Faultlessly fitting tuxedo, hair slicked back, a cheeky look and Max Raabe sings the best of the 20s and early 30s with amusing nostalgia. Songs, hits and couplets. Cuban rumbas, cheerful foxtrots and elegant tangos - song... more »s of amazingly serious, amusing, yet melancholy simplicity. The ironic lyrics suit the times today as much they did eighty years ago. In the concert halls of New York, Shanghai, Paris, Berlin and Moscow, in Tokyo, Los Angeles, Vienna, Amsterdam and Rome the audiences celebrate Max Raabe and his Palast Orchester with incredible enthusiasm.
This 2CD set is a unique document of the highly critically acclaimed live performance of Max Raabe & Palast Orchester at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York in November 2007.« less
Faultlessly fitting tuxedo, hair slicked back, a cheeky look and Max Raabe sings the best of the 20s and early 30s with amusing nostalgia. Songs, hits and couplets. Cuban rumbas, cheerful foxtrots and elegant tangos - songs of amazingly serious, amusing, yet melancholy simplicity. The ironic lyrics suit the times today as much they did eighty years ago. In the concert halls of New York, Shanghai, Paris, Berlin and Moscow, in Tokyo, Los Angeles, Vienna, Amsterdam and Rome the audiences celebrate Max Raabe and his Palast Orchester with incredible enthusiasm.
This 2CD set is a unique document of the highly critically acclaimed live performance of Max Raabe & Palast Orchester at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York in November 2007.
CD Reviews
A welcome addition to personal and library music CD collecti
Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 10/10/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Heute Nacht Oder Nie (meaning "Tonight or Never") is a two-CD recording of Max Raabe and Palast Orchester's sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall in New York. The suave singing duo project clarity and energy into nostalgic hits from the 20's and early 30's. Songs range from Cuban rumbas to fast-paced foxtrots and courtly tangos. An utterly rapturous celebration of the most beloved musical styles of nearly a century ago, yet presented with the blood-firing enthusiasm and smooth, sensual appeal worthy of modern rock stars, Tonight or Never is a welcome addition to personal and library music CD collections and highly recommended.
"
Max Raabe at Carnegie Hall
H. Feuchter | San Francisco CA | 08/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although you'd never know it from the title, this double album was recorded at Max Raabe's November 2, 2007 Carnegie Hall debut. About half the numbers are in English along with his remarks. Max's music is very hard to describe: if cross Fred Astaire's singing with Paul Whiteman's big band, you're close. Northern Californian's are fortunate in having him open the San Francisco Jazz festival at the Oakland Paramount Theater on October 18, 2008. An outstanding recording truly worthy of Carnegie Hall."
A Musical Time Machine
John Erickson | Los Angeles, CA (USA) | 02/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's hard to describe this double CD. A live performance of a great singer and a fine orchestra in a style of music that is of the 1920's and 30's. Music you'd see and hear live in Weinmar Republic portion of history that is particular to Germany of those times between two world wars. If it strikes a chord with you, you will find it compelling and thrilling to listen to as a remarkable piece of modern history. If you came from a home of European immigrants where foreign language music was heard, there is a good chance this will hit some buttons for you too. If you enjoyed seeing the film Cabaret this CD will be a good one to have.
It's a special orchestra and a special singer making this special music and it takes a special listener to enjoy it. If you are special in the ways listed above then this will probably be CD that deserves to be in your collection and you'll really enjoy it. Music is a funny thing, it hard to predict what someone will like, but this CD is great in its scope and delivery and is the finest example of the style described above. It's not for everyone, clearly but if you like old music of the 20's and 30's you'll probably dig this."
The greatest performer of all time
Marcus Aurelius | PA USA | 01/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Max Raabe (and the Palast Orchester) are simply brilliant. These two cd's documents the performance at Carnegie Hall 2008, and the set builds in a controlled manner until you are simply shouting for more."
Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester
John E. Robertson | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | 11/23/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester was a very pleasant surprise>
As a fan of big band, swing, and 1930's music, Max's team surpassed
my greatest expectations.
He has a superb tenor voice spanning two octaves.
His band are very precise, very crisp, and very talented.
They make me want to learn how to sing and play the trumpet!!!
Track Listings (19) - Disc #1