McRae
"You're Just In Love" - Kay Starr
"Blue Skies" - Betty Hutton
"Change Partners" - Vic Damone
"Easter Parade" - Andy Russell
"God Bless America" - Margaret Whiting

Johnny Mercer shows off not his composing skills, but his singing ability in a unique interpretation of "Alexander's Ragtime Band" conducted by Paul Weston. He is joined by The Pied Pipers doing a swingy chorus that will take the listeners back in time to 1940s. And for a special highlight, Dinah Shore will touch your heart while she sings perfectly in every way "The Song Is Ended (But The Melody Lingers On"). This is a previously unreleased track recorded almost fifty years ago with a full orchestra conducted by Red Norvo.

"The song is ended
But the melody lingers on
You and the song are gone
But the melody lingers on."

For Irving Berlin fans, lovers of Great American Songbook and more importantly the fans of all these great singers presented in this fitting tribute to Berlin's timeless music, this is a must-add to your music collection. Make this a part of your musical journey.

~ Irving Berlin is no longer with us physically
But his beautiful music lives with us eternally. ~ April 4, 2008

Who Buy Such Disk?

I read once that those aged over 60 are the collection buyers. Believe me that this is correct. The point is that this CD has such good music that I am proud being in that age. January 13, 2007

It's the tops

Excellent overview of Berlin classics sung by fabulous stars of period eras. November 6, 2006

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