Slow and sensual, Harry Connick Jr.'s ode to love is a shock to those accustomed to the pop stylings of his best-known work. In spirit, To See You represents a return to Connick's prestardom self, reflecting the imaginativ... more »e musicality of that edgier sensibility. Yet Connick shows off a matured ability for composition and arrangement, creating poignant tapestries for his love-struck protagonists. On "Heart Beyond Repair," Connick confidently backs off midway through a torch-song vocal, giving saxophonist Charles Goold room to blow seductively through to a quiet swing groove. Connick lets the song fade in and out, finding a mysterious rhythm in the quiet patches, only to bring back that croon for a final coda. Elsewhere, the inventive use of the orchestra colors "Love Me Some You" with abrupt tonal and dynamic shifts, enhancing the song's jazzy, sometimes dissonant core. In exploring the oldest subject matter known to humanity, Connick has a trustworthy muse with which to experiment. Fortunately, his exploration of the heart yields riches of tuneful discovery. --Matthew Cooke« less
Slow and sensual, Harry Connick Jr.'s ode to love is a shock to those accustomed to the pop stylings of his best-known work. In spirit, To See You represents a return to Connick's prestardom self, reflecting the imaginative musicality of that edgier sensibility. Yet Connick shows off a matured ability for composition and arrangement, creating poignant tapestries for his love-struck protagonists. On "Heart Beyond Repair," Connick confidently backs off midway through a torch-song vocal, giving saxophonist Charles Goold room to blow seductively through to a quiet swing groove. Connick lets the song fade in and out, finding a mysterious rhythm in the quiet patches, only to bring back that croon for a final coda. Elsewhere, the inventive use of the orchestra colors "Love Me Some You" with abrupt tonal and dynamic shifts, enhancing the song's jazzy, sometimes dissonant core. In exploring the oldest subject matter known to humanity, Connick has a trustworthy muse with which to experiment. Fortunately, his exploration of the heart yields riches of tuneful discovery. --Matthew Cooke
"I almost never write reviews, but I have to go out of my way to say what an amazingly warm and wonderful album this is.
I put it on again last night, having purchased it in 1997. This album continues to amaze me. The atmosphere it creates is warm, loving and comforting. But that is just the surface. The lyrics are intelligent, the musicianship inspired and it leaves the listener entirely fulfilled.
It has become a favorite of mine through the years. It has also become a favorite pre-bedtime listen for my 6 month old daughter! Well worth it."
I'm torn
M. Copeland | Texas | 07/03/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I know Harry is super talented, but this album seems to be maybe too much of a good thing. It is definitely subtle and somber, and I think it can verge on monotonous. I hate to make Harry background music, but that is really what this cd is good for. Songs wane and meander too much for the average listener. Like it or not, there is something about being able to "predict" music that makes it likeable. This is great mood music behind a formal dinner party or a romantic evening, but one should be warned not to listen to it in the car - you'll likely fall asleep at the wheel! But it was a wonderful effort, Harry. Truly a generous and classy composer and artist."
His Best Album.
Trooperboots | Southern California | 03/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If "Love Me Tonight" were the only song on this CD, it would be miraculous. Harry has been led astray a time or two, but this entire album is amazing. My favorite of his many albums. Moody, quiet, lush and romantic. This album is subtile, but powerful just the same. The orchestration and arrangements are some of the best on any modern jazz album. Whew!"
Daring Jazz Album by Talented Connick
Nelson Aspen | Los Angeles & NYC, USA | 07/18/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Very bold of Harry to put forth all his own works without benefit of standards or "crowd pleasers" from his usual repetoire. Not every number works completely, but there is still an awful lot of good jazz on here.
Nice, too, that he doesn't hog the spotlight with vocals. There's a lot of excellent instrumental music in here, too...the tracks are long and luscious and an interesting and welcome departure from what we have typically come to expect from this solid artist.
A nice surprise and a CD you will enjoy."
When My Heart Explodes
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 04/16/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
""To See You" is one of those discs that is so good that time does not make it fade from view. Connick as a composer and song stylist is actually quite experimental, remarkable given that he seems to be working within a fairly narrow genre of slow romantic jazz. On "Once," Charles Goold's languid tenor sax blows through the track like a gentle breeze. "Heart Beyond Repair" traces similar musical terrain. Connick gives the band tremendous latitude on which he layers his aching vocals, "All the edges worn & frayed, magnifying love betrayed." Reginald Veal's bass sounds like it's inspired by Jaco Pastorius with delightful horns and strings giving "Love Me Some You" a slow swinging sound. "In Love Again" likewise has some tremendously inventive arrangements, "I'll get off the road when my heart explodes." "To See You" is an inventive set that continues to wear well. Enjoy!"