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There are "girl singers" and then there is the "Girl Singer, Rosemary
Clooney". During her years on Concord - the last twenty-five years of her
extraordinary life in music - Rosemary Clooney recorded some of the most
musically satisfying albums of her career. On Girl Singer she pulled out all the
stops, singing a super collection of songs, backed by a big band of handpicked
musicians. Rosemary's arrangers, John O and Peter Metz, take full advantage of
the textures and tonal colors of the big band orchestra, crafting tailor-made
arrangements that beautifully compliment her rich, alto voice.
Special highlights include a tongue-in-cheek rendering of Dave Frishberg's
"Sweet Kentucky Ham" (a song that this girl singer from Kentucky sings like no
other), and a very special version of "Straighten Up and Fly Right" - which is
introduced by a Clooney Sisters audition tape made in 1945 before the big band
kicks in and the rosemary of 1991 sings it, and swings it, all the way home.
Each of the fourteen selections on this SACD are graced with Rosemary's
distinctively warm voice, her imitable phrasing and perfect timing.
As you would expect from any Rosemary Clooney recording on Concord, "Girl
Singer" is a class act in every respect, right down to the liner notes by Linda
Ronstadt and the cover artwork by Tony Bennett. Take it from Linda Ronstadt,
"This is a wonderful collection of songs, and Rosemary tells the stories in
full-blown Technicolor." Now, with the remarkable resolution of SACD, you'll
hear the kaleidoscopic colors of the big band like never before, and you'll
swear that Rosemary is right there in the room, singing just for you.
Musicians: Rosemary Clooney, vocals; John Oddo, piano, synthesizer; Tim May,
guitar; Tom Warrington, bass; Joe LaBarbera, drums; Joe Porcaro, percussion.
Selections:
1. Nice 'N' Easy
2. Sweet Kentucky Ham
3. Autumn in New York
4. Miss Otis Regrets
5. Let There Be Love
6. Lovers After All
7. From This Moment On
8. More Than You Know
9. Wave
10. We Fell in Love Anyway
11. Ellington Medley
It Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't Got that
Swing)
I'm Checking Out (Goodbye)
12. Of Course It's Crazy
13. Straighten Up and Fly Right
14. The Best Is Yet to Come
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