Search - Janis Paige :: Let's Make Love

MEET DELIGHTFUL JANIS PAIGE ON THIS RARE ALBUM FROM 1957

A. POLLOCK | PLYMOUTH, DEVON United Kingdom | 07/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

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Janis Paige starred in some minor Warner Brothers musicals during the late Forties -usually with Jack Carson and Dennis Morgan. However, IT'S MAGIC (ROMANCE ON THE HIGH SEAS) was definitely better than most but being Doris Day's debut movie, the newcomer featured the songs and rocketed to instant stardom even though she was fourth-billed below Carson, Janis and Don De Fore. Thereafter, Warner's tailored all their musicals to fit Day's sunny disposition until she left the studio. But that's show business and after continuing in less satisfying roles, Janis left Hollywood to seek something better on Broadway. Better meant varying stage roles and great success in THE PAJAMA GAME (1957) although it's ironical that when it came to transferring that hit show to the screen, Doris got to wear the starring night-wear.



Judging from this excellent album, recorded during this period of success, it's a shame Janis failed to get the opportunity to sing more often in films. Ballads like MY ROMANCE, WHY CAN'T I? I HADN'T ANYONE TILL YOU and BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME benefit from her warm vocal style whilst more upbeat numbers AM I IN LOVE?, WHY FIGHT THE FEELING? I FEEL LIKE A FEATHER IN THE BREEZE and the album's title song gain much from her sense of rhythm with understanding of lyrics apparent throughout. The fact these songs emanate from the pens of Rodgers & Hart, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Harry Warren etc. does no harm either with orchestral backings varying between fully lush strings or more intimate groupings with rhythm section in keeping with the mood requirements of singer and song.



Janis returned to Hollywood in style via the screen version of Cole Porter's SILK STOCKINGS (1957) followed by subsequent scene stealing roles plus work in television. SATIN AND SILK and STEREOPHONIC SOUND with Fred Astaire therefore represent her impact in that movie and are bonus tracks together with cuts from THE PAJAMA GAME Broadway cast album. Regretfully, there appears to be no other solo albums by Janis so this one is a rarity and quite a find, so thank you Flare Records. The fact it is also excellent puts the icing on the cake.

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