Search - Andre Previn, Sylvia Mcnair, Harold Arlen :: Come Rain Or Come Shine: The Harold Arlen Songbook

Beautful, subtle, sweet, delicate, gentle, and studied...

Mr Russell S. Wollman | Fairfield, Iowa United States | 12/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I read the review accusing Sylvia McNair of being tired on this CD, I knew I had to hear it. Upon hearing Miss McNair perform Rachmaninoff's Vocalise with the Baltimore Symphony, the case was closed: her voice simply flew so effortlessly, yet so powerfully, 'way above the orchestra, as if descendant from the heavens, that she won my admiration at once and forever.On this CD she brings her classical training to music that is already well-sprinkled with emotion of its own as well as whatever we listeners confer upon it. So the purity and sweetness of her voice make for a real treat, a rather more subtle performance that isn't as charged in the manner of Barbra Streisand, to name someone I'm familiar with and also enjoy.Miss McNair is easier to listen to, and her simple style nonetheless has great warmth, gentility, and-dare I say this in the face of modern culture-a certain diginity that I have to admit I find utterly refreshing. Maybe I'm getting older, but subtle details are beginning to capture me best.If you tend to find her tired, may I suggest very kindly that your ears need a little rest? There's so much noise in the world today that the simple, quiet beauty of music is all too often masked by the din of artists who simply follow the tides.Miss McNair is here to stay, at least in my CD player. I'd hop a plane just to hear and see her live. And she's beautiful, too. Tell her Russ sent you..."

McNair is the best singer diva.

Mr Russell S. Wollman | 11/09/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album proves McNair's wonderful ability to sing jazz. In fact, it is better than Diana Krall's stuff in many ways surprisingly. Her voice is sweet and rich and lovely and this album proves that she got what it takes to succeed. :o)"

Wonderful songs in superb performance

bossa_nova | Kent | 12/14/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Harold Arlen's songs are wonderful and far too little known. Sylvia McNair sings beautifully and shows real understanding of Arlen's jazzy idiom, Andre Previn is superb in support and the whole session is a magical experience. Both are at their best in 'This time the dream's on me', a performance unlikely to be surpassed. Highly recommended to all lovers of quality music."