It's a couple thousand rough miles from Hazzard County to Broadway, and not very many have even attempted the trip. Twenty years after chasing the dusty TV back roads with Boss Hog in endless pursuit, Tom Wopat made a stro... more »ng impression on Broadway opposite Bernadette Peters in Annie Get Your Gun. But what makes the unlikely journey of Wopat, the former Luke Duke himself, even more gratifying is this collection of pop standards. Though his voice may not have the operatic qualities one expects from a Broadway star, Wopat displays a jazz singer's mastery of its every husky quirk and breathy nuance. More importantly, he understands that songs have to be sold as well as sung, and he rises to the occasion on every cut. The choice of material is just as canny, a smoky late-evening turn through pop and Broadway standards that's reminiscent of Sinatra and Bennett's saloon songs in mood, though Wopat is clearly his own man here. Kudos are also due producer Russ Titleman and his arrangers, whose spare, understated backdrops frame Wopat's deceptively effortless readings to perfection. Life is full of surprises; this is a nice, sexy one. --Jerry McCulley« less
It's a couple thousand rough miles from Hazzard County to Broadway, and not very many have even attempted the trip. Twenty years after chasing the dusty TV back roads with Boss Hog in endless pursuit, Tom Wopat made a strong impression on Broadway opposite Bernadette Peters in Annie Get Your Gun. But what makes the unlikely journey of Wopat, the former Luke Duke himself, even more gratifying is this collection of pop standards. Though his voice may not have the operatic qualities one expects from a Broadway star, Wopat displays a jazz singer's mastery of its every husky quirk and breathy nuance. More importantly, he understands that songs have to be sold as well as sung, and he rises to the occasion on every cut. The choice of material is just as canny, a smoky late-evening turn through pop and Broadway standards that's reminiscent of Sinatra and Bennett's saloon songs in mood, though Wopat is clearly his own man here. Kudos are also due producer Russ Titleman and his arrangers, whose spare, understated backdrops frame Wopat's deceptively effortless readings to perfection. Life is full of surprises; this is a nice, sexy one. --Jerry McCulley
"The first time I heard Tom Wopat introduced to perform a number my reaction was, "Oh, no, not another actor who thinks he can sing". Was I ever wrong! Tom Wopat is a singer of the highest quality. His rich, sensuous voice mesmerizes you with every note he sings. Whether it's popular standards, country or jazz, you are captivated totally and he always leaves you wanting more.I awaited the release of "The Still of The Night" with enthusiastic anticipation and could not have been more pleased. The vocals are soulful and passionate. You feel like you are alone in a room with Tom Wopat and he is singing directly to you. "Let's Fall in Love" is an invitation you can't resist. The playful duet between Tom and Antonia Bennett on "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is joyous. His emotion filled rendition of "Anyone Can Whistle" and personal nuances in "Makin' Whoopee" leave you breathless.Tom Wopat is a performer whose love of his art emanates with each note he sings. This CD is a must for any serious music lover or any romantic at heart."
The Still of the Night
pauline jiffas | Silver Spring, MD | 11/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Besides always being a huge fan of Dukes of Hazzard, I'm equally a fan of Tom Wopat and have followed his career since his TV days. This is by far the best album I have in my collection. I must say, however, that I was never a big fan of Jazz and Frank Sinatra type music. . . Now, thanks to this album, I am. The music supporting his spectacular voice is "rich" and this CD makes you feel that the artist is right there giving you a private concert. Even my 3-year old son requests to hear the "Luke" CD. 3 Cheers to Tom and all the rest for a fantastic collection of romantic songs. I recommend this CD highly."
A true Broadway treasure
C. Shipley | Phoenix, AZ | 02/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was always hesitant about buying this cd when I'd stumble on it here on Amazon. That all changed when I saw him perform as Billy Flynn in the touring cast of Chicago. Tom Wopat has an amazing singing voice! Granted, he does not have a typical Broadway singing voice, what he does have is a lot of passion and strength. I'm recommending this cd to everyone I know. I was so impressed with him that I bought his cd at intermission. And being the great guy he is, he even autographed my cd in the lobby after the show. A must own cd!"
THE STILL OF THE NIGHT; A Nice Surprise
M.L. Allen | Daytona Beach, FL United States | 09/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
Tom Wopat's THE STILL OF THE NIGHT starts with an easy swinging "Let's Fall in Love" and that's the second surprise on this album. The first is that it is classified as country. Wopat's voice is rich, romantic, and meltingly sweet, with a hint of Steve Tyrell's growl--a nice voice for a jazz singer.
Granted, at times, listening to this album is a little like reading a letter home from a beloved cousin. He's been away a long time. He's homesick. You cherish every word. He sends a "hello" to his country cousins with "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress" and "If These Walls Could Talk"--and a very nice "hello" it is. He gets playful with Gus Kahn`s "Makin' Whoopie;" although he presents a decidedly more sophisticated version than Eddie Cantor's.
In other places he really gets up close and personal. You care about this guy. His searching "Where Is Love" and his wistful "Anyone Can Whistle" touch your heart. He might be singing "Where or When" in your ear. His heartache on Hoagy Carmichael's haunting "I Get Along Without You Very Well" makes you miss him--or maybe just miss somebody.
The arrangements and orchestrations are excellent, unobtrusive, and suit the easy, mellow tone of this album very well. The piano that follows Wopat throughout obviously loves him. (For examples of this remarkable relationship, hear the samples on Amazon.com." ) Wopat's voice is warm and intimate. Nobody ever before made me want to listen to "Ruby."
This album is a nice surprise. Wopat has a tender, appealing way about him. One hopes he keeps surprising us, maybe with an album of standards. We could use another good singer saving our heritage of lyrics and melodies we can understand. And Tom Wopat is definitely a good singer."
FABULOUS, romantic, soul-stirring...
pauline jiffas | 01/01/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ohhhh....I LOVE this CD and I never even knew who Tom Wopat was!
I was wowed when I saw him perform "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with Antonia Bennett on the "Today Show." We want more, Tom!"