Simply Exquisite
Stephen Peithman | Davis, CA USA | 12/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'd forgotten what a beautiful, supple vocal instrument McGovern has. Here, she sings blues- and jazz-flavored tunes, torchy ballads, and more--all Harold Arlen--including "It's Only a Paper Moon," "Over the Rainbow," "Let's Take a Walk Around the Block," "The Man That Got Away" and "Come Rain or Come Shine." Her "Optimistic Voices" (from The Wizard of Oz) is worth the price of the entire CD. It is simply exquisite, like a fine jewel, polished and gleaming with feeling."
Failed Ideas
R. Stopp | San Francisco | 12/08/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Maureen McGovern is a national treasure. Her Naughty Baby CD is so GREAT. The Music Never Ends, The Pleasure of His Company and Christmas with Maureen McGovern are also wonderful albums. But this Harold Arlen album of hers is so disappointing and it should have been so great given Arlen's great songs and Maureen's beautiful soprano voice. I like Jay Leonhart's bass work but the rest, including the synthesizer accompaniment and the arrangements, I didn't like. An album of failed music ideas and disappointing execution. This lost opportunity for Maureen really saddens and frustrates me because I normally love her singing and so wanted her recording legacy to be more consistently superior."
A true Cabaret singer!
M. J. Nichols | Boston, MA | 02/28/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Maureen McGovern is a true Cabaret singer. Her ROMANTIC version of "Let's Fall in Love" brings a tear to the eye! A jazz version of "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" knocks your socks off! Intelligent and beautifully played arrangements. Ms McGovern only sings with the very best musicians. You will play this CD over and over again."