What an incredible epitaph to the legacy of Bob Fosse, one of the most brilliant and innovative choreographers of the 20th century!
The fact that I personally have never really warmed to Liza Minelli makes this accolade even more relevant. The cost of the DVD was justified by one of the numbers alone, "I've Gotcha!". Fosse has simply GOT to create the sexiest and most provocative dance routines ever to go on stage, from the fantastic choreography in "Pippin" through to "Sweet Charity" and of course, "All that Jazz" where he brought into sharp focus the "spin" in selling an airline!
Whilst I am quite aware that this review is all about Fosse and little about Liza, nevertheless this incredible performance by Minelli is a true and fitting tribute not only to her own versatility but also to the way the choreography and the songs work so well for a person who has every right to call herself a star. And for that reason alone, I would have to include Fosse in the review.
October 1, 2008Lovers of Broadway, Lovers of show business, and of course, Lovers of Liza - should consider this a "must have" in their collection. No doubt, this is Liza at her best - the perfect example of pure, raw entertainment talent. How can you live without it?
July 19, 2007I love Liza with a Z Minnelli. In this 1972 theatrical production, she delivers probably her finest performance to date onstage. Ever since I saw her in Cabaret the film, I can't imagine another Sally Bowles and that includes Dame Judi Dench (Sorry Judi, I love you too) but that role is owned by Liza with a Z. This live production is excellent and even fun to listen to on the stereo. Liza's talents are unique. Yes, she is Judy Garland's daughter but Liza is still one of America's most recognized, talked about, idolized, imitated celebrities with every right to be one. Today's celebrities have nothing on Liza's talent as an actress, singer, and dancer and above all a world class entertainer. This compact disc was in the bargain bin at a supermarket when I bought it and played it in my car singing along. I love her Cabaret medley, Ring Them Bells, Say Liza with a Z, etc. on this soundtrack. It's as if you're there with her. You know that Judy was smiling down her from heaven proud as a mother can be on that night.
June 3, 2007I can not expand on the excellent review by Steve, but I want to second his praise. My wife and I were fortunate enough to see her in person (Hershey, PA) when she was starting to hit the heights. We sat in about row 10 and got the full impact of her energy and enormous talent. We were pinned to the backs of our seats and then lifted off them. Anyone who loves electrifying performances cannot afford to miss this CD or the forthcoming DVD - - and turn up the volume on your speakers when you play them!
March 13, 2006For the younger generation who only know of Liza Minnelli as a tabloid queen because she had the wedding and divorce of the decade, and as Dorothy's daughter, then you don't know Liza at all. There are stars and then there are STARS. Liza falls into the latter. She was best known for being the daughter of a legend until she became one herself. In 1972, the same year her Oscar-winning role in Cabaret was released, so was this soundtrack from her four-time Emmy-winning television special that originally aired on September 10, 1972. Filmed in New York the previous May, Liza exploded onto our television screens as few performers can do, and left an indelible mark on the audience as well as in show business history. This reissue is just a reminder of the spectacular talent that is Liza. Half of the album's songs were written by the great songwriting team of John Kander and Fred Ebb, which include the ferocious opening track, "Yes!," as well as the title track "Say Liza (Liza With A "Z")" and a medley from Cabaret, including the exquisite torch song "Maybe This Time." In between, Liza treats us to a haunting version of the Billie Holiday classic "God Bless The Child," the Maurice Jarre-penned "It Was A Good Time," the funk of Joe Tex's "I Gotcha," and a stunning rendition of Dusty Springfield's "Son Of A Preacher Man." There's also a bit of nostalgia with "Bye Bye Blackbird," "My Mammy" and the Charles Aznavour jewel "You've Let Yourself Go." This CD showcases Liza's enormous versatility, and it is probably safe to say it's one of the best, if not the best, full recording of her illustrious career. As a special treat, Showtime television is airing this original 1972 special on April 1, 2006. For those who never understood what the fuss was about, I highly suggest listening to this CD and tuning into the special. For those who don't receive Showtime, not to worry, this special has been immaculately remastered for DVD and will be made available shortly after it airs. There are only a handful of artists that are known by one name. We have Judy, Barbra, and Bette to name three. After listening to Liza on this album, which was recorded when she was only 26, it's easy to see why she is considered among the crème de la crème of entertainers. The concert may be titled 'Liza With A "Z,"' but this album gets an "A," and that's for Astounding!
March 8, 2006More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(5 reviews)
