Search - Holly Near :: With a Song in My Heart

Magnificent unexpected performance of show tunes

Adam Samuel (adamsamuel@aol.com) | London, England | 11/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Holly Near hinted in her medley of love songs, Stormy Weather on Lifeline that she could be a major singer of show tunes. With a Song in my Heart triumphantly proves this to be the case. Described as songs the singer's parents used to listen to, this CD is so much more than that. Slinky, jazz like, powerful and yet sometimes quite gentle, Holly Near's singing catches all the emotions needed to take on some great but not hackneyed old songs. There are spectacular versions here of "I'm beginning to see the Light", "When Somebody thnks you're wonderful" and "You'd be so nice to come home to". I defy anyone with a sense of humour not to be humming "I've got the World on a String" after a couple of playings.The only criticism is that some of the best songs are cut a little short. Oh, and why hasn't Holly Near done a concert in London, England with this type of material? It could get her some much needed recognition in these parts. She is so much more than just another folksinger."

An Honest Effort

David Bruce | Long Beach, California United States | 09/24/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"It's nice to hear a kinder, gentler Holly Near. Over the past few years, she's conquered live theatre and and cabaret, as well as contributed to S.T.A.G.E. in addition to her prior political work. This disc is a natural progression for Holly, based on her evolution as an artist. And, to record this with her long-time accompanist, John Bucchino, is perfect. Holly & John work well together, and Holly sounds as if she wants these songs to be a gift. But, she doesn't always sound comfortable with the song choices. Yet, it is the true measure of an artist to be able to perform with limited instrumentation, as she does here with simply piano -- at that Holly excels. One would wonder why she doesn't wrap her vocal chops around the songwriting of her friend and accompanist, John Bucchino -- now that would be an excellent match of vocalist and lyricist."

Well Done

Charles - Music Lover | 02/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brought back recent memories of seeing Holly and John in Providence, RI. The arrangement is not overdone and the sound is great. I played it at home for the folks at christmas and now have to purchase another for myself!"