Search - Liza Minnelli :: All That Jazz

Liza rarities on Columbia

Paul A. Tassone | Glenwood, NSW , Australia | 12/04/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Liza Minnelli recorded for Columbia Records from 1972-1978 and produced a number of fine albums for the label. This compilation brings together some of that material but is mainly of interest for the rarities it includes. These rarities are four songs released as singles. They are two songs from Kander and Ebb's show "Chicago" (which Liza appeared in briefly on Broadway substituting for Gwen Verdon) and two songs of no specific origin. The two "Chicago" numbers are "All That Jazz" and "My Own Best Friend" and are both songs that Liza has performed in concert. I saw her perform "All That Jazz" on stage in 1989 as part of "The Ultimate Event" tour and "My Own Best Friend" in her 1981 performances in Sydney. What a pleasure to have these two songs on CD and as performed in the studio. The other songs, "Mr Emery Won't Be Home" and "More Than I Like You", are less memorable with Liza trying for a comtemporary '70's style and more or less succeeding although the material is hardly worth the effort. However, it's good to have them on CD as they are among the most rare of Ms Minnelli's studio recordings. My advice: for the Liza-philes among us this is a must have for the rarities. For those with less than a obsession with the lady, look elsewhere for her best studio recordings."