Search - John Kander, Fred Ebb :: New York, New York (1977 Film)

Classic & An All-Time Favorite

polarisdth | San Jose, CA United States | 11/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of my all-time favorite films & soundtrack albums with great big-band era music. The numbers were arranged by the late Ralph Burns (Cabaret & All That Jazz), who had worked in that era and knew it well. Liza Minnelli used singers like Peggy Lee for vocal inspiration, and the film even has her doing an imitation of Lee while recording a demo, Kander & Ebb's "There Goes the Ballgame". In fact, you wouldn't know it was Liza, just hearing her sing the '40s-era numbers! (I wish she'd incorporate that singing style again, especially now that her voice has changed somewhat.) Of course, she reverts back to her usual Judy/Liza showbiz-belting style when her character becomes a Hollywood star. In fact, the uncut version of "Happy Endings" is a wonderful tribute to and affectionate satire of big '50s showbiz musicals, like "A Star is Born". (Liza's character and relationship to DeNiro's in the movie, however, are based more on the real-life story of big-band girl-singer and movie star Doris Day than Garland.) In my opinion, this is one of the best big-band recordings made after that era had faded and a wonderful Minnelli recording, as well. This is also the film where she introduced "But the World Goes 'Round" and - of course - "Theme from New York, New York"."

The Big Band Sound,and Liza.

Bob Waskiewicz | Wintersville, Ohio United States | 06/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this type of Music.The Big Band Sound,and Liza Minnelli.Kids were jamming to"Opus Number One"back then, like they are dancing to "Livin La Vida Loca"today.I love Frank Sinatra's voice,but when I think of "NewYork,NewYork," its Liza's version that blows me away. One song you can't believe is from Liza is "There goes the ball Game." The voice sounds nothing like her. If only this movie was a hit,the soundtrack would be right up there with "Saturday Night Fever"and "Grease.""

Liza's in fine form

California Greg | USA | 02/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Liza was in fine form for this 1977 film. Everything was top notch, although the film was less enthusiastically received than everyone hoped. That said, Liza was in good voice, toning herself down and really being true to the period. The instrumentals (with Georgie Auld on sax) were excellent and the other singers -- Diahann Abbott, the then Mrs. DeNiro, in a solid turn on "Honeysuckle Rose" and Mary Kay Place as a band singer hired to replace Liza when her character split from DeNiro's -- are both spot-on and winning.



The original album had great artwork that's sadly omitted from the CD, but that's the way that goes.



And, yes, Liza's version of NY, NY stands out as the definitive version. I'm a big Sinatra fan, too, but Liza owns that piece of musical real estate."