Linda Ronstadt - Hummin' to Myself
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Free Music Notes for Hummin' to Myself
Free Music Review: Too brassy
Hit: 2 Stars
There is only one number on this album in which Linda Ronstadt's technique of shouting the lyrics--which stood her in such good stead throughout her rock'n'roll career--almost works. It is a sad commentary, however, that I am not inclined to go back and listen just to determine which song that is. Suffice it to say that it usually doesn't do to shout jazz. Not all '60s rock divas make poor jazz performers; Rita Coolidge's album "And So Is Love" has several near perfect tracks even if the entire album is not perfect. Whereas I intend to listen to Rita again, I won't listen to "Hummin'" again if I can help it.Free Music Review: Sweet Sounds
Hit: 5 Stars
On this offering Linda Ronstadt's voice is akin to a fine old montepulciano. Or a fine old Guarnerius, for that matter: she's got range and power, supple intonation and piu dolce phrasing.
This is the fourth time Ronstadt has dished out this wonderful music, and Hummin' to Myself is her answer to those critics who backhandedly complimented her 1980s recordings with Nelson Riddle, complaining that Riddle's orchestra overpowered her. It's true that while Ronstadt has a versatile singing voice it wasn't a perfect fit for the torch-song genre, and recording engineers often overexposed her brilliant mezzo-soprano with the then-new digital technology. At times it almost sounded as though she were singing in a tiled bathroom.
This time around Ronstadt has melted beautifully into her material. Her voice, which hasn't lost an ounce of oomph, is backed by leaner ensembles headed by veteran jazz pianists Alan Broadbent and Warren Bernhardt. Yet even with these restrained arrangements, Ronstadt has the musical sensibility not to overpower her accompanists; rather, she fits in with the music snug as a dovetail joint.
Her recording of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's "Day Dream" best exemplifies her approach. Backed by tenor sax, trumpet, and a low-key rhythm section, Ronstadt's phrasing is so suave and understated that she even blends with the brushes on Peter Erskine's snare. When her voice lilts up wide on a word, she glissandos effortlessly to a powerful vibrato.
She opens with an affecting but never affected version of "Tell Him I Said Hello." Simple and sincere, Ronstadt digs down to her country roots to bring plain, honest beauty to this and other songs on the album. These include the title cut, "Cry Me a River" (which I prefer even to Krall's sultry version), and "I Fall in Love Too Easily"--she has something going on here that hearkens back to those great heartbreakers which Patsy Cline sang so well.
The only low point is a scat rendition of Frank Loesser's "Never Will I Marry"; it's technically good but comes off a bit overdone. But Ronstadt sure knows how to close on the high note, as she proved years ago with her haunting rendition of Benny Goodman's sign-off tune "Good-Bye" on What's New. On this album she intones "I'll Be Seeing You" in a straightforward, bittersweet manner, almost narrating rather than singing. The sentimentality you feel isn't coming from Ronstadt directly, but from emotions she so skillfully stirs up within you. That's a rare talent, one that all the money in the world can't buy. You either got it, or you don't--and Linda Ronstadt's got it.
Free Music Review: Hummin' to myself Linda Ronstadt
Hit: 5 Stars
I am a huge fan of Linda's and this is by far her greatest work.
Her professionalism is tops in the entire music industry and this
album proves it. A collection of romantic ballads from the big band
era, each and every song is fantasticly produced,arrainged,played
by some of the best in the buisness.This album is a must for lovers
who want some hand holding music to enjoy.I have had the CD for about
two years and still play it at least twice aweek.It is hard to
put this music into a catagory without starting a new one.ADULT ROMANCE.
Free Music Review: My favorite singer of all time
Hit: 5 Stars
Wonderful little CD with an eclectic mix of gorgeously executed 'hummable' songs. Free Music Review: Loved it
Hit: 5 Stars
Everyone I know who has listened to this CD has enjoyed it very much. Hope for more of this type.