"I first picked up an LP version of this disc about twenty years ago when I read a review in the now defunct "Stereo Review." I enjoyed it so much, I bought the CD version when it was issued. Joyce Carr is one of those singers like Johnny Hartman who was blessed with a wonderful voice and great musicality, but who never "made it big." All I can say is that I love this disc. It is ideal for snowy nights in a log cabin with a roaring fire and good brandy. One thing you must know. The second half of the CD was taken from an LP that Ms. Carr put out back in the 50's. The sound of the last half is not so hot. But the first dozen songs more than compensate. This is a CD that truly deserves more recognition and distribution than it is currently receiving."
This lady knows how to sing a ballard with maturity.
Dale Keniston | Roanoke, Virginia USA | 10/12/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I heard this album on Public Radio 10 years ago and it is still as fresh now as it was then. Joyce Carr is a rare singer who knows the words and does not stylize or overwhelm them. Mature, romantic, but positive-the listener has but to close their eyes, to find themselves in a small bristo, to fall in love with this singer."
The greatest singer you've never heard of
Jack Shakely | Palm Springs | 01/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Love kept Joyce Carr from travelling, so she sang at the same nightclub in Washington, DC for more than twenty years. Her phrasing and delivery of the lyrics put her among the best cabaret singers of the 20th century. Ellis Larkin, the famous New York pianist (Little Carnegie Tavern) accompanies her on half the tunes, Bob Vigoda the rest. You will never forget the first time you hear her."
Perfectly Crafted
High Standards Fan | Florida | 07/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am a new devotee of Joyce Carr. What a lovely, strong voice and her style is impeccable. When you have a great instrument, you don't have to bend notes. She deserves to be enjoyed and admired for her devotion to the music she performs. Wonderful choice for anyone who wants to listen to a singer with grace and integrity."
Smooth & Dreamy : Trumpet-Like Lyric Lines
Michael T Darcy | Placentia CA | 12/20/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Joyce Carr is a new discovery for me. Since acquiring this CD, I have listened many times. She has a beautiful voice, and she knows how to use it wisely. Her best tones are in the middle range. She stays there, weaving long notes in trumpet like lyric lines. I noticed this for the first time when listening to I GUESS I'LL HANG MY TEARS OUT TO DRY. Joyce has a way of drawing the listener into a song.
When she sings, she is a storyteller from the heart.
I originally purchased this recording because I was looking for something by Ellis Larkins, who accompanies her on the 2nd portion of this recording. As much as I enjoy the Larkins set, the initial set with the Bob Vigoda trio (interspersed with several numbers that are accompanied by a separate pianist only) is my favorite. I have always enjoyed the song YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT LOVE IS."
Wait until you hear it here. All I can say is that Joyce Carr sings with a magic that transcends time and space.
To accurately describe her vocal range, she would be an alto. Hers is not the higher range of someone like Linda Ronstadt, or the lower one of someone like Sarah Vaughn (although Sarah could sing quite high too). Having this beauty at midrange, and properly shaping the vowels, the effect is wonderful.