Search - Connie Francis :: Standards Live

GREAT INTRO TO THOSE WHO DON'T REMEMBER

Terry Robertson | Asheville, NC USA | 09/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a sampler of two CDs privately released by Ms. Francis and although I would have included other material, this is nonetheless a wonderful introduction for those who only remember her from all those "hits" comiliations. If you only remember her from "Where The Boys Are", and similar hits take a listen to her live versions of "More" and "My Way". The power, the phrasing, the control and sophistication--well, it's all here and then some. Get ready to have your socks knocked off. This is Connie Francis NOW and she just keeps getting better and better. Try to get the CDs this sampler was culled from to fully enjoy the total experience of listening to the best in the business--Miss Connie Francis!"

She IS the Standard Set for Others That Followed

Terry D. Robertson | Asheville, NC USA | 07/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Sony budget line item was culled from two very hard to obtain privately released live recordings. This is not your typical "Where The Boys Are", "Who's Sorry Now" hits collection but Connie Francis today. Nothing matches her live in concert and to capture it on disc is impossible. This recording is as close as it comes. Connie today, not only the foremost female record seller in history, but the great intepretor of the American Standard. Several of the songs from her "European Concert" are in mono and not evenly mixed but this does not detract from the listening experience. "The American Tour" is in stereo and much better quality. Her voice has matured and her vocal gymnastics would put all those Madonna clones to shame. There are no gimmicks, no overdubs here. She wraps her voice around each song in pure platinum. Listen to her versions of "My Way", "The Impossible Dream", "More" and "Those Were The Days" just to list a few. Her chameleon voice enables her to sing the material as it was meant to be, and not arranged to suit her voice--a feat very few singers have accomplished. Therefore, she never truly sounds quite the same on every track. Of course the signature Connie Francis trademark is always evident: that tear in the back of her throat and her powerhouse vocals. Several tracks are sung in various languages (Greek, Spanish, Italian, etc.) Particularly stunning is "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" performed in English and Italian. This is the sophisticated seasoned pro--the Connie Francis that will astonish and please many listeners. If you love singing at its very finest then this disc should be in every serious music lovers collection."