Search - Shirley Horn :: You're My Thrill

The best Shirley Horn album in years

Mark Edward Manning | London, U.K. | 09/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ten years since the release of the monumental "You Won't Forget Me," Shirely Horn has done it again, releasing a landmark album. Although she has released some very quality material throughout the past decade, "You're My Thrill" is exceptional. The 11-song CD features her usual repetoire of ballads interspersed with bouncy be-bop numbers, but what makes the album noteworthy from her other recent albums is the wall of sound producer Johnny Mandel provides. This quality makes both Horn's vocals and piano resonate. The new CD also echoes "Here's to Life," with Mandel's orchestra backing her vocals on six of the tracks. Horn reaches deep into her early days by injecting some blues guitar into the mix, courtesy of Russell Malone, featured on the songs Sharing the Night With the Blues and Why Don't You Do Right? Her remake of I Got Lost in His Arms is magical, with Larry Bunker's vibes punctuating the end of each verse. Solitary Moon, My Heart Stood Still and the title track are gems, with the orchestra deliciously complementing Horn's masterful interpretation of the songs. The Best Is Yet to Come is a treat, with Horn and company's deft handling of swift chord changes. Finally, Horn's strong performance on All Night Long proves that her voice can still rise to the occasion and provides an appropriate climax to the CD.Along with her trio -- drummer Steve Williams and Charles Ables, who shares bass duties with Brian Bromberg -- Shirley Horn provides us with her most powerful and enchanting album in years."

Subtle Thrills

svf | 03/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nine years later, Shirley Horn and Johnny Mandel live up to the challenge of reprising their astonishing (and Grammy-winning) "Here's To Life" collaboration with "You're My Thrill." Here, the Mandel arrangements (which accompany about half of the tunes) are perhaps even more subtly orchestrated, making for a very intimate and hushed sound. They remind me of some of Mandel's work for Diana Krall's blockbuster "When I Look In Your Eyes" album. This outing also explores night-club swinging territory (familiar to fans of Horn's earlier releases such as "Live at Vine St.") on tracks such as "The Best Is Yet To Come," where Shirley and the trio shine without orchestral enhancements. Not surprisingly, though, it's gorgeous ballads like "Solitary Moon" and "The Very Thought of You" that really sink in deepest and linger in your heart and soul. In short, if you love brilliant songs masterfully interpreted (and who doesn't?), then you'll love this album. In fact, with its perfect balance of trio jazziness and string-laced balladry, Ms. Horn will hopefully tap into the wide appeal that Diana Krall has been enjoying... Shirley must be Diana's primary influence and inspiration!"

Hey Shirley--you're my thrill!!!

rybread5 | New York, NY United States | 03/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Several years ago while at a dinner party, holding a simple conversation with people proved to be impossible because Shirley Horn's Here's to Life cd was playing in the background. This was my first introduction to this extraordinary artist and while at the time I tried to smile and nod in the right places at the right times, hoping to appear intelligent, the truth was I was captivated and spellbound--and I have been ever since. Here's to Life is an incredible cd and her latest You're My Thrill follows suit. Teamed again with Johnny Mandel, (arranger and conductor on Here's to Life), their collaboration has proven to be a match made in heaven. Shirley's "less is best" piano style and her deep satin voice are complimented by Johnny's subtle, yet keen, orchestral arrangements. The end result is music with thought, depth, and integrity. If I had to pick one thing I love about Shirley, I would say it is her masterful way of using space to create musical highlights. By holding a note or by creating a dramatic pause, she takes time and makes it stand still. Examples of this can be heard in the title track, Solitary Moon, I Got Lost in His Arms, My Heart Stood Stil, and The Very Thought of You, and the beautiful All Night Long (note: these slow tunes are also where Johnny's magic comes through) Although Shirley is known for taking her time with a song, rest assured that she can and does know how to pick up the pace and swing hard especially in The Best is Yet To Come, The Rules of the Road, You Better Love Me, and Why Don't You Do Right--all showcasing her strength as a renowned pianist. This is a very VERY nice cd for entertaining, for romantic evenings with someone special, or for unwinding after a long day. Shirley is my THRILL and she'll by yours too."