Search - Vic Damone :: Tender Is the Night

Smooth, Warm and Tender

Kronprinz | New York, NY USA | 12/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A lovely compilation of songs recorded when Vic's voice was at its peak. And what a voice! Some of the numbers suffer from dated 50s arrangements (tons of shimmering violins and harps with celestial choruses), but many others are more restrained, tasteful and even jazzy. Through them all sails Damone's glorious baritone, a rich, powerful and gorgeous instrument. Especially fine are the sultry title track, the swinging "Alright OK You Win", a wistful "An Affair to Remember", and a sexy "Close Your Eyes". The songs were recorded at different times, with some of the earlier ones sounding a bit scratchy, but overall the sound quality is fine. The only real flaw is the non-existent documentation: in addition to zero information on the singer, none of the recording dates for any of the songs is identified. Still, if putting up with such cut corners is the price consumers must pay for access to gems like this, it's worth it."

A beautiful collection of songs from a vocal master

Kronprinz | 04/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sinatra once said that Vic Damone "had the best pipes in the business", and this collection of songs is proof of that. Whether it be a beautiful ballad or a gentle swinger, Damone handles it all with skill and ease. This collection is an example of singing at its finest."

Excellent overview of Damone's Capitol years (1962-1965)

Comic Online | Washington, DC United States | 05/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Despite the one reviewer's contention, NONE of these tracks suffer from "dated '50s arrangements." Whether you like every track or not is subjective, but this collection was put out by Capitol/EMI, from which Damone recorded from 1962-1965.



That having been said, i think this collection is pretty good. Yes, there are a couple songs that do have somewhat hokey '60s arrangements, but the vast majority are great. With arrangements by Jack Marshall, Billy May and others, you will find some of Damone's swingin' best and tenderest ballads. Also on this collection are singles and songs recorded for movies that were never released on full-length Damone albums, so are available NOWHERE ELSE (on CD anyway). I was so happy to finally get his recording of "Call Me Irresponsible." So smooth and beautiful.



The only Damone collection i would recommend more than this is the Capitol/EMI double release of his two Jack Marshall albums: Linger Awhile/My Baby Loves To Swing. Unfortunately, that's out-of-print, and quite expensive, if you can find it. Luckily, several of those tracks are on this collection.



In the end, if you want an overview of Damone's Capitol career, there is really nowhere else to go but this collection, and it does its job nicely."