Search - John Gary :: So Tenderly / Little Bit of Heaven

They don't make singers like this anymore!

02/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the 60's when all of my teenaged friends were into Janis and Jimi, I only had ears for John Gary. "So Tenderly" was the first Gary album that I owned, and when I was finished collecting I had over 20 of John's LP's. But time has not been kind to my turntable and wax, so I am thrilled to see 6 of my prized albums now reissued on 3 CD's - with every selection intact and with the original liner notes! And 35 years have not diminished John Gary's magic one iota. We're talkin' fine old wine in new bottles here! You may have heard all of the raves about John's incredible range and his golden pipes; that's what most people focus on when they attempt to describe his special appeal. Any "amen" from me would be like preaching to the choir. But I really want the world to discover this singer - who never got his due during his lifetime. So instead, let's talk about the art of singing. John came along just as the term "song stylist" was being coined. (I suppose some might consider him one of the last of the so-called "crooners"; a term which nowadays unfortunately seems to carry a somewhat negative connotation). The song stylist's mission is to take liberties whenever and wherever possible to imprint their particular individuality on a song. But that wasn't John's style. There are no gimmicks here. No self-indulgent contortions ala Whitney Houston; no bending and twisting of notes ala Streisand. The man had such respect and sensitivity for a tune and a lyric that he didn't feel compelled to insist on having his way - instead he let the song have it's way with him. It was almost as if the song was "singing" him - it seemed so natural, so heartfelt, so effortless. He was simply blessed with a natural instinct for knowing when to turn on the power and when to back off - as the song dictated - and he was always right on target. John also had a knack for selecting the most attractive material to showcase his talent and, for the most part he resisted the temptation to "cover" other people's hits. I'm absolutely convinced that if John Gary had appeared on the scene a decade earlier he would have given all of the Tony Bennetts, Vic Damones, Perry Comos, Jack Joneses and Andy Williams's serious cause to pause.If today's music seems like just so much noise and madness (and sameness!)to you, do yourself a favor: get with someone you love - maybe after a hard day's work, dim the lights, pour the wine, slip on any John Gary CD and get ready to luxuriate!!!"

At Last!

Geraldine Garrett | Hockessin, DE USA | 03/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have two scratchy albums from the 1970s that I never thought I'd be able to find on CDs. Lo and behold! Amazon offered both on the same CD. You have no idea how happy I am to hear John Gary's glorious, effortless voice again.
It's great that you notify customers when a product becomes available. Thanks, Amazon!"

TWO OF JOHN'S BEST ALBUMS

Giovanni | Chicago, IL | 02/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"are presented here in CD format after millions of fans waited, I'm sure. John's family carries a website and for years the masses have clamored for just this type of treatment for one of the 20th century's greatest vocalists of all time. Collectables Music has done another outstanding job. There are two more collections such as this slated for release this week, and sales permitting, Im sure this is the start of ALL John's works on CD!
The obvious favorite here is John's reading of "DANNY BOY" which nearly appeared twice here, since it was on both of these albums originally. The LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN sides are supplemented by "MY WILD IRISH ROSE", as all the others were released by BMG on an all - Irish songs collection some years ago. John himself co-wrote the folksy "BROWN EYED BABY BOY", and his vocals proudly soar over the string - laden arrangements. A full-blown royal treatment is given to the Lerner and Lane classic "HERE I'LL STAY" and is a nice departure from the equally great but far more brassy rendition by Sammy Davis Jr. Other standouts include "COME TO ME, BEND TO ME" and the haunting "IF YOU LOVE ME", recently released on the "ESSENTIAL JOHN GARY" from RCA .
FINALLY someone has heard the call for John Gary's music to be released!
Can't wait for these other "2fers" to arrive!
Happy listening"