Search - Christine Andreas :: The Carlyle Set

Magnificent

05/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Christine Andreas has done it again. Having just released the triumphant "Here's to the Ladies" last year, the classy cabaret singer and Broadway star has recorded a collection of breezy tunes that is sure to stun many fans who haven't seen her cabaret act. While on "Here's to the Ladies" Andreas played safe and selected well-known songs from familiar Broadway shows, on this recording Andreas blends old and new, familiar and obscure. Her voice, as always, is in top form, clear, consistent, powerful, emotional, and never strained, but it is the way she uses it on this album that will surprise many. This is a jazzier, sexier, more soulful Christine. She isn't playing her usual leading lady roles here amid huge audiences and in giant theaters. The setting is intimate, the tone often playful, sometimes serious, and always emotional. The result is phenomenal. Of particular excellence is a medley of "How Insensitive" and "I'm a Fool to Want You." Beautifully arranged, as is the entire album, and perfectly executed with just the right amount of gauzy pain. Andreas also hits two homeruns with her up-tempo swing versions of two show tunes, "My Fair Lady's 'Show Me,'" and "On Your Toes' 'It's Got to be Love." This Grammy-worthy album shines in every way, and is a welcome addition to Christine Andreas' fast-expanding collection of solo albums."

Andreas delivers with a versatile recording!

Douglas Carter | Highlands, NY | 06/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Christine Andreas is a world famous Cabaret performer and Broadway diva(Scarlet Pimpernel, On Your Toes) and while her CD "Here's To The Ladies" focused mostly on Broadway music, this CD is more centered on jazz and the elements of Cabaret. In particularly fine voice throughout, she shines especially in "What if We Went to Italy?" "Alfie" and "In A Sentimental Mood" where her voice glows like no other. Any fan of Andreas and Cabaret will want to add this CD to their collection for the pure vocal quality and passion. Also included are beautiful liner notes(by Rex Reed) and pictures of the Carlyle- you will feel as if you are at the cabaret, in a small room, as Andreas sings just for you!"

An intimate recording

JLF | Manila, Philippines | 05/23/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was expecting a recording of a live performance. However, for now this would probably do. Among the currrent solo records of christine andreas, I consider this the best one. Here's to the Ladies is an nice CD, most of her renditions are good, except for Some People and Dont Rain on My Parade (you really cannot dissociate these songs with the characters and the original singers). Also, her rendition there, though enjoyable, could be quite predictable. This CD released by fynsworthalley is eclectic. A good mix of new and old songs. I particularly like mary chapin carpenter's What if we went to Italy, Show Me, Alfie, and At the Ballet. I hope she would record other jazz songs like Bluessette, or probably an acoustic version of Driftin, Dreaming. Come On, Come On would also be nice to hear with Christine Andreas' vocals. I hope for a live recording in the future."