The Song Is You: Capitol Sings Jerome Kern { Various Artists }

excellent album

The Song Is You: Capitol Sings Jerome Kern is yet another solid installment in this CD series of "Capitol Sings." It's a shame that so many of these excellent CDs are out of print but maybe that will change soon. The sound quality is great and the artwork is very well done.

Keely Smith makes good on "The Song Is You;" Keely never sounded so good and she handle the tempo changes effortlessly like the pro she always was--and still remains! "All The Things You Are" is performed by the great Helen Forrest; Helen was a true songbird and just one listen proves it! The big band arrangement that accompanies Helen when she sings fits in perfectly with her vocals. "Pick Yourself Up" by Nat King Cole still sounds fresh and new--and that's OK by me! The piano also works wonders for "Pick Yourself Up." "The way You Look Tonight" is so sublime when The Dinning Sisters perform this with panache, heart and soul. Wow, how those sisters sure could harmonize so well!

"I Won't Dance" gets the royal treatment from the great Peggy Lee who never skips a beat despite a rather complicated arrangement. The jazzy rendition of "I Won't Dance" pulls it off great and "I Won't Dance" is a major highlight of this CD. Margaret Whiting also performs "Look For The Silver Lining" with heart and soul; this works so well and the woodwind instruments embellish the natural beauty of this number.

Trudy Richards sings a stunning version of "Can't Help Lovin' That Man;" Trudy's voice is clear as a bell and she delivers this like the great songbird she always was! The great Judy Garland also sings "I'm Old Fashioned" with great sensitivity; and this is amazing. The Four Freshmen also do a wonderful rendition of "The Last Time I Saw Paris;" The Four Freshmen sound great and they truly delve into this ballad to make it a very special number.

The Four Preps also do an awesome "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes;" they harmonize to perfection--and beyond! The gentle musical arrangement complements their singing flawlessly, too. It's all very elegant. There's also Martha Tilton And Johnny Mercer on "A Fine Romance;" "A Fine Romance" was always one of my very favorite tunes from the golden age of Hollywood and Martha Tilton And Johnny Mercer do great justice to this classic number.

Gordon MacRae ends the CD strong with "Old Man River;" "Old Man River" gets a fine treatment by Gordon--Paul Robeson would be proud!

In short, The Song Is You: Capitol Sings Jerome Kern is a marvelous CD that has so many of Kern's incredible tunes. If you like this music get this CD today and enjoy it forever!
April 30, 2008

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