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Exciting, eclectic Caterina Valente!

Steven Keller | Fairview Heights, Illinois, USA | 01/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dutton Labs has brought together two of the best international pop records ever recorded on one compact disc. The always amazing Caterina Valente sings everything from Lecuona's "The Breeze and I" and "Malaguena" to Jobim's "You and I". Valente can move from semi-classical to straight pop to jazz effortlessly and makes you believe that you are hearing these tunes for the first time. These recordings are a joy -- you will find yourself playing these gems over and over. I have been listening to international artists like Mireille Mathieu and Nana Mouskouri for years, but Caterina never disappoints. Her approach to a song is always unique, for instance, the song "People" from Funny Girl (a song I have always loathed), is treated with an upbeat, jazzy style, that will leave you wanting more. The American standards "Melancholy Baby" and "Just One of Those Things" are approached in the same way and the impact is fresh and exciting. The Latin tunes are simply amazing -- the Bonfa and Jobim selections are exquisite and the prevailing mood is indeed intimate. The accompaniments could not have been better -- they fit the mood of each selection. True artistry all round. In my opinion, these are two remarkable recordings, and I thank Dutton for rescuing them from the Decca vaults. The recordings are from 1965 and 1966 respectively, and the Dutton transfers are superb. Don't miss these recordings!"