Search - Lena Horne :: New Album

At the height of her powers!

Vance Blankenbaker | VA United States | 11/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded in the mid 1970's, this was a prelude to Lena's triumphant one-woman Broadway show-- Lena Horne: the Lady and her Music.



This ballad-heavy concept album's the arrangements are somewhat dated and of their time. But that's not what the listener is ultimately struck by. Rather, what captivates is Lena's unbelievably beautiful voice in fullest flower, showcased at its best.



The singing here is not the relatively light, histrionic vocal style of a young Lena. Nor is it the careful, measured, yet diminished voice of the latter part of Lena's recording career. Instead, this album captures her voice at its fullest, most powerful, and most burnished-- combined with the height of technically skilled, sophisticated singing that she displays from the first song to the last.



Standout tracks: My Ship (the last notes Lena sings are worth the price of the whole disk!); My Funny Valentine (she succeeds in navigating from whispered intimate vocals all the way to operatic power, and all in the same song).



In all, a most satisfying disk: a focused effort both in choice of song selection and artistic achievement. This is a must for a true Lena Horne fan."