Search - Jack Jones :: Jack Jones Sings Michel Legrand

ONE OF THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS

Giovanni | Chicago, IL | 08/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even Francis A. dubbed Jack Jones "one of the best up and comers" in the business back in the 60's. I heartilly agree with Ol' Blue Eyes and you will as well after hearing this album. While this new re-release of what Jack called his favorite album is pricy, especially since you can still find the cheaper domestic version of this album around if you look, this collection will not disappoint. It's Jack at his best, with the mulit-talented arranger/conductor/pianist/songwriter Michel Legrand. I wish they would have done Legrand's great BRIAN'S SONG here, but the play list has some heavy hitters that have become favorites since I first heard them done on this CD. The stirring THE YEARS OF MY YOUTH opens the album, a wistful ballad that Jack and Michel beautifully complement each other on, leading to a dramatic and perfect ending to this wonderful ballad. Jack has fun with the romping SWEET GINGERBREAD MAN, a song Sammy Davis also covered around this time with great results. NOBODY KNOWS and I WILL SAY GOODBYE are two more plaintive ballads, each gorgeously sung and arranged with heartfelt singing by Jack and proud direction of Michel. As a collector of great music and a big fan of Jack's, maybe my opinion is biased here; but you'll agree this is worth the price considering the lack of Jack Jones CDs out there (although this is the second of Jack's fairly fruitful years at RCA; the first being the great album THE FULL LIFE) Hoping RCA continues releasing Jack's albums; maybe then we'd get ALL of his stuff out there! An excellent reissue from overseas for Jack Jones fans everywhere to enjoy!"

Very Fine Artistry!!!

Beverly Praiswater | 06/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jack Jones never quite got the recognition that was due to a wonderful singer with such a smooth, fine voice. For some odd reason he was passed by for others in his peer group. He has the capability to sing most tenderly while he also has the ability to belt most boldly! His range of vocal talents coupled with his vocal colors and shadings is truly classical.



The opening number "The Years Of My Youth" is a fulfilling elegant number. Jack brings all of his sensitivity to "Pieces Of Dreams". No other male singer can bring the unique emotion to "The Windmills Of Your Mind" as Jack does. Not since Dusty Springfield sang this song in the 60's has any singer, male or female, done this song such justice! Jack gets soulfully inside of the song "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?". "Blue, Green, Gray and Gone" is a very bluesy song with unique tempo changes. Jack sings this song with finesse. In "Nobody Knows" Jack's voice winds around the lyrics softly and most delicately. This cd is a must for those who appreciate the very fine artistry of Jack Jones and the gorgeous works of Michel Legrand!!"

Brilliant!

Max Music | New York, NY | 12/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have an unopened LP copy of this that I bought 20 some years ago because I thought I'd wear out the one I was listening to! This is the absolute BEST of the LeGrand-singer colaborations that was completed in the early seventies. In other words, LeGrand made several LPs with singers of his songs, and this is numero uno, Streisand's ("...Feauturing The Way We Were") a close second. Great vocals with great arrangements of LeGrand compositions such as "Pieces of Dreams", "One Day", "I Will Say Goodbye", "What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life". Jones should have done more with Michel LeGrand. If you get this CD you will NOT be disappointed!"