Not enough superlatives for this one...
07/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Someday, when people's ears, brains and sensibilities have been deadened by the overproduced mediocre pap that now passes for music, I hope some enterprising soul will stumble upon this CD, experience some kind of epiphany while sampling it, and spread the word about the wonder that is John Gary.Gary approached each song as an accomplished actor might rigorously prepare for a coveted role. Nothing was left to chance or taken for granted. Gary's primary aim was to convey the mood and message of each lyric as truthfully as he could. He allowed nothing, not even his considerable vocal gifts ("I prefer not to use my high notes without reason") to distract the listener from the composer's and the lyricist's intentions. In his case, the medium was not the message; the medium existed only to deliver the message.John Gary was worlds away from today's one-dimensional performers who rely on the tricks of engineering wizards to enhance what little they have to offer. Here he voices the most tender and intimate sentiments, as in "How Deep is the Ocean" or "Love is Here to Stay", and, in turn, delivers a devastating portrayal of human desperation in a gripping rendition of "What Now My Love". The length and breadth of Gary's 4-octave range is fully utilized here in "If Ever I Would Leave You", and his powerful "Without a Song" is stunning in its nearly operatic proportions. What a shame that Rodgers and Hammerstein never came calling; John Gary would have proved to be a formidable (not to mention attractive) Lt. Cable in "South Pacific" and his vocal and emotional capabilities would have been tailor made for Billy Bigelow's heart-wrenching "Soliloquy" from "Carousel". But alas, it was not to be.This CD contains 2 complete albums which were recorded in the mid 1960's. "A Heart Filled with Song" features 12 personally hand picked tunes which were particularly meaningful to the singer, while "Choice" showcases a dozen songs which Gary recorded at the request of a number of celebrated songwriters - Mancini, Mercer, Rodgers and Loesser among them.Kudos once again to the Collectables label for making still more of John Gary's catalog available. That incomparable voice coupled with an uncompromising artistic integrity makes this CD one to savor and treasure."
Easily my second favorite John Gary album
Patrick Fitzsimons | redondo beach, ca. USA | 10/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While I enjoy most of the John Gary collectables that have been
released by BMG, this album is phenomenal. Next to the John Gary
"Carnegie Hall Concert" album, this one is easily my favorite.
"
A star to remember
George L. Ramas | Walnut Creek, CA USA | 04/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"John Gary was one of my first favorite singers and still today I have nearly all his early "albums". I only wish there were more of his albums on CDs.
He truly is part of a dying breed of singers like Jack Jones.
I was lucky enough to see him at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in the mid 70s. And enjoyed his show so much.
"
Track Listings (24) - Disc #1