Search - Judy Garland :: Judy: That's Entertainment

Judy's sixth and most triumphant studio album

Daniel Jolley | Shelby, North Carolina USA | 10/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"That's Entertainment!, Judy Garland's sixth studio album, is more than magnificent; it is a complete triumph in every sense of the word. In late 1959, a sick and weary Judy almost died; even as she began her recovery, doctors told her she would be a semi-invalid for the rest of her life. In June 1960, though, a miraculously healthy Judy Garland recorded this extraordinary album, and in so doing ushered in the most triumphant period of her singing career, the culmination of which would come the following year in her fabulously successful Carnegie Hall concert. After six months of rest, Judy was as healthy as she would ever be during her adult life, and her health and happiness are imbued into every track to be found on this album. For the first time, Judy was also able to disavow an album theme and expand her repertoire to amazing heights, incorporating a number of different musical styles. Powerful ballads, show-stoppers, jazz-laden songs - they are all to be found here in a simply incredible mix. Clearly, this is Judy's album entirely, not a studio's album of Judy Garland songs. It is also, incidentally, the last studio album she recorded in the United States.All twelve tracks on this album are songs Judy had never recorded before (although, from this point on, each song belonged to her forevermore, in my opinion). Things get off to a roiling, thrilling start with Judy's energetic performance of the well-known title track presented against the background of a complete orchestra in full swing. This orchestra (conducted by Jack Marshall) is also featured on such passionate recordings as Just You, Just Me, Puttin' on the Ritz, Old Devil Moon and the hauntingly beautiful Alone Together. The title might lead you to expect a selection of fast-paced, energetic tracks, but only Old Devil Moon and to some extent Down With Love really fit this description. The majority of these songs are achingly beautiful ballads and subdued jazz numbers. Judy performed several of this album's jazz numbers in her unforgettable 1960s concerts; I am so familiar with those live versions of the songs that I felt as if I were hearing the songs for the first time when I listened to That's Entertainment!. The songs are slightly slower and more subdued on this studio album. Just You, Just Me lacks a little of the excitement that would come from the presence of thousands of adoring fans, but the most striking differences are to be found in Who Cares? (As Long As You Care For Me) and How Long Has This Been Going On? Both tracks are much more jazz-oriented here than they would later be in concert, and such different musical interpretations by this most ingenious of singers are as intellectually stimulating as they are enjoyable. Judy could make any song do anything she wanted it to do. A soft piano accompanies Judy on the tender and plaintive track It Never Was You; it's one of the softest songs you will ever hear Judy sing, and she fills it with emotion and beauty. The most interesting song, to my way of thinking, is If I Love Again, as a soft guitar provides the sole accompaniment to this heart-breaking number. Yes is a beautiful love song I haven't heard elsewhere, and I've Confessed to the Breeze (I Love You) also touches the heart in a special way. The closing track, Alone Together, is really special, though, as Judy fills this track to the very brim with the kind of deep emotion and magical depth and power that only she could bring to a song.If you own only one Judy Garland studio album (and for heavens' sake, you really should get all of them), That's Entertainment! is the one to invest your money in. This is Judy Garland at her very best. A double album containing That's Entertainment! and the 1963 soundtrack to I Could Go On Singing was released in 2002, so I would point you directly in that direction."

In hindsight, the start of something big

Annie Van Auken | Planet Earth | 05/17/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was 1960. After five years at CAPITOL Records, Judy Garland had fallen from their 'A' roster of recording artists. Although her first three LPs charted well, the next three were poor sellers. Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins were no longer called on for Garland arrangements. The job went to Judy's collaborator at MGM, Conrad Salinger, and to others. Guitarist Jack Marshall (not exactly an 'A' lister himself) oversaw production. During this new project, Judy sang on twelve tracks with a full orchestra, an eight-man ensemble, Marshall's guitar and rhythm accompaniment and a solo piano (played by Milt Raskin).



Quality-wise the record exceeded all expectations, with a mix of orchestrations that was just perfect, and CAPITOL's Full Dimensional Stereo sounding top shelf. JUDY THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT! (ST1467) is only in retrospect a milestone in Miss Garland's career, for when it was released Judy was away in Britain and unable to promote this new album. Once again, sales proved disappointing. The following year, five of these songs were incorporated into a phenomenal stage show that resulted in another amazing Garland comeback, her smash hit LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL double-LP set.





PROGRAM--



[2:24] That's Entertainment!

[1:26] Who Cares? (As Long As You Care For Me)

[3:00] I've Confessed to the Breeze (I Love You)

[2:35] If I Love Again

[3:07] Yes

[1:53] Puttin' On The Ritz

[2:50] Old Devil Moon

[2:06] Down With Love

[2:46] How Long Has This Been Going On?

[3:18] It Never Was You

[1:37] Just You, Just Me

[3:15] Alone Together



TOTAL TIME: 30:19"

In hindsight, the start of something big

Annie Van Auken | Planet Earth | 05/17/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Original pressings of "Judy That's Entertainment!" are on CAPITOL's black with rainbow edge label.





It was 1960. After five years at CAPITOL Records, Judy Garland had fallen from their 'A' roster of recording artists. Although her first three LPs charted well, the next three were poor sellers. Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins were no longer called on for Garland arrangements. The job went to Judy's collaborator at MGM, Conrad Salinger, and to others. Guitarist Jack Marshall (not exactly an 'A' lister himself) oversaw production. During this new project, Judy sang on twelve tracks with a full orchestra, an eight-man ensemble, Marshall's guitar and rhythm accompaniment and a solo piano (played by Milt Raskin).



Quality-wise the record exceeded all expectations, with a mix of orchestrations that was just perfect, and CAPITOL's Full Dimensional Stereo sounding top shelf. JUDY THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT! (ST1467) is only in retrospect a milestone in Miss Garland's career, for when it was released Judy was away in Britain and unable to promote this new album. Once again, sales proved disappointing. The following year, five of these songs were incorporated into a phenomenal stage show that resulted in another amazing Garland comeback, her smash hit LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL double-LP set.





PROGRAM--



SIDE ONE

[2:24] That's Entertainment!

[1:26] Who Cares? (As Long As You Care For Me)

[3:00] I've Confessed to the Breeze (I Love You)

[2:35] If I Love Again

[3:07] Yes

[1:53] Puttin' On The Ritz



SIDE TWO

[2:50] Old Devil Moon

[2:06] Down With Love

[2:46] How Long Has This Been Going On?

[3:18] It Never Was You

[1:37] Just You, Just Me

[3:15] Alone Together



TOTAL TIME: 30:19"