Randy Crawford, Joe Sample - Feeling Good

Street life reunites

Randy Crawford came my way by the unforgetable song "Street Life" when she performed on the album Street Life. I have listened to her releases off and on since and feel this is a special release. She appears to be in top form, united with original Crusader band member Joe Sample on keyboards for a mellow and at times dramatic presentation. There are echoes of the voice on "Street Life", like on "End of the Line " where her voice trails off and flows much like it did on that memorable song. The title track is a classic, that begins with a bouncy nu-bossa-nova-beat to introduce Randy's magnificently soulful pipes. Another song for which Randy is known is "Rio de Janeiro Blue." She performs it here , an updated version with more improvisation but I prefer the more melancholy vesrion that can be found on other discs , including the extensive collection Best of Randy Crawford. This is a laid back disc perfect for those relaxed moments or when you are trying to relax. She even does a nice job on the old pop hit "Everybody's Talking." Least I forget, this is a colloboration and Joe Sample rips some nice melodies on the keyboeards but Randy's soulful musings are what make this colloboration special. She reminds me of Nina Simone or Sarah Vaughn at times and that is good company. She has good range that is eveident throughout the disc. She performs a soft , romantic type song entitled "Save Your Love For Me" where she comes across as the torch-burning-songstress-seductress. I love her voice, very nice mood music to put you in the mood. A highly recommended disc from one of the underrated contemporary female jazz singers. November 20, 2008

I love Randy Crawford

I saw them both in person, and I can't wait to see them again, but in the mean time I will listen to this album and other Randy Crawford tracks, I simply love this. October 21, 2008

Very Good, Almost Awesome!!!

I bought this CD because I enjoy Randy Crawfords "Naked and True" CD and I belive she is an amazing Vocalist, I really was glad I bought this CD, and as you read most of these reviews, many gave the cd four or more stars,While I must admit the song selection could've been a little bit better, I'd still say it was worth the effort, my question is how could that guy give it one star and claim to be a Fan? he must've really been listening to a whole nother CD than the rest of us! October 8, 2008

Amazing

Randy Crawford is a jazz legend and has been around for decades. She has followed the current genres throughout touching pop, light dance music etc. but she is ultimately a true jazz purist and looking over her entire career she shines. She made one of her greatest hits 30 years ago with Joe Sample and the Crusaders on STREET LIFE. A great song and here they are again - Randy Crawford and Joe Sample - two legends doing an entire cd together.

One might expect two masters such as these to rest on their laurels a little bit and put minimal effort in. Instead, here we get on of the best sets in the careers of both artists. The album is very eclectic and Randy leaves the pop influence behind and attacks each track as a true jazz artist, sometimes bluesy, always smooth. Her voice is pure and strong, always emotive as the small backing music led by the amazing acoustic piano work of Joe Sample give her the floor.

Randy redoes some of her classics like RIO DE JANIERO BLUE and LAST NIGHT AT DANCELAND. To listen to these tracks here shows how seriously she is taking this project. Her voice soars and her immense range is fully realized and it is as if each song is being sung for the first time. The set is very eclectic. There are some pop songs like WHEN I NEED YOU but it leaves pop territory and becomes pure jazz here.

I'll admit it took me a couple of listens to get into this cd but then it became pure magic. Now it is one of the best jazz collections I have ever heard. You must listen to each track one at a time for each song is a true emotional experience. I am a true Randy Crawford fan and must say she demonstrates some vocals here that left me in awe. BUT BEAUTIFUL, LOVETOWN, TELL ME MORE AND THEN SOME and MR. UGLY are truly amazing.

This cd is not only about FEELING GOOD. It is so much more than that. I think this cd was truly Grammy worthy and should have been recognized and is not only a must for Randy Crawford/Joe Sample fans but also true jazz fans and for people who just love great music.

This cd is a rare gift of two legends giving their all for an ultimate experience. September 25, 2008

nothing to sing about

Not very interesting I am a real fan of Ms. Randy Crawford and this was not a good buy. September 2, 2008

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