It's nice to see Bette Midler putting her spin on an American classic after less-than-convincing detours through adult-contemporary cheese. This tribute focuses on Rosemary Clooney in the early to mid-1950s--so we don't ge... more »t any of the fabulous Nelson Riddle material--but it's a fairly strong offering. It was produced and arranged by Midler's old musical director, Barry Manilow--who actually dueted with Clooney on a couple of songs in the 1990s and here replaces Bing Crosby on the duet "On a Slow Boat to China." Mostly, the CD is about hits: "Hey There" and "White Christmas" are done in straightforward manner, while Linda Ronstadt fills in for Rosemary's actual sister Betty on a slinky version of "Sisters." Happily, Midler plays "Come On-A My House" down instead of up (the old Bette would have milked its comic aspect) but the singer lets loose on "Mambo Italiano." That's pretty much the only time the Divine Miss M peeks out from behind Clooney's elegant persona, and it's a delight. --Elisabeth Vincentelli« less
It's nice to see Bette Midler putting her spin on an American classic after less-than-convincing detours through adult-contemporary cheese. This tribute focuses on Rosemary Clooney in the early to mid-1950s--so we don't get any of the fabulous Nelson Riddle material--but it's a fairly strong offering. It was produced and arranged by Midler's old musical director, Barry Manilow--who actually dueted with Clooney on a couple of songs in the 1990s and here replaces Bing Crosby on the duet "On a Slow Boat to China." Mostly, the CD is about hits: "Hey There" and "White Christmas" are done in straightforward manner, while Linda Ronstadt fills in for Rosemary's actual sister Betty on a slinky version of "Sisters." Happily, Midler plays "Come On-A My House" down instead of up (the old Bette would have milked its comic aspect) but the singer lets loose on "Mambo Italiano." That's pretty much the only time the Divine Miss M peeks out from behind Clooney's elegant persona, and it's a delight. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
Renee K. from JAX BCH, FL Reviewed on 9/26/2010...
The Divine One quite divine singing the Clooney catalog. Really good.
CD Reviews
Bette Midler's enjoyable tribute album to Rosemary Clooney
Lawrance M. Bernabo | The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota | 10/01/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"When Rosemary Clooney passed away last year I did not think that she received the consideration due her musical career. Maybe it was because her initial reputation was made on the strength of recordings that were clearly novelty songs. But in terms of female jazz singers from that period, and I would maintain that ultimately Clooney was a jazz vocalist, she was a superb lyrical interpreter, whose phrasing displayed an intelligence that few of her contemporaries could match. One result of this tribute album from Bette Midler and producer Barry Manilow is that a lot of people are going to be inspired to go back and listen to Rosemary Clooney's original recordings; that is certainly the effect it had on me."Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook" is Midler's tribute to the late singer and those expecting to hear the Divine Miss M here might face some disappointment. I have seen Midler in concert and for my money there is no performer on the face of the earth that puts on a show like she does. However, few songs in the Clooney "songbook" play to Midler's best known strengths ("Mambo Italiano" would be the exception that proves the rule in this case). That is why the key track on this album is "Come On-A My House," which represents the best example of what Middler is trying to do on this album, with "Hey There" and "In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening" in a similar vein. Picking Linda Ronstadt for the duet of "Sisters" is an interesting choice, but that song is always going to be fun. The net result is a pleasant mix of tunes and a fitting tribute to Clooney. Few of Midler's fans will consider this her best album, but it a much stronger effort than we have seen recently and quite enjoyable."
Bette and Barry remember this is a tribute...
"A" is for... | Yorba Linda, CA United States | 10/01/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A charming album. Bette and Barry have crafted a loving tribute to one of their favorite singers, the amazing Rosemary Clooney.
Bette plays it straight - the Divine Miss M is not in sight, but that's appropriate because Clooney didn't need to showboat to show off her chops, either. Great arrangements create a stylish bed for Bette's vocals, which are better and more focused than they've been in years. Nice duet with Linda Ronstadt on "Sisters." I agree that the CD is a little short, but that's showbiz - leave them wanting more! A fine effort from all concerned, and very respectful of Clooney's legacy, yet the artists involved allow their own personality to shine thru. A worthy addition to anyone's library of standards."
A SURE BETTE....
Mark Norvell | HOUSTON | 10/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Barry Manilow and Bette Midler teamed up after many years for this tribute to the great Rosemary Clooney and it's wonderful. I agree it could (and should) have been longer with more songs but what IS here is impeccable. Splendid orchestration and Manilow's arrangements of the songs are perfect for Midler's voice. She sounds better than ever. The selections are evocative of Clooney and have new spins on them but remain true to her legend. Midler has some fun with "Come-on-a-My-House" and "Mambo Italiano" but keeps Clooney in mind on the duet with Linda Ronstadt "Sisters". They sound so good together that it's hard to tell them apart---but the result is pure swinging Clooney. Only eleven songs are here but the CD is completely entertaining even in it's short running time. It ends with a nice version of "White Christmas" and makes you yearn for more. For my money, it's the best Bette in years. Thank you, Miss M and Mr.Manilow AND Rosie."
Bette Does IT Again
John A. Mascia | Cleveland Hts, Ohio United States | 10/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bette always makes a great album and sometimes (mostly always) she makes the best. Well here we are at Bette doing what she does best, styling great songs from the Rosemary Clooney songbook. Her voice is perfect and the arrangements by Barry Manilow fit Bette to a tee! She sounds comfortable and in her element. She swings like the best of them (Keely Smith, Eydie Gorme, Peggy Lee, and of course Rosemary Clooney). Highlights of the album are her duets with Barry Manilow "Slow Boat to China" and Linda Ronstadt "Sisters". She spices up "Come On To My House" and actually sounds italian in "Mambo Italiano". A great record for a great singer. Go out and buy the cd, sit back with drink, have a friend over, and enjoy Bette Midler singing Rosemary Clooney. Rosemary would be extremely honored by this album."
Some interesting information
jnarcus | San Jose, California USA | 12/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While the average rating is a mere 3.5 stars, of the 146 ratings so far the following break out is helpful
81 rated this as a 5 star hit
18 rated it at 4 stars
4 rated it at 3 stars
15 rated it at two stars...many because it was too short
28 rated it at 1 star with one particular "fan" repeatedly responding ( 7 posts of 28) to previous posts as if this was a chat board
Just thought you might find it helpful in your browsing"