Search - Dean Martin :: French Style/Dino Latino

DEAN'S MUSICAL VISITS TO FRANCE AND LATIN AMERICA

A. POLLOCK | PLYMOUTH, DEVON United Kingdom | 04/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Always considered two of Dean's most attractive albums, the fact they have been combined in one fine package by Collectors' Choice, really makes this CD irresistible. FRENCH STYLE, released in 1962, was Dean's first album for Reprise,
and not only includes C'EST SI BON, LA VIE EN ROSE, THE POOR PEOPLE OF PARIS, and other love songs of original French extraction, but features those with French settings such as I LOVE PARIS and C'EST MAGNIFIQUE from Cole Porter's CAN CAN plus GIGI's title song from the Lerner/Lowe Oscar-winning film score. But it is Dean's relaxed singing of songs like the Rodgers and Hart classic MIMI, and his sly good humour, mixed with imaginative arrangements by Neil Hefti which really give this album its sparkle.

DINO LATINO progressed his following album into Latin-American territory with a similar light-hearted vocal touch. It is hard to resist EL RANCHO GRANDE, BESAME MUCHO and LA PALOMA, emanating from south of the border which rub shoulders with Peggy Lee's light-hearted and co-penned, MANANA, Hollywood and big-band favourite, TANGERINE, and that British-originated winner, SOUTH OF THE BORDER. Dean's included Spanish lyrics add to the romantic mood of the popular, WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES and the lovely MAGIC IS THE MOONLIGHT. Of course, it is hard to go wrong with arrangements provided by the famed Don Costa with its subdued use of chorus and the complete album proves to be an entertaining experience. In fact, if I had to play one CD to prove Dean Martin's vocal prowess mixed with natural humor, this would be the one."

Who says prayers aren't answered?

Roger Rebec | Manchester, UK | 08/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"French Style has long been a favourite vinyl album and I have been hoping that it would be reissued on CD for a very long time now - preferably with Dino Latino. At last, here it is. I'd never heard Dino Latino before but it's good, very good. French Style though is even better. My particular favourite is I Love Paris - listen to Neal Hefti's string riff. It conjures up a total new image for this song. And that's the beauty of this album: eveything sounds bright and new and Dean Martin makes each song his own. Anyone who thinks of Dean Martin in terms of his big late 60s hits ought to listen to these albums. They belong alongside greats like Peggy Lee's Latin ala Lee, Nat King Cole Sings/ George Shearing Plays, Sinatra's Songs for Swingin' Lovers and other classics from the LP era. If you like to hear the standard catalogue performed with wit, imagination and style, this collection is very much for you. Buy it; you won't regret it."

VERY WONDERFUL!

JOHN | Southern California, USA | 06/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is better sounding than the "Entertainers" CD
version. YES! YOU CAN GO FOR HOURS LISTENING TO THIS
WONDERFUL SINGER SING THESE BEAUTIFUL SONGS, ESPECIALLY
THE SLOWER BALLADS. Dean is one of a kind and I don't think
there will be another like him - he's a wonderful man
and a wonderful singer. MORE THAN 5 STARS!...singin'
& dreamin'..."april in paris"...la la la...cora miaaa..."