Search - Andrea Marcovicci :: What Is Love

A remarkable recording

Hugh S. Porter | Pasadena, CA USA | 10/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a big Andrea Marcovicci Fan. I will say that up front. But this is probably her best. Marcovicci is great at weaving songs into powerful emotional threads and this is a wonderful example of that. It asks and then proposes answers to the difficult question of "What is Love ?" This recording, like most of her recordings, is recorded at a live performance. This gives it that 'human' feeling that comes with un-edited, un-altered and un-enhanced recording. It allows the nuances in her voice and performance to give the recordings a richness and texture you don't hear much today. Her stories, introductions and poetry add to this offering.She continues to deliver wonderful performances and over the years has gotten smoother and better. The only thing better than sitting by the fire on a cold and rainy night listening to her on this record is to go and see her when she is performing at one of the intimate venues in Hollywood or NYC where many of her recordings are made.Bravo, Andrea"

Love is a Rhapsody!

K. T. D. Lee | London | 05/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Its so difficult to decide which of all the Marcovicci albums I have is my favourite, because they are all just so GREAT! After being totally charmed and mesmerised by her latest 'Some Other Time', or her immortal 'New Words', or the sentimental live 'I'll Be Seeing You', and not least the nostalgic 'Just Kern', I recently came back to this earlier recording of hers and found that it gives me as much thrills, if not more, as any other album of hers. Her sense of story, her acting ability, unusually voice, and emotional range is simply beyond description. Marcoviccism definitely needs some getting use to, because her voice is like no other, and her style is very didactic. But once you're hooked, you will never be able to do anything when you put on her CD, because you just HAVE to stop everything and just sit there and listen. The whole concept of this album is beautiful, aptly described in the title song at the beginning. The character goes through every single manner of emotions imaginable, and the songs are well placed with enchanting poetry recitals along the way. She is able to infuse so much new life into familiar songs. I never imagined the Porter song (sung by Astaire), 'After You, Who?' could have such poignance. Sondheim's 'Goodbye For Now' is also surprisingly sincere and touching. But I think to most people the high point will be 'Do You Miss Me' - totally beguilding - and the immensely heartfelt 'These Foolish Things', never before sung with such commitment, and including a few verses seldom heard in other versions. The momentum lags abit after these 2 songs, but it can be argued that its part of the story development, as a kind of post-climatic calm. The duet is charming, and I found the voice of her partner here suits hers much more than the boyish Feinstein's in 'Just Kern'. As I said, I cannot possibly suggest a 'must buy' among her discography, but if you have already been bitten by the Marcovicci bug, then you will definitely enjoy this as much as any others. If you are new to her, 'What is Love' is as good as any other recordings by this remarkable 'Princess of Manhattan Cabaret'!"

Her Best

K. T. D. Lee | 10/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Andrea tracks the arc of a love affair as only she can. From wanting (Or What Have You), then getting (Sure Thing, Dearly Beloved, and a fabulously vampy Where Have You Been), then revelling in it (It Amazes Me), then feeling it slip away (The Thrill Is Gone, You've Changed), ending the affair (Stay Well) wallowing in the loss (There's Always One You Can't Forget)and , finally, finding a new, truer love (This Is What I Dreamed) -- each phase flowing perfectly to the next. Buy this CD; You won't regret it."