Search - Jeff Chandler :: You & I

FIFTIES HOLLYWOOD HEART THROB SINGS!

A. POLLOCK | PLYMOUTH, DEVON United Kingdom | 11/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jeff Chandler, a grey-haired Fifties screen heart-throb, often played Apache chiefs and noble braves (receiving an Oscar nomination in 1950 for playing Cochise in the film BROKEN ARROW) as well as action heroes and macho-men in exotic romps. Like many Hollywood stars, Chandler went into the recording studio more than once during the mid-Fifties and delivered a few singles plus a couple of albums which have become collectors items. Now along comes UK based Flare Records with this fascinating collection of standards and newer songs that proves Chandler indeed had a voice with style and presence in the manner best described as resembling Dean Martin.



With an actor's full emotional understanding of lyrics in place, a selection of ballads and up-tempo numbers have been extracted from at least one of those albums, with some singles added. ALWAYS, THE MORE I SEE YOU, I'VE GOT MY LOVE TO KEEP ME WARM and IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU are amongst popular standards that benefit from Chandler's laid-back style. Conversely, the newer numbers include his self-penned TELL ME and YOU AND I plus co-written THAT'S ALL SHE'S WAITING TO HEAR which add welcome originality to the proceedings.



Unfortunately, Chandler died prematurely aged forty-two in 1961 due to hospital malpractice so apart from his rarely screened Universal-International movies on television; these welcome recordings are at least a reminder of his rare talent. Excellent sound and presentation help make this release an excellent purchase for those who collect Hollywood nostalgia.



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