Not flawless, but VERY good!
PAULO SILVA | Brazil | 09/15/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ok, it is always a matter of taste. This may be not a typical B. Dearie album, wich means, you will not find a Jazz Combo. Those who are jazz buffs should start by somewhere else. But for those who enjoy traditional vocal Pop, will find these recordings very rewarding. The arrangements are a little contained, but very well designed by the master Russ Garcia, who respected the "light" voice of the performer, giving a non-obstructive orchestral dressing, in other words, lots of vibraphone and woodwinds. It sounds very nice. Plus, aside of the overrercorded songs like " Guys and Dolls", you will find some other tunes that are almost rare like Porter's "The Physician" and Rodger's "Too Good For..." . And even if you say "not her best" due to the bright of other recordings of her, it deserves at least four stars for its contents."
Too Good For the Average Man
I. Sondel | Tallahassee, FL United States | 11/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What do you mean, you've never heard of Blossom Dearie? Shame on you!
Love Broadway? Love Jazz? Order this today. "Blossom Dearie: Soubrette" is my favorite of her many recordings. The songs collected here are not your usual Broadway fare. No, these tunes are character songs, novelty song ususally sung by the second female lead or soubrette.
The greatest Broadway composers are represented to great effect: Rodgers & Hart with "Too Good for the Average Man" and (especially) "To Keep My Love Alive," Porter's "Always True To You in My Fashion," Loesser's title tune from "Guys and Dolls," and two incomparable numbers from Schwartz and Dietz, "Confession" from "The Band Wagon," and the unforgettable "Rhode Island is Famous for You."
This is simply a joyous recording. It's hard, if not impossible, to listen to this recording without at least a smile on your face. This is one that should not be missed [I know I say that alot - but I mean it]. Order this, you be glad you did. And remember, I told you to."