Search - Andy Williams :: I Don't Remember Ever Growing Up

Where Do I Begin?

grooverider | Toluca Lake LA | 07/14/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is his first CD of newly recorded music (I believe) since 1991's "Nashville", although he did "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" with Denise Van Outen in 2002. The rhythm musicians include Leland Sklar, John Robinson (from Rufus!), Tim May and the CD was engineered by the legendary Bruce Botnick (the Doors, Love, etc.)! This is also the first time Andy produced an entire album! It was recorded at the legendary Capitol Records Studios, the 40 piece orchestra was recorded in Slovakia(!) and his vocals recorded at his theatre in Branson, Missouri. The background vocals were arranged by brother, Dick Williams.

The primary arranger is the magical, most wonderful Artie Butler (who arranged most of Andy's "Love Story" album in 1971) and in the liner notes Andy states that he first called Mr. Butler, "...you go to the best." Nick Hazard arranged "The Shadow of Your Smile" (the lone remake) and 3 songs were arranged by British arranger Ken Thorne.



Now for the song selections: Karl Wallinger (World Party!), for the Robbie Williams (no relation) hit, "She's the One", 2 songs both recorded by Rod Stewart: Van Morrison's "Have I told You Lately" and Danny Whitten's "I Don't Want To Talk About It", the Eagles' "Desperado", Mariah Carey's(!) "One Sweet Day", the Police "Every Breath You Take", the aforementioned "The Shadow of Your Smile" with Chris Botti, Neil Sedaka's "Breaking Up is Hard to Do", Chris De Burgh's "Lady in Red", Bryan Adams' "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman" (from the 1995 film "Don Juan DeMarco"(with mariachi horns, no less), the lone original written by Artie Butler, the title song, the beautiful "I Don't Ever Remember Growing Up", Smokey Robinson's "Just to See Her" and The Backstreet Boys'(!) "I'll Never Break Your Heart". Well, not since 1973's "Solitare" with producer Richard Perry has Andy Williams done SUCH a contemporary album. He states in the liner notes that "I picked 13 of my favorites and set out to make a new record." His voice is different, it doesn't seem to have the "huskiness" and the high notes are a little harder to reach but just for the mere fact that this is his first CD of newly recorded material is just cause to celebrate, not to mention that he collaborated with the best arranger in town, Artie Butler. If you are a fan, this is an essential CD to add to your collection."

Still simply the best

Gerry Mcardle | Ireland | 07/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Reality check: Andy Williams will be 80 on the 3rd of December this year, 2007 (different sources give different birth dates but his one has been confirmed by his website) and he recorded these songs last year, 2006, at the age of, or as near as damn to 79. The voice is not quite as silkily beautiful as it was, the breath control gives way to a touch of vibrato on some of the long-held notes, and the impeccable diction is a little fuzzy here and there, but none of this takes away from the sheer artistry of the man. Other singers of his age doing a recording at this time of life might be seeking the sympathy vote, but not Mr. Williams, who has been learning, honing and perfecting his craft since his boyhood. I first saw him in concert in Sydney in 1973, and the last time was in Dublin in 2005, when he wowed the audience and sent them out into the warm summer's night feeling good about themselves and life in general. That's the effect he has, and he could teach many of today's manufactured pop acts a thing or two. Instead of the vocal pyrotechnics of his younger days, he now paces himself, holding back a little, and then when he lets the voice soar it sends a tingle of delight up the spine. When interpreting a lyric, he's up there with the greats like Sinatra, who's vocal range he easily tops. I love all the tracks on this CD, but if I have a favourite, it has to be hearing him turn Chris De Burgh's cheesy 'Lady In Red' into a pop classic. This CD deserves a place of pride in any collection of this master's recordings."

A Real Treat!!!

K. Mix | Salem, Oregon | 08/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Andy Williams recorded this album over several months in the spring and early summer 2006. My wife and I were fortunate to take in a few of Andy's shows in June of 2006 and he previewed a few of these songs in his concerts. Just fantastic. Lady In Red, Desperado,and the title track are my favorites. Andy's voice has changed a little, it is more mature owing to his age - 78 at the time of recording - but he sounds great and this is a fantastic collection and a REAL TREAT!!! If you want a preview of what you find in an Andy Williams concenrt in Branson this collection will give it to you. Long overdue - thanks ANDY and how about another!"