Search - Phyllis Hyman :: Legacy of

Rozena O. from BROCKTON, MA
Reviewed on 8/14/2006...

Beautiful voice.

If you hafta pick one ...

Tony Moor | New York, NY USA | 12/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't imagine going without a single title in my Phyllis Hyman collection. But if you put a gun to my head and told me I could own only one PH work, obviously I'd choose this one.



For a taste of PH that spans her vast yet underappreciated catalog, then the answer is "The Legacy of Phyllis Hyman" -- a dual-disc timeline of a 30-year recording career.



This 28-song compilation samples a range of tastes, from light soul-pop to smooth R&B jazz. It also includes a killer turn at the Duke Ellington classic, "In A Sentimental Mood" -- from the Broadway production of "Sophisticated Ladies," starring Phyllis Hyman in a performance that netted her a Tony Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical and the Theatre World Award for Best Newcomer.



The collection includes an excerpt from the Norman Connors Quiet-Storm Training Academy (or the "You Are My Starship" album) with "We Both Need Each Other," her duet with Michael Henderson, and "Betcha By Golly, Wow" -- an otherwise sappy tune, but Hyman's vocal dexterity made millions fall in love with her.



Her 1977 Buddah debut "Phyllis Hyman" yields three old-school gems: "Loving You, Losing You" and quiet-storm favorites "No One Can Love You More" and "I Don't Wanna Lose You."



From her four Arista outings we see Hyman in all her late'70s/early '80s exuberance with such favorites as '"Somewhere In My Lifetime," "The Answer Is You," "Tonight You And Me," "Can't We Fall In Love Again" (another powerful duet with Henderson) and her signature dance tune "You Know How To Love Me."



This collection is also special because it includes numbers from her last Arista offering, 1983's "Goddess Of Love." Despite some experimentation not all that well-received, "Goddess" still contains some excellent cuts, five of them included here.



Four tunes represent the sophisticated and hypnotic, silky smooth and sensuously soulful maturity and introspection of an artistic force: "Old Friend" and "Living All Alone" (the title tune of her Philly label debut); and from the chart-topping "Prime Of My Life" CD, "When I Give My Love (This Time)" and the emotionally wrenching "Living In Confusion."



Twenty-eight songs aren't enough to suit your average Phyllis Hyman fan-addict. But if you truly value good music and have only one opportunity to experience this musical PHenom, "The Legacy Of Phyllis Hyman" is the best way to go."

Her precious voice will never be silenced

Jesse H. Melchor | Chicago, IL USA | 08/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For the truly passionate Phyllis Hyman aficionado, there is The Legacy.....as close to her greatest hits that is currently available. This 2 disc joint contains most of her poignant tunes from her repertoire sans a few overlooked gems.Phyllis Hyman was a true vocalist who gravitated towards many musical genres and refused to be typecast. She was a singer's singer. In any event, no matter which genre of music you prefer her to sing, there is something for everyone here: Quiet Storm, old school R&B, Disco and Jazz. Give a listen to the Sophisticated Lady croon "No One Can Love You More" and lose yourself in its lushly divine melody. A perennial Quiet Storm favorite, "The Answer Is You," was recently featured in the film, "Set It Off'," and remained a personal favorite of Phyllis.An added delight to this compilation is two duets Phyllis performed with vocalist Michael Henderson. "We Both Need Each Other" (Phyllis' fourth released single) and the R&B top ten hit, "Can't We Fall In Love Again," demonstrate how effectively their voices compliment each other. "I Don't Want To Lose You," and the torch-song flavored "When I Give My Love (This Time)" are included here as well as "Old Friend." When compared to the version on "Prime Of My Life," "When I Give My Love (This Time)" sounds even more vibrant and remastered, especially towards the conclusion of the song as Phyllis' croons "...forever...and ever. Last forever...and ever." Of course, no collection is complete without her dramatic signature song "Living All Alone." It's chorus may be simple, however, it will haunt you, especially with Phyllis' conviction.Conversely, on her upbeat side, there's "Living Inside Your Love," complete with its jazzy scat, the mid-tempo, Brazilian-influenced "Let Somebody Love You," the sing along disco ditty "Under Your Spell," and her disco signature tune "You Know How To Love Me." The Goddess Of Love's jazz fans will relish her rendition of the Duke Ellington track "In A Sentimental Mood" from the broadway stage play "Sophisticated Ladies" (which Phyllis portrayed "Ella"). Lastly, the Barry Manilow produced "Somewhere In My Lifetime" reminds one of the big band era. A better-than-most and highly comprehensive release.As an addendum to this review, the Estate of Phyllis Hyman has announced that an all-inclusive comprehensive set of Phyllis' recordings is in progress. Until then, "The Legacy of Phyllis Hyman" is the next best thing."