Gogi Grant - Torch Time

A magnificent collection of romantic music

Gogi originally signed to RCA in 1952 but in her brief stay there, nothing much happened. She switched to the small Era label where she had two major American hits, these being Suddenly there's a valley and Wayward wind. In between these two singles, an album was released titled Suddenly there's Gogi Grant. Before another album or single could be recorded, the label went out of business and Gogi returned to RCA, this time as a star instead of an unknown. She never again repeated those Era triumphs but she recorded three excellent albums of songs from the Great American Songbook. Torch time (this album) is the best of all, though the other two are also brilliant.

This collection is filled with romantic ballads in the finest traditions of such singers as Frances Langford, Peggy Lee, June Christy, Jeri Southern and Julie London. Perhaps the most famous songs here are Bewitched, Summertime, and about the boy, but there are many other great songs here that you might recognize.

Some people might wish for an occasional up-tempo song to shake things up a bit but there are none here. Gogi proved elsewhere, particularly on Wayward wind, that she could sing a variety of songs but this album is limited to romantic ballads. I don't mind that because Gogi is so good at this type of song.

If you enjoy romantic ballads by the other singers I've already mentioned, you will love Gogi's music, especially this collection.

Tracks

They say it's wonderful
The thrill is gone
Poor butterfly
My man
Bewitched bothered and bewildered
Lover come back to me
Yesterdays
Summertime
Something wonderful
I didn't know what time it was
Young and foolish
Mad about the boy April 2, 2005

Splendid Songstress at her very best!

Gogi Grant is very simply one of the finest singers of this century! Just listen to her brilliant interpretation of "Young and Foolish." It takes my breath away! Or her superb rendition of "Lover Come Back To Me." Glorious Gogi has not only the perfect technique, but the emotional intensity, reaching deep within herself for phenomenal dramatic readings of old standards. We've heard these before, but not like this! "How Deep Is The Ocean?" No deeper than Gogi Grant herself. Her performance of "Summertime" ranks right up there with the best. Never a false note or feeling in this, one of her finest offerings. This is a "must have" CD. January 25, 2005

Outstanding torch singer

Gogi originally signed to RCA in 1952 but in her brief stay there, nothing much happened. She switched to the small Era label where she had two major American hits, these being Suddenly there's a valley and Wayward wind. In between these two singles, an album was released titled Suddenly there's Gogi Grant. Before another album or single could be recorded, the label went out of business and Gogi returned to RCA, this time as a star instead of an unknown. She never again repeated those triumphs but she recorded three excellent albums of songs from the Great American Songbook. Torch time is presented here in full, augmented by four tracks each from Welcome to my heart and Granted it's Gogi.

This collection is filled with romantic ballads in the finest traditions of such singers as Frances Langford, Peggy Lee, June Christy, Jeri Southern and Julie London. Perhaps the most famous songs here are Bewitched, Summertime, Mad about the boy and The more I see you, but there are many other great songs here that you might recognize.

Some people might wish for an occasional up-tempo song to shake things up a bit but there are none here. Gogi proved elsewhere, particularly on Wayward wind, that she could sing a variety of songs but this album is limited to romantic ballads. I don't mind that as Gogi is so good at this type of song.

If you enjoy romantic ballads by the other singers I've already mentioned, you will love Gogi's music, especially this collection. January 12, 2005

Great reissue from a fine vocalist!

Kudos to Taragon for rescuing this fine album from oblivion. Grant is at her best singing torchy standards, and the bonus tracks are also excellent. Norah Jones, eat your heart out! Check out other Taragon reissues of neglected 50s artists including Kay Starr. October 29, 2003

A great album

I can only echo "A Music Fan's' sentiments. This is a fine compilation of Grant's work-- torchy, articulate & brilliantly
performed. Very quietly her albums are finally being re-released, and they're very welcome. She definitely deserves more recognition. April 15, 2002

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