Jane Monheit - Live at the Rainbow Room (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)I first found out about Jane Monheit from a very interesting piece on CBS's "Sunday Morning" show. Over next few years I become a fan of this young classically trained singer, who has brought some new blood to the classic pop genre. I was surprised when I found out she had a live performance on DVD.I had accidentally plugged in her name into Amazon's DVD section and the "Live at the Rainbow Room" title popped up. Well it was a lucky accident, because "Live at the Rainbow Room" presents Monheit in a delightful, intimate performance, that is a musical treat.The performance is mainly a showcase for her third and newest album, "Into the Sun", but also manages to mix other tunes from her older CDs. She has a wonderful voice, which is at home singing every thing from pop classics such as "Cheek to Cheek" and "Tea for Two" to more modern fair such as "Love Has No Pride" and "Waters of March". My personal favorite of the set is the classic opening number, "Over the Rainbow". Moheit starts the song off by singing in a low accapella and then is slowly joined in by the orchestra. It is moving and emotional reading of the Arlen standard, which really shows off, what a pure talent she really is. Other highlights include a steamy version of Duke Ellington's "Just Squeeze Me" and a rousing rendition "Hit the Road to Dreamland". Monheit works well with the orchestra (which includes bass legend Ron Carter) as well as the smaller group configurations and soloists.She presents a friendly and light hearted personality, which really shines in this concert. The world famous 'Rainbow Room' turns out to be an wonderful small, intimate venue for the show.As a viewer I felt like I was there. The DVD's picture and sound quality are excellent.It also includes a short featurette, which includes interviews and rehearsal footage. If you are a fan of Jane Monheit or classic pop in general, then I highly recommend "Live at the Rainbow Room".

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LIVE AT THE RAINBOW ROOM - DVD Movie

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Frank Sinatra - A Man and His Music + Ella + Jobim (1965) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have to admit I'm not an overly enthusiastic Sinatra fan myself, but he is certainly at his prime in this 1967 TV special. Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra are top notch as is Miss Ella in her solos and duets with Frank. The opening track "Day In, Day Out" featuring a lot of percussion instruments surrounding Frank is particularly memorable and full of drive.
The real reason I bought this DVD, however, was for the segment with Antonio Carlos Jobim. Frank and Antonio do a short medley of Jobim and Cole Porter-written songs (this segment of the show could and should have been MUCH longer) - but which medley unfortunately is credited to the arranging talents of Nelson Riddle - when in fact, the entire arrangement of all 4 Jobim and Porter songs played should have been attributed to Claus Ogerman. The arrangement of these four tunes can be heard note for note in the "Francis Albert Sinatra and Antonio Carlos Jobim" 1967 LP (and now CD) on the Reprise label. Claus Ogerman arranged and conducted this entire album. Shortened versions of these four songs were only "lifted" from the album for this tv show. Antonio plays guitar chord changes in between the songs which make the 4 tunes flow effortlessly from one to the other. Nelson Riddle does a fine job arranging the music for the rest of the tv special, but I believe in giving credit where credit is due - and by no means did he arrange the Sinatra/Jobim part of the special.
Two of the very best albums Sinatra ever recorded were those with Jobim and I am glad that at least some of the material from one of these albums gets to shine on this tv special.
Of course, there are no words to describe Ella Fitzgerald's talent; every superlative about her singing has already been used many times over. She's great to both watch and listen to on this special and you can tell that Frank enjoys listening to her - when he's not singing with her himself - as well.
Anyone who loves bossa nova or wonderful renditions of standard swing and jazz tunes should definitely not miss buying this DVD. The only dissapointment for me is that it was not remastered in Dolby Digital, and offered in only PCM sound. Although the video part of the DVD is very good considering its age, it also could have done with a remastering to make it look even more pristine for the digital age.
--bj
January 2003.

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