Search - Fred Ebb, John Kander :: Liza with a 'Z'

"Z" Gets An "A"

Steven Housman | West Hollywood, CA & Miami, FL | 03/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For the younger generation who only know of Liza Minnelli as a tabloid queen because she had the wedding and divorce of the decade, and as Dorothy's daughter, then you don't know Liza at all. There are stars and then there are STARS. Liza falls into the latter. She was best known for being the daughter of a legend until she became one herself. In 1972, the same year her Oscar-winning role in Cabaret was released, so was this soundtrack from her four-time Emmy-winning television special that originally aired on September 10, 1972. Filmed in New York the previous May, Liza exploded onto our television screens as few performers can do, and left an indelible mark on the audience as well as in show business history. This reissue is just a reminder of the spectacular talent that is Liza. Half of the album's songs were written by the great songwriting team of John Kander and Fred Ebb, which include the ferocious opening track, "Yes!," as well as the title track "Say Liza (Liza With A "Z")" and a medley from Cabaret, including the exquisite torch song "Maybe This Time." In between, Liza treats us to a haunting version of the Billie Holiday classic "God Bless The Child," the Maurice Jarre-penned "It Was A Good Time," the funk of Joe Tex's "I Gotcha," and a stunning rendition of Dusty Springfield's "Son Of A Preacher Man." There's also a bit of nostalgia with "Bye Bye Blackbird," "My Mammy" and the Charles Aznavour jewel "You've Let Yourself Go." This CD showcases Liza's enormous versatility, and it is probably safe to say it's one of the best, if not the best, full recording of her illustrious career. As a special treat, Showtime television is airing this original 1972 special on April 1, 2006. For those who never understood what the fuss was about, I highly suggest listening to this CD and tuning into the special. For those who don't receive Showtime, not to worry, this special has been immaculately remastered for DVD and will be made available shortly after it airs. There are only a handful of artists that are known by one name. We have Judy, Barbra, and Bette to name three. After listening to Liza on this album, which was recorded when she was only 26, it's easy to see why she is considered among the crème de la crème of entertainers. The concert may be titled 'Liza With A "Z,"' but this album gets an "A," and that's for Astounding!"

Liza at her Best

Gina S. Kleesattel | USA | 07/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lovers of Broadway, Lovers of show business, and of course, Lovers of Liza - should consider this a "must have" in their collection. No doubt, this is Liza at her best - the perfect example of pure, raw entertainment talent. How can you live without it?"