Search - Helen Morgan :: Torch Singer

They say this lady established the genre of torch singer...

URL Cruiser | NY | 07/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The music and voice sounds very rich and not tinny, but this is a collection of old roaring 20s sounding recordings kind of like what you hear in an old time movie. Oh, well, now at least I know what she sounded like. I bought it out of curiosity when I found her name mentioned in the review of Cher in the music section at msn.com It says she started the practice of singing while sitting on a piano. She didn't do it to be stylish. She did it because the stage in the bar was only big enough for the piano. Did some searches on the web and found out about Helen Morgan's background and decided to order the CD."

Songs faultlessly performed by the great Helen Morgan

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/05/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Helen Morgan had a beautiful voice that was as clear as a bell; and when you hear her sing you will know instantly why she was such a popular entertainer! Helen gave her all to please her fans and they adored her for it, too. When Helen sang, you listened--and you listened closely, too, because she was always able to convey so much genuine emotion when she performed. The sound quality on this CD is really rather good considering the age of these recordings; there are a few tracks with some surface noise but it didn't ever truly interfere with my ability to enjoy Helen's singing. In addition, the artwork is nicely done.



"Bill" is a classic show tune from "Show Boat" and Helen never skips a beat; Reggie Young is also at his very best! "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," which also comes from "Show Boat," gets a most passionate treatment and the combination of those strings with that piano arrangement is very elegant. "It's Home" is very well done; Helen handles complex key and tempo changes like the pro she always was! "When He Comes Home to Me" has a beautiful musical arrangement that fits perfectly with Helen's faultless singing; and I really like "Song of a Dreamer."



"(I've Got) Sand in My Shoes" has Helen squarely in the spotlight--which is quite all right by me! "Winter over Night" is another passionate song that gets the royal treatment from Helen Morgan; and there's yet another gem in "I See Two Lovers."



"Little Things You Used to Do" has Helen performing with panache; and the album ends with Helen Morgan outdoing even herself on "I Was Taken by Storm."



Helen Morgan fans will certainly want this for their collections; and people who enjoy ageless show tunes will want this CD as well."