Search - Connie Boswell :: They Can't Take These Songs

* A TREASURE TROVE *

09/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This high-quality, bargain priced, two-disc set from Jasmine Records is chock full of rare delights from the unparalleled Connie Boswell. Connie was not only a singer of otherworldly beauty, with an impossible sense of swing, she was also a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, actor, composer and humanitarian. Ella Fitzgerald famously named Connie as her main influence, and as leader of the immortal hot-jazz vocal group, The Boswell Sisters, Connie influenced other artists ranging from The Andrews Sisters to Artie Shaw. Connie's silky, Louisiana-accented voice, brilliant jazz phrasing, and phenomenal interpretive abilities make her someone no fan of jazz or classic pop should miss. With this set, producer Geoff Milne has given us a multitude of recordings new to CD, which nicely compliment tracks on other existing compilations. We can only be grateful.



The songs featured range from 1931 to 1946. The earliest song here, the rollicking "Concentratin' (On You)," features the likes of Manny Klien, Eddie Lang, and Jimmy Dorsey. Both Dorsey brothers are featured on the infectious "Me Minus You." "On I'll Never Say 'Never Again' Again," Connie and the exuberant musicians of Ambrose & His Orchestra gradually nudge one another higher and higher into the swing stratosphere. "Dinah" finds the accompanying jazz combo given an extraordinary amount of solo space, which is put to great use, and helps to illustrate why Connie was so beloved by jazz musicians. There are also frequent appearances of orchestras led by the likes of John Scott Trotter, Harry Sosnick and, most notably, Victor Young, who works wonders on Connie's softer material. Crosby fans will be excited to see no fewer than six duets with Bing, including some rare radio stuff, such as a live radio version of "Basin Street Blues" and a comedic take on "Everything Happens To Me" (others are "Start The Day Right," "An Apple For The Teacher," "Between 18th & 19th On Chestnut St," and "Yes, Indeed." Another Crosby-related wonderment occurs with the five songs on which Connie is accompanied either by Bob Crosby's full orchestra, or his Bob Cats. This innovative Dixieland band recorded several brilliant classics with Connie, including "Ah! So Pure (Martha)," a profoundly joyous work which I unreservedly put forth as a highlight of all recorded sound.



This set also features some amazing balladry and, considering what she did for his immortal "All Alone," it is no wonder that Irving Berlin named Connie as "the finest ballad singer in the business." On Jerome Kern's "Look For The Silver Lining," and the Gershwin compositions, "Soon" and "They Can't Take That Away From Me," Connie exhibits a talent so rare that her current forgotten status is incomprehensible. If one examines Connie's work from the twenties and thirties with The Boswell Sisters, her solo sides, and her 50s LPs, it should become apparent that Connie deserves to be remembered and enjoyed alongside Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and other masters of the 20th century. These two discs are an important step in boosting Connie Boswell's artistic legacy, and helping people discover this magical music which, like fine wine, has aged so nicely.



For more information on Connie and The Boswell Sisters, visit this great site:



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Enjoy!"

Connie sang with a delicacy and intimacy that these must be

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 02/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"They Can't Take These Songs gives us a handsome set of songs performed by a great chanteuse who is often overlooked these days, the great Connie (aka Connee) Boswell. Connie was one of the three Boswell Sisters when they entertained together; and after her two sisters stopped performing Connie's drive and exceptional talent brought happiness to millions of people. This two CD set has a lot of great material. The liner notes have the song credits and an essay by Geoff Milne; and the artwork reflects good judgment.



"Start The Day Right" begins the first CD with Connie Boswell doing this sublime duet with the legendary crooner Bing Crosby. They never miss a note and that's grand. The melody is very pretty and the music fits in just right with their vocalizing. "Me Minus You" is a pretty ballad even if it is somewhat bittersweet; this bluesy number has Connie swinging gently and the music is perfect for this tune. "I'll Never Say `Never Again' Again" is a sweet little number about a couple making up after a dispute; and it's a fine, relentlessly upbeat song that Connie does just right! Connie's voice never sounded better and she makes it all seem so easy. There's also "On The Beach At Bali-Bali" which I like so much; and "Swing Me A Lullaby" again has Connie swinging gently--and very sweetly, too! Connie's voice had just the right range for ballads like "Swing Me A Lullaby." "I Hadn't Anyone Till You" has a great arrangement for the brass and percussion; I really enjoy Connie's interpretation of this memorable number. "Simple And Sweet" is another huge highlight of the first CD; and that piano works very well for "Simple And Sweet." The first CD ends strong with Connie Boswell performing "An Apple For The Teacher." "An Apple For The Teacher" again features Connie singing with Bing Crosby and they make a good match in my book!



The second CD continues the very high quality control of entertainment. "Soon" gets a very sensitive treatment from Connie who sings this to perfection--and beyond! Listen also for "They Can't Take That Away From Me;" Connie starts this off by humming and when she begins to sing this number takes flight! "Dinah" is another melodious tune and it shines particularly bright when Connie sings it. "Everything Happens To Me" is a lovely duet again between Connie and Bing Crosby; wow, do they sound great together! "Look For The Silver Lining" charms me with its beauty; and there's a big highlight when Connie sings "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes." "Look For The Silver Lining" and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" have a bit of surface noise but Connie sings them both so beautifully you can easily forgive this--she's just amazing on these numbers. "Just A Letter From Home" has a great beat that places Connie right in the spotlight as she sings; and I enjoy hearing Connie outdo even herself on "Sweetheart." The CD ends with Connie Boswell doing two more special numbers; we get "All Alone" and "Remember." In particular, "Remember" has a fine musical intro; and Connie makes this everything Irving Berlin would want it to be.



Connie Boswell gave us so much; and the two CDs in this package really prove it. I highly recommend this for fans of Connie Boswell and The Boswell Sisters. In addition, people who enjoy classic pop vocals couldn't possibly be disappointed.

"

Again the Best"

J. F Kopeck | Parkville, Maryland United States | 10/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Read my review for Connee Boswell's "Moonlight and Roses" .It sums up both these CDs to the kilt!



"Enjoy" JFKopeck"