Alice Faye - Sings Her Famous Movie Hits

Screen musical superstar Alice Faye had spurned Hollywood at the peak of her career some 27 years ago, and then had retired from showbiz all together when her run on radio with husband Phil Harris ended in 1954. What, then, could coax her out of retirement? Well, a chance to star in the 1962 remake of State Fair with Pat Boone, Bobby Darin and Ann-Margret, for one; but we suspect an equally important factor was a chance to make a record for Frank Sinatra’s new Reprise label with master arranger Neal Hefti! Hefti lends a light, contemporary touch to the classic musical numbers on this record, while Alice’s voice is warmer than ever, with a deeper, more burnished tone. It was quite the comeback then; it’s a delightful Collectors’ Choice Music exclusive now! Album Description

Alice Faye records her one and only album

Alice Faye was one of Hollywood's most popular musical actresses in the 1930's and 1940's. However, at the height of her popularity she chose to walk away from her career to concentrate on her home life, leaving behind a glittering movie career and the battles that brought with it with studio boss Daryl F Zanuck. In 1962, she returned to films in the musical remake of "State Fair" and around that time recorded this, her only album, for pal Frank Sinatra's Reprise Records label.

The album features the mature Alice singing new versions of songs she performed in her films including her signature song, "You'll Never Know", the Oscar winning best song of 1943. She also includes "Never Say No" from "State Fair." The album was orchestrated by Neil Hefty, a popular arranger at the time whose work is heard on Sinatra's album "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass".

The Faye voice of 1962 is as deep and burnished as ever though it must be admitted that some of the finesse is missing after so many years away from the spotlight. Also, the choice of songs is a bit disappointing. Rather than featuring all songs especially written for her (remembering that she had some of the finest tunesmiths composing for her films including the likes of Irving Berlin), some of the material here are tried and true standards that any number of singers have performed and are not especially remembered for the Faye versions (for example "On Moonlight Bay.") Despite this, it is a good album. One only regrets that Alice didn't record more often and was not given the chance to record some contemporary material around this time. Imagine what she might have done with "Moon River", "Call Me Irresponsible" and other Oscar winning songs of the period.

In all, this is a nice memento of a great film career and for Alice Faye fans it is a must. August 3, 2006

Pleasant nostalgia

Alice Faye was a fine singer who appeared in films from 1934 to 1945. She made only a dozen or so commercial recordings in the period 1933 to 1937. In 1962, she returned for one film, the dreary remake of "State Fair". At the same time, she recorded these tracks. The recordings were re-issued on LP in the early 70s when she appeared across America in the musical play "Good News" and now they they have made it to CD.

Alice's voice is as deep as ever but not as smooth as at the height of her film career. The arrangements have a gentle swing feel and the CD defines "Easy Listening". September 17, 2005

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