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16 Most Requested Songs: Encore Ray Conniff CD review

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 06/01/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This wonderful CD has sixteen of Ray Conniff's greatest musical numbers. His chorus harmonizes to perfection and that music couldn't be better--what an artist he was! This is clearly a must-have for any Ray Conniff fan; the quality of the sound is excellent and I love that artwork, too.



The very classic "Begin the Beguine" is the opening number; I love the way that brass sounds! Interestingly, this number has a rather upbeat flavor that I don't always hear on "Begin the Beguine" but it does work rather well--terrific! "Besame Mucho" is very well done as well; and listen for "Thanks for the Memory" with these artists swinging both gently and brightly to make this number shine. "Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing" is easily one of my very favorite tunes on this CD; the chorus sings this flawlessly and the music fits in perfectly with their vocals. Now THIS is great music that I will always love!



"It's Been a Long, Long Time" is very easy on the ear; it's a charming, romantic song. "Memories Are Made of This" gets the royal treatment from Ray, the singers and the musicians who deliver this with panache; I think you'll like this one if you haven't heard it in a while or if you are a newcomer to Ray Conniff and you haven't heard it before. In addition, "Midnight Lace, Part 1" uses the organ for a great effect; and Ray Conniff's treatment of "Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo" from the film "Lili" has an incredible arrangement. Those singers never miss a beat as they handle modulations between major and minor keys and that's amazing.



"Invisible Tears" has the chorus singing wonderfully and the music is splendid; and another gem is clearly "Try to Remember" from "The Fantasticks." "Try to Remember" is performed faultlessly and it's a huge highlight of the album. "This Is My Song" stuns me with its romantic beauty especially in the hands of these artists; and the rendition of "Red Roses for a Blue Lady" has that signature Ray Conniff sound that I love so much.



"It's Impossible" is wonderful; and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" is very romantic; they deliver this with great sensitivity and the music goes along with the vocals so smoothly that I'm very impressed. "Seasons in the Sun" is nicely done and the CD ends with "Memory." "Memory" is a very moving piece that shines bright with that arrangement and it makes a fine ending for the album.



Ray Conniff gave so much of himself when he created this fine music; he was such a remarkably gifted man that his albums continue to sell as CDs in our times. This album is not just for Ray Conniff fans; anyone who enjoys classic, timeless music from the mid twentieth century would do well to get this for their collections--they won't be disappointed!"