Shirley Horn - Here's to Life
|
List Price: Our Price: $14.99 You Save: $3.99 (21%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $2.99 (click here) Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for Here's to Life
Free Music Review: Pure magic by one of Jazz' greatest vocalists
Hit: 5 Stars
No complaints and no regrets
I still believe in chasing dreams and placing bets
But I have learned that all you give is all you get
So give it all you got.
Thus begins this disc full of magic: Here's to life and every joy it brings.
So true. This disc is Shirley Horn's toast to life, to you as a listener.
I have to admit I'm a fan. I played this the moment I heard of my father's death, thinking of all the lost chances in his life. I decided then that mine would be different. And it is.
Miles once said of Shirley: You're so damn slow! Nevertheless he loved her magical interpretations.
Whatever she decides to do, standards everybody knows by heart, lesser knowns or her own songs(of which there are none on this album), I'm sure you will be amazed at what Shirley is able to do with them.
Not only does she make them her own, she turns them into Booker Prize winning novels with stories that make you cry or smile, sometimes even both.
Apart from her great voice, Shirley Horn is also an extremely gifted pianist.
Although I'm usually not a great fan of "with strings" albums, this one is so different I loved it the first time I listened to it.
Johnny Mandel's arrangements leave Shirley all the space she needs for both her piano and her vocals. Yet they are more than just supportive. More like a highway's second lane with you changing constantly on your way to the stars.
As so often Shirley is accompanied by her rhythm section: Charles Ables Bass and Steve Williams Drums. Guest musicians include Wynton Marsalis with two great trumpet solos, Alan Broadbent Piano, Harvey Mason Drums and many others.
A beautiful work of art to enjoy for life.
Free Music Review: Shirley Horn, "Here's To Life"
Hit: 1 Stars
There is only one word for this CD - - -DELICIOUS ! ! ! ! Went back and bought two more for friends. They agreed with me. ENJOYFree Music Review: "Here's To Life . . . Here's To Love . . . Here's To You"
Hit: 5 Stars
"For years, whenever interviewers inquired about Shirley Horn's unfulfilled musical aspirations, she has responded: 'to record with Johnny Mandel.' . . . This album is the fulfillment of her artistic dream." ~ Joel E. Siegel , Liner Notes, 1992 ~
This exquisite album, "Here's To Life," was dedicated by Shirley Horn to Miles Davis, who was supposed to play solo on "A Time For Love" and "Quietly There" but did not happen due to his untimely death. It is a monumental collaboration between two of the most prominent names in the music world. Shirley Horn was not only a gifted singer, but also a talented pianist who once said that her most significant influence as a jazz pianist was Oscar Peterson and she declared: "He's my Rachmaninoff." Her versatility is evident in the way she presented a repertoire of eleven of the greatest songs ever recorded backed by a 49-piece orchestra flawlessly handled by Johnny Mandel, a brilliant arranger, masterful conductor, creative film scorer, savvy producer and remarkable composer all rolled into one. I have collected most of his impressive recordings with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Chet Baker, Quincy Jones, Toots Thielemans, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, John Pizzarelli and David Sanborn, among others.
Mr. Mandel and Ms. Horn have created an amazing musical tour de force in this enchantingly romantic album worthy to any music lover who has an ear for beautiful music and an appreciation for the creative talents and collaborative efforts of Shirley Horn, Johnny Mandel, Wynton Marsalis, Alan Broadbent (one of my favorite jazz pianists whom I have watched perform live at Spazio), and all the musicians involved in making this as one of the most beautiful jazz albums ever recorded. Thanks to the superb orchestration and lovely arrangements of Mr. Mandel, who brings out the very best in all the artists that he has worked with. This is my own tribute to his extraordinary artistry. Mr. Mandel, who turned 82 last November 23, 2007, is one of the greatest and unparalleled composers of all-time. The multi Grammy awardee's brilliant and creative contributions to the music industry can never ever go unappreciated. He is one remarkable musician who truly adds sheer beauty and perfection to any kind of music.
I'm head-over-heels in love with "A Time For Love," a Johnny Mandel original song co-written with Paul Francis Webster. Wynton Marsalis' sweepingly beautiful trumpet solo adds passion to Ms. Horn's dramatic treatment.
"A time for summer skies
For humming birds and butterflies
For tender words that harmonize with love."
I'm affectionately fond of a medley, "Come A Little Closer" and "Wild Is The Wind" interpreted dramatically in a slow, mellow, smooth and velvety manner.
I'm sentimentally moved by "Where Do You Start?" done in an achingly beautiful fashion that makes it the album's emotional highlight. This is another Johnny Mandel original, penned by a great songwriting team, Alan and Marilyn Bergman.
I'm totally smitten with "How Am I To Know?" and "Return To Paradise." These are the only tracks with fabulously upbeat arrangements seasoned with Latin flavors.
I'm endlessly spellbound by the final track, "Estaté" (Summer), an Italian song co-written by Bruno Martino and Bruno Brighetti, with English lyrics by Joel E. Siegel. Here, Ms. Horn duplicated her style in track two with an extremely calculated reading of the lyrics.
Wholeheartedly recommended!
Free Music Review: Gold Standard
Hit: 5 Stars
This is the finest production of ballads I have ever heard. It is Shirley Horn's finest recording and I believe one of the finest records ever. The simplicity yet the richness of the sounds are shear magic. The delicate balance between Shirley Horn's piano, her trio and the orchestra is unparalleled in my hearing. None of them over plays the other. This is a very special collaboration indeed.Free Music Review: Here's to Life - The Standard
Hit: 5 Stars
Shirley Horn is the standard against whom all might be judged. She's a superb, lyrical jazz pianist. Her phrasing and passion are nuanced and sublime. For anyone who's loved and lost, this CD, wrapped with elegant and sensitive orchestral accompaniment, should be an elixir. Warmed and inspired by Shirley's music, you'll begin to heal and embrace the future with hope. Here's to life! - to "chasing dreams and placing bets".