Search - Jack Jones :: The Impossible Dream

Master stylist backed by Master arranger, in a GAS reference

Carlos from Rio | Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil | 03/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
I am used to saying that a great stylist results from good voice and technique and from the right choice of repertoire and arranger. What a beautiful example we find here in these takes by Jack Jones, all arranged by the late great Marty Paich except for three tracks arranged by Pete King.



I would not pick up some songs which were already overexposed at that time in their ultimate and unbeatable renditions by Tony Bennett (`The Shadow of Your Smile' under arrangement by Johnny Mandel) or Sinatra (his smash hit `Stranger in The Night'*). Anyway this proves Jones courage for such a choice. He's brilliant overall!



It's also interesting to notice that covers to other songs worked very well and sounded fresh and new when Jones and Paich decided to give up the obvious task by recreating the original theme in a new and independent conception. The swinging tunes are the featured ones in this case.



What a dream to have this album back in CD format! I was in my teens when I bought it and first played it in my turntable. Day after day, it was like having everyday breakfast, there was the need to listen to it - Jones at his best and Paich brilliant and creative as ever in the swinging uptempo tunes and surprisingly inspired in the slow ballads. A dream come true.



The Swinging Tunes that have made my mind go round and round all these years:



- I Will Wait for You - I love the cool take by Jones maybe influenced by Paich's bigband arrangement. It may not be what one may consider the most appropriate for such a romantic song by Michel Legrand, the famous theme from `The Umbrellas of Cherbourg'. However it worked very well and original. Or else it would be one more romantic version in the place.



- All or Nothing At All - an extraordinary 6/8 waltz in uptempo, creative arrangement by Paich. Nelson Riddle's arrangement for Sinatra* would not pair. Maybe my favorite track amongst all in the album.



- What Now My Love - this is the English version to `Et Maintenant' recorded emotionally and strongly by the author French pianist and singer Gilbert Becaud. Here Jones also cools down in another original Paich's bigband arrangement. Closing is sensational with percussion and bass underlining Jones' voice.



- You Better Go Now - a bigband arrangement which begins with Jones' voice underlined by bass and with an inventive closing. Also a sax soloist would deserve credit.



The romantic tunes that have filled me with thrill all these years:



- Then Was Then and Now Is Now - one of the most surprising Paich's arrangements for a romantic slow ballad with all that beautiful violin section combined with a discreet but noticeable trumpet. A beautiful trumpet solo which should be credited.



- Feeling Good - another slow ballad, here with a strong and impressive performance by Mr. Jones. Closing high tones by Jones creeps me emotionally until today.



- Alfie - very hard to say I prefer Dionne Warwick's original with her singular interpretation to this vigorous Jones' take, also brilliantly arranged.



- This Is All I Ask - what a gem! What a song! What lyrics so beautiful. What sensitive arrangement by Marty Paich. Jones in great, great performance which has never got out of my head.



- The Shadow of Your Smile - the classic standard by Johnny Mandel, theme from `The Sandpiper', in a good rendition and good arrangement though Tony Bennett's is certainly the reference as arranged by Mandel.



- The Impossible Dream - the famous theme from `Man of La Mancha' with a beautiful arrangement by Pete King. Jones opens the album program with a strong performance.



- Strangers in The Night - a widely known original by Sinatra* here covered with a beautiful and original arrangement by Pete King.



- My Best Girl - just a pretty waltz, well arranged, well sung.



* from the album `Stranger in The Night' on Reprise also available here @Amazon."

Jack sells his songs without even trying--and that's no smal

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 09/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jack Jones possesses the rare ability to wrap his adoring audiences around his pinky finger and lead them wherever he wants them to go. With his smooth as silk voice, impeccable sense of timing and singularly beautiful renditions of many love songs, Jack Jones remains quite a force to be reckoned with. Aspiring artists would do well to study Jones's style and form.



The CD gives us all the tracks that were on the record album when it was originally released. The track set begins with "The Impossible Dream." Jack's voice is in perfect form and his excellent diction enhances his performance. The musical arrangement relies on the harp and strings to bolster it; and this works very well. "The Shadow Of Your Smile" follows; Jack starts this ballad with just a piano to create a stunningly beautiful effect; all through "The Shadow Of Your Smile" the arrangement keeps Jacks' vocals squarely in the spotlight--great!



"Then Was Then And Now Is Now" is a beautiful love ballad about a couple rekindling their romance; I love the percussion on this number! "All Or Nothing At All" stands out because of its rather jazzy arrangement; and Jack handles his vocals with panache. Jack does a marvelous job with "Alfie," too.



"Strangers In The Night" starts with a brief but very beautiful guitar solo; Jack Jones sings this tune with all his heart and soul, never singing a single superfluous note--what a treat! "What Now My Love" also stands out on this album because of its very jazzy arrangement with great bass playing and fine use of the percussion.



"My Best Girl" demonstrates Jack's versatility yet again as he sings a popular show tune of the day; Jack uses his voice to infuse "My Best Girl" with such sensitivity that he makes his rendition of this tune the definitive rendition of the song! Impressive. The album ends with "You Better Go Now;" Jack massages the lyrics to a song about a man who wants his love to leave him in order to avoid rushing into a romance that may not be appropriate.



The liner notes include great artwork. Impressive!



Jack Jones gives a stunning performance on this fine CD. I highly recommend this CD for his fans; and people who like classic pop vocals will enjoy this CD for years to come.



Thank you, Jack!"

Mastered from LP

Eyes wide open | 04/09/2008

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Collector's Choice have to be thanked for reissuing this masterpiece, but it is very disappointing that they did not go back to the original master tapes. The CD is obviously taken from an LP source, with very flat sound and even cracks and pops here and there. Since this is a legitimate reissue licensed from Universal Music, Collector's Choice should have had access to the master tapes. Very, very disappointing! Please get your act together, Collector's choice!"