A complete joy
grooverider | Toluca Lake LA | 06/09/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"When Johnny Mathis returned to Columbia Records, after a short move to Mercury Records, these two records were the first he recorded. "Up, Up and Away" contains one of my favorite all-time songs, "Misty Roses", written by the late Tim Hardin, and in fact, one of the earliest cover versions of this most beautiful song. Robert Mersey's arrangement really conveys the aching beauty of the music and lyric, just listen and be carried away by it's georgous melody, a classic Johhny Mathis song if there ever was one. The title song was a big hit for the Fifth Dimension and here this version is light and breezy, almost Brazilian in its arrangement, just wonderful.
Welcome back to Columbia, Mr. Mathis.
"Love Is Blue" is a joy for those Bacharach & David fans as it contains four of their compositions: "Don't Go Breaking My Heart", "I Say A Little Prayer", "The Look of Love" and "Walk on By". Johnny Mathis really does know talent when he hears it! "Walk On By" truly rivals Dionne Warwick's great recording: it adheres closely to Burt Bacharach's arrangement for Ms. Warwick, but yet Johnny Mathis manages to make it his own just using the magic of his voice. And, of course, the arrangement by Robert Mersey, truly an unsung hero in the history of the career of Johnny Mathis, surely doesn't hurt. Hits of the day include "Venus", "Moon River", "Never My Love" and "By the time I Get to Phoenix."
These two early recordings are a complete joy for all Johnny Mathis fans, so enjoy, and listen to just what an artist Johnny Mathis is."
Johnny remains a giant in the music industry--BRAVO, JOHNNY
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 09/02/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD gives us all the songs from two of Johnny Mathis' record albums entitled "Up, Up and Away" and "Love Is Blue." Johnny sounds great on this CD; he does a fine job of delivering these songs like the pro he always was and still remains! The quality of the sound on this CD is excellent and I like the way that artwork, too.
The set of songs opens with Johnny singing beautifully on "Up, Up and Away;" he opens up and uses a great deal of his vocal range--and he never lets go of a single superfluous note! The backup singers make the number very solid--not that Johnny really needed them, but they do sound good anyway. "The More I See You" sparkles brighter than silver and gold when Johnny handles it with so much panache; this is a fine highlight of the first CD. "The Morningside of the Mountain" is very well done and the flute adds to the musical arrangement. Johnny's excellent diction also enhances his performance. "I Won't Cry Anymore" is a most poignant ballad that Johnny aces seemingly effortlessly--of course, we know it really wasn't all that easy. Johnny's talent always carried him through.
"Far above Cayuga's Waters" features Johnny squarely front and center--which is right where he belongs! I love it. "Misty Roses" is just perfect when Johnny sings it; this music is all THAT good. "I Thought of You Last Night" gets the royal treatment from Johnny Mathis when he sings it faultlessly; and that's grand. I also like "When I Look in Your Eyes" at the end of the first CD.
The second CD continues the great numbers. "Love Is Blue" is a number many people will recognize even if they don't remember the title of this ballad; Johnny delivers this masterfully and it's a fine highlight of the second CD. The music fits perfectly with Johnny's vocals although wisely the musicians never try to steal the show from Johnny--he has the spotlight just as he deserves to have it! "I Say A Little Prayer" is a number I first heard sung by Dionne Warwick; and I would like to think that Dionne would certainly approve of Johnny's rendition of this ballad. "By The Time I Get to Phoenix" laves nothing to be desired; Johnny Mathis does this wonderfully and I enjoy every minute of it. "The Look of Love" is another special tune in Johnny's capable hands; and I also like "Here, There and Everywhere." Johnny does this to perfection--and beyond!
"Never My Love" has a splendid musical arrangement to complement Johnny's vocals; and there's yet another gem in ""Walk on By." Johnny performs "Venus" and a reprise of "Love Is Blue" very well; and it leaves me wanting more.
Johnny Mathis remains a giant superstar with a voice as smooth as silk; his incredible talent makes him one of the exceptionally rare modern day crooners. I highly recommend this album."
Johnny's covers
Lincoln | Kingston, Jamaica | 07/10/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"As a Johnny Mathis fan I was very glad when Collectors' Choice Music released this CD and the other companion 4. Naturally I bought all 5. Johnny Mathis can cover an song so excellently that you might even prefer his version more than the original. I wish they would release the entire 1970s catalogue as he did some very excellent albums during that period e.g. Mathis Is; Me & Mrs Jones; Song Sung Blue;Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me; Close to you; When will I see you again; Feelings; Mathis Magic; I only have eyes for you; Killing me softly to name a few."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1