"When I purchased these LPs back in the early seventies, I had no idea who Frances Faye was, or what she sounded like. The albums were filed in the jazz section, and I was so intrigued with the covers and liner notes that I took a chance and bought them.Well, I'm so glad that I did.She was as unique as one could expect. Not a great voice, I have to admit, and certainly not sweet and smoothe, but suitable for the Vegas club circuit of the late fifties/early sixties. She simply pours her "hipness" into the delivery of everything she sings. Furthermore, her patter between songs is, to borrow the parlance of the times, a "gas." It's easy to understand why show biz personalities would flock to her live shows. I've read too that she was favorite among jazz musicians.If you looking for someone who isn't a standard pop/jazz singer, she's definitely the one. Even if she doesn't win you over right away, her eclectic style may grow on you eventually. For me, however, I was hooked right away."
An acquired taste, but well worth it
Gary Jaffe | New York, NY USA | 07/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Frances Faye may be a little tough to take at first, but give it a some time -- there is joy to be found. Not a classic singing voice, but Faye is more musical than most. Even better, her patter is downright hilarious, especially considering this was recorded late 50's/early 60's. She's a daring and explosive performer and I recommend it to anyone who likes to have a good ol' time."
"Should I strip, or should I sing?"
Allen Bardin | Columbia, SC United States | 09/19/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Become a "Faye-natic"! This is the place to start to discover the tornado that was Frances Faye! These live recordings of her zany & swingin' club act have endured and endeared Frances to legions of fans since the 60s -- fans that include celebrities, jazz musicians, and her ever-faithful gay following. Who else could do a medley of "Fever" & "Barney Google"? And her banter is outrageous! Frances was the ultimate nightclub performer, so grab this -- "it's a gas!"
(Verve -- get off your corporate backsides & give us a CD of Fran's 2 fabulous LPs.Give this diva her due!)"
I would have loved to have caught this act!
Todd Bartholomew | Atlanta, GA USA | 08/20/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Frances cut this one after her years at Bethlehem Records where she cut her best tracks. This album catches her live and it gives you a glimpse of what a truly funny and entertaining performer she was. Frances' voice is better than many of her peers from the era and she sings as though she's lived the songs. My Mom first turned me on to Frances Faye in the 80s when she gave me three of her old records. The Bethlehem era ones are all long out of print and worth the money if you can find them. It's a shame more of her stuff hasn't been released; hopefully this is a start."
Faye's best!
Tyler Alpern | Boulder CO | 07/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Frances Faye was one of the greatest jazz entertainers of all time. I can think of no others actually, lots of singers but no real entertainters. Frances knew how to keep an audience go go going! This is Faye live and at her best. Unbelievable are the open quips and asides - not heard on any other major release in the 50's. She was bold and fun. A must have for any gayman or lesbian. Faye's sound is unique and waht a wonderful voice. Buy this album and listen to it until you you really get Faye. Once you do, you will never be the same."