Search - Mitzi Gaynor :: Sings the Lyrics of Ira Gers

Marvelous, Magical Mitzi!

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 02/17/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Flare brings Mitzi Gaynor's long-unavailable 1959 album of Ira Gershwin songs to CD for the very first time. One of the last great triple threat talents in the 'business', it's a rare treat to hear Mitzi belting out an array of classic and seldom-recorded songs from the pen of Mr G.



With her delicate, fluttery voice (which can also go into overdrive with a very satisfactory belt when required), Gaynor tackles two numbers closely identified with Judy Garland ("Gotta Have Me Go with You" and "Here's What I'm Here For"), as well as a lullaby-esque "My Ship", intimately scored with soft, hesitant strings and just the right amount of brass; and a gangbusters "Soon", amongst others.



The second of two major albums recorded by Mitzi Gaynor in the late-1950s, SINGS THE SONGS OF IRA GERSHWIN came whilst Gaynor was still riding high on the international success of "South Pacific". The era of movie musicals was coming to it's climax, though, and Gaynor's time as a leading lady in Hollywood expired with it--despite her incredible talents, which she later showcased, to the delight of audiences all over, in a series of annual TV variety specials, not to mention countless appearances in touring and summer stock productions of musicals.



[Flare Records ROYCD290]"