Two great voices!
07/18/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This imported CD contains two albums on 1 disc. Helen Forrest, who passed away in 1999, is represented here with her Capitol album from 1955 VOICE OF THE NAME BANDS. Recorded after a huge big band vocal career, Forrest sings some of her signature songs. With orchestrations by Billy May, Forrest shines on these stellar selections. Forrest was an incomparable talent. Not so incomparable, yet appealing is Trudy Richards. With voracious vocals, Richards swings with interpretations of Gershwin to Hammerstein. Bold are the vocals and equally enticing are the Billy May orchestrations. CRAZY IN LOVE is a winner. Two great albums on one CD make for enjoyable listening!"
At last the great Capital Helen Forrest sessions are on CD!
Roadrunner | 11/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD re-isues in full Helen Forrests' session for Capital Records in the mid 50's, originally released as "Voice Of The Name Bands"(being Benny Goodman, Aerie Shaw, & Harry James). This CD is exellent, the sound quality superb, and Forrests' phrasing only grew more appaeling through the years(although her style went unchanged from the big band days). Forrest sings torch songs and swings with equal charm and emotion, the songs all veteren standards, most of them she sang in the 40's, are arranged well matching the singers flawless style, and honey sweet vocals, always with a touch of jazz feeling. this is one of Forrests' finest sessions(not counting her 40's stints with James). Also included on this CD is the obscure Trudy Richards, a somewhat forgetteable singers, somewhat forgettable session for Capital, she sings like she's trying to be a cross between Lena Horne and Ethel Merman(which isn't too bad), she's not as awful as Joni James, Teresa Brewer, or Patti Page, but still the main reason to pick this up is for the Forrest sides. Recommended.Also even more essential then this CD is Helen Forrest "1983 Studio Sessions" put out on the Viper's Nest label, worth looking for, to see the jazz side of Helen Forrest(she only improved with age)"
Track Listings (24) - Disc #1