Search - Sarah Vaughan :: Gershwin Live

WHAT AN ABSOLUTE JOY!!!

09/20/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Never before, and never since, has a singer been blessed with a voice as flexible and capable as that of the late Sarah Vaughan. In addition, she was a first-rate musician (she had perfect pitch, was an accomplished pianist, and was an incomparable interpreter of music). This CD is her last regular, full-length album, and it is certainly one of the best, I'm sure. This is a live performance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the night is magical.At this point in her career, Sarah's voice had matured and deepened into a super-contralto that could still effortlessly scale the heights of a soprano. And she does. On all of these Gershwin tunes, she takes the songs to places they've never been. "The Man I Love" is triumphant in every since, especially its absolutely stunning scat section. I listen to it over and over again! Once you hear Sarah sing "Someone to Watch Over Me," you'll never want to hear anyone else sing it again. It can't be any better. There are so many other fantastic moments on this album, and there are absolutely no clunkers on this set. NONE! This woman deserved more recognition than she got, even though she was the recipient of many awards. She was undeniably better than the late Ella Fitzgerald, who wasn't too bad herself! In fact, Ella considered Sarah the best jazz singer in the world! I think that says it all!Buy this album if for no other reason than to hear some of the last recorded work of a great and legendary artist who was taken away from us before her time. You will not regret it."

Inspired, enthusiastic performance

Steve Hanks | Tacoma, WA USA | 07/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In this collaboration between Sarah Vaughan and MichaelTilson-Thomas---both accomplished Gershwin interpreters---it's clearthat they are both enjoying the experience immensely (look at the expressions of delight on their faces in both cover-art photos). Tilson-Thomas accompanies her on the piano on three numbers, and those performances are energetic and inspired. On the other tracks, hearing her voice backed by a full orchestra is really cool --- she sounds wonderful against an orchestra. The arrangements and orchestrations on this album, particularly the three medlies, are original and inspired. She used them in her live performances for years to come. Her interpretation of "Someone to Watch Over Me" at the end of track 2 is slow, rich, gorgeous, and memorable. In short, it's a great album: she's in great voice, singing great music with great backing, and everybody enjoys the experience. A reviewer mentions that she talks but does not sing on the album. I don't understand this criticism: I just listened to the whole album, and the only speaking she does is to say "thank you" between tracks. No problem."

Matchless ability and delivery!

vsf | 07/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Too bad this is one of the last recordings availible of Ms. Vaughan live. I really enjoyed her melodically enchanting interpretation of these Broadway-turned-Jazz-standard tunes. The conductor, thankfully, allowed the divinely sassy songstress to do what she does best: weave complicated melodies into a marvelous composition. I was enamored by the medleys! Good stuff!"