Tony H. from CAMPBELLSVLLE, KY Reviewed on 4/21/2018...
Manilow is no band singer, but he does a good job keeping up with these classic swing bands on their well-known hits. "Chattanooga Choo Choo" turns out especially well. The disc ends with a Manilow original, "Where Does the Time Go."
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Donna R. (donnaleigh) from DYSART, IA Reviewed on 4/28/2012...
Barry Manilow's voice and style teamed with the big band sound are a wonderful listening experience!
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jonathan H. from WILLIAMSTOWN, KY Reviewed on 10/17/2010...
good cd
CD Reviews
Where have I been?
F. F Klein | Lancaster, Pa USA | 03/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As I listen again and again to this cd that I recently discovered in a 2nd hand store, I can't help but wonder how I missed it for 8 years. I'm sure my age has a lot to do with my enjoyment of this music, but these classics are presented in such a nostalgic manner by what appears to be a superb studio orchestra using original arrangements of former big band greats such as Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Harry James, Duke Ellington and Les Brown that, for me, this is a must for any big band collector or anyone who remembers and enjoys music from the 40's. The sound is clean and refreshing and Manilow is superb. Rosemary clooney drops by for Jimmy Dorsey's "Green Eyes". This is one is definately worth a listen."
"Before this recording, I had never heard the words to "Moonlight Serenade." Barry's done it again, and again, and again! From the man who charmed our socks off in the 70s to a sentimental journey-kinda dude, Manilow has given another breath of fresh air to some of the greatest songs in American history. I remember when he premiered this recording on "Larry King Live" several years ago, and I not only bought a CD for myself, but as Christmas gifts for others that year! The opening song, "Singing with the Big Bands" is catchy, lyrical, singable, and most of all, historical in the way it sets the "mood" for the rest of the recording. "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree," "Chattanooga Choo-Choo," and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," are favorites from the Glenn Miller/Nat King Cole era, and Barry has helped to bring them back to a culturally-bereft generation, who desperately needs to hear this music. From the man who can sing anything and make it sound wonderful, Barry Manilow has definitely outdone himself this time!"
A Sentimental Journey To The Big Band Era
Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 01/03/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of my favorite Big Band music from my collection. Barry Manilow did an excellent job in this recording singing sixteen great songs of all-time re-arranged based on the original arrangements from The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Benny Goodman Orchestra, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, The Harry James Orchestra and Les Brown and His Band of Renown. Mr. Manilow's interpretations of the songs in this wonderful CD are simply superb. I truly enjoyed listening to the entire CD and the sequence of tracks are just perfect, alternating swingy and upbeat tunes with the sweet and dreamy songs. There are touches of nostalgia in my all-time favorite gems and the best tracks from this compilation, Mitchell Parish/Glenn Miller's "Moonlight Serenade" and George Bassman/Ned Washington's "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You."
"Things you say and do . . .
Just thrill me through and through
I'm getting sentimental over you."
One of the standouts is "Green Eyes," re-arranged and conducted by Mike Melvoin based on the original Jimmy Dorsey arrangement and featuring one of the most distinguished female vocalists, Rosemary Clooney.
As you listen to this terrific CD, let Barry Manilow take you to a "sentimental journey" and "be with you in apple blossom time." He will sit with you "under the apple tree" "on a sunny side of the street." "And the angels sing" . . .
~ And The Angels Sing ~
Words & Music by Johnny Mercer & Ziggy Elman
"We meet and the angels sing
The angels sing the sweetest song I ever heard
You speak and the angels sing
Or am I breathing music into every word? . . .
. . . You smile and the angels sing
And though it's just a gentle murmur at the start
We kiss and the angels sing
And leave their music ringing in my heart."
This, in my opinion, is the very best Barry Manilow recording and if you love the sound of the Big Bands, you should have this in your collection. It's purely classic and timeless. I congratulate Mr. Manilow and all the musicians in this project for paying tribute to the beauty of Big Band music.
Greatly recommended. You'll love it!
"
A perfect collection of oldies
Phil Behnke | Portland, OR USA | 10/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have always loved swing music, especially Glenn Miller. But I was not a fan or even a listener of Barry Manilow until I heard this masterpiece. His voice is smooth as glass on classics like "Sentimental Journey" and "I should care". The title track which Barry co-wrote absolutely blows me away. No wonder this guy is so successful. Other stand-outs include: "I can't get started", "And the Angels Sing" and "Moonlight Serenade". Also check out "Manilow sings Sinatra", another brilliant CD. Perfect 'mood' music to relax to or take on a road trip."
Real Good Set
mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 03/13/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Real Good Collection from Barry Manilow.His Voice truly fits really well with this Classics.it's a nice balance of tempo&Groove here."I'll Never Smile again","Don't get around Much anymore" showcase Barry's range.Barry is a Versatile Artist."