Search - Cheryl Bentyne :: Talk of the Town

"Girl Talk . . . Inconsequential Things That Men Don't Reall

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 12/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cheryl Bentyne epitomizes good music and her voice is simply marvelous. She sings these time-tested standards so beautifully. Having loved the music of The Manhattan Transfer in the eighties, I am not a new fan of Ms. Bentyne. She is indeed an awesome vocalist be it as a solo performer or with the Manhattan Transfer, which is very well-known for their hits and my favorites -- the Grammy Award winning song "Birdland," "The Boy From New York City," "Shaker Song" and "Embraceable You." This unique ensemble has collected at least ten Grammy Awards to add to their credentials.



This recording is a testament that Ms. Bentyne has one of the most exquisite vocals in the jazz scene and her singing style is simply amazing. She is backed up by talented jazz musicians namely: Corey Allen (piano/organ) and he's also the album producer/arranger/director, Kenny Barron (piano), John Patitucci (bass), Lewis Nash (drums), Don Alas (percussion), David Newman (tenor sax), Chuck Mangione (flugelhorn-solo), Mark Kibble and Alvin Chea (background vocals).



My personal favorites include one of the greatest songs ever written and composed by George and Ira Gershwin, "They Can't Take That Away From Me" which features the wonderful flugelhorn playing of one of my favorite jazz artists, Chuck Mangione, who is famous for his hit tune "Feels So Good."



You'll also enjoy listening to Ray Noble's beautiful song "The Very Thought Of You," which according to Ms. Bentyne is her very favorite song from this collection. It's so remarkable and this is the best female vocal version I've heard so far.



Her charming interpretation of "Love Me Or Leave Me" gave this song a whole new style and elegance. "These Foolish Things" is so delightfully sentimental that I had to hit the repeat button and listen to it again and again and again. Ditto with "It Might As Well Be Spring," which has a Latin flavor, kind of mambo-ish rhythm to it that makes it a real sheer beauty. I truly adore this version. The intro and arrangements are somewhat similar to "Shaker Song."



And . . . my absolute number one choice from this collection is "Girl Talk," a song composed and penned by Bobby Troup and Neal Hefti. Her interpretation and the arrangement are so sublime and I just loved the chorus. But let me tell you, I guess they love shopping for clothes, purses and shoes more than engaging in "Girl Talk." At least speaking for myself -- I just have that "Mind Your Own Business!" philosophy.



"We like to chat about the dresses we will wear tonight

We chew the fat about our tresses and the neighbor's fight

Inconsequential things that men don't really care to know

Become essential things that women find so apropos

It's just a dame, we're all the same

It's just a game, we call it "Girl Talk"



We all 'meow' about the ups and downs of all our friends

The who, the how, the why

We dish the dirt, it never ends

The goddess touch, they love so much

All mortal males behold, and though we joke,

We wouldn't trade you for a ton of gold

So Honey stay, don't walk away

Just hear me say that after "Girl Talk,"

Talk to me."



In conclusion, I heartily recommend this jazzy and classy CD for your listening pleasure. It's the kind of music you will love to listen to forever and a day!



P.S. I couldn't wait until I get hold of her "Moonlight Serenade" CD.



* * * * *TEN STARS* * * * *

"

GREAT AS A SOLO SINGER!

Helen Sachs | Las Cruces, NM USA | 08/29/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The first time I heard The Manhattan Transfer I was hooked to the freshness and acuracy of the group. Why did it take Cheryl Bentyne so long to present her own album? The diversity of the songs show her great talent. Being a singer myself, I know that Monk's "Pannonica", here "Little Butterfly", can be a real challenge. And how wise to add "The Very Thought Of You" to the playlist, which will mean a lot to older listeners. The lightness with which "Farmer's Market" comes along, is delightful. The special treatment given to "Girl Talk" brings back memories of Cheryl's background with The Manhattan Transfer. "It Might As Well Be Spring" brings a new and fresh salsa feel to the song. As far as I know it has never been done! Great!

All in all a must have for a CD collection!"