Bert's last US album
02/06/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Released in the fall of '75, this album, known as "Moon Over Miami" in the US, was Bert's final recording for MCA. Even though he would sign a new 5-year deal with Polydor in May of that year, it did not include North America, meaning his fans here would miss his last five albums. I used to think this album dragged a bit, but upon hearing the CD of it, I've changed my mind. If you're even casually familiar with Bert's records through the decades you don't need to be reminded about the wonderful sound quality associated with his music. This record sounded terrible, even buying different pressings didn't help. A good friend of mine had the same problem, but we couldn't see how the US masters could sound this dull. The Good Life Series to the rescue. This CD is more like it. True, sharp, clear and warm. The sound is so rich and beautiful on "Pagan Love Song" the hair will go up on your neck. This LP also featured the only time we hear Herbert Rehbein, Kaempfert's long-time collaborator playing the solo violin to "My Prayer" and "I Love You So". Ack Van Rooyen even turns in a great effort in "Cry Baby Cry". Collectors may be interested by the bonus tracks included on this CD. Two of them, "One Smile Away" and "Blue Avenue" were recorded, but not put on the "Kaempfert '76" LP. "Raining In My Heart" and "Smile" were taken from his last album released in 1979. For those of you that have delt with MCA's third-rate master all of these years, get this CD and hear this album the way nature intended."
