Taking a Chance on Love

Jane Monheit has a lovely -- if not quite beautiful -- voice that she puts to fairly effective use on most of the songs on this album. I have to agree with a previous reviewer that her diction tends to be a bit distracting ("fer" for "for" is only one example) as she wends her way through some of the most beautiful popular songs of the twentieth century. I also have to say that in some cases she seems to be singing the words to the song, but not the song itself; in other words, she doesn't seem to have a consistent emotional investment in all the songs, and the investment she has, in most cases, isn't very convincing. Nevertheless, whatever quibbles and criticisms I might have concerning Jane's voice and delivery are overcome by what I must say is her absolutely impeccable taste in music: Cole Porter, Burton Lane, and Harold Arlen among other tin pan ally greats are well-represented on the album, and Jane provides her most moving work on the gorgeous, glorious and too-seldom-heard "Too Late Now." Actually, this song was the reason I bought the album, and I definitely feel that I got my money's worth. And, by the way, maybe some other of today's "girl singers" will take a tip from Jane and start singing great songs instead of the drivel on which most of them are wasting their, in some cases exceptional,talents.

Come Dream With Me and Never Never Land were so, soooooooooo good, but Jane put the fear of God in me with that clunker "Into The Sun".

Oy vey, did I ever think my days of dreaming out my window at 2am and tripping on old love songs had come to a cruel and ignoble end with that debacle.

There is indeed a God, however. Jane is back and as good as ever with this worthy collection of titles. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

To be honest, "Bill" is worth the price alone. She just hits it on that song, I've listened to it at least 15 times so far, and call me a sentimental old fool but I still get goosebumps...

Throw in "Too Late Now", and you've got two songs that are just about perfect. The rest of the CD is just a wonderful bonus, as far as I am concerned. I really like everything else except "Honeysuckle Rose".

I think Jane came out of the gate strong with her first two CDs, fumbled with "Into The Sun (sorry, but I just DON'T "get it"...), and has really bounced back here. She's a wonderful voice, and I can only wish her godspeed. I'm hoping she keeps on picking the kinds of songs she does best, because I can't get enough of her!

Jane Monheit, who is greatly influenced by the First Lady of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald, glows in this recording produced by two of the renowned names in the music and recording industry, Peter Asher (famed Peter & Gordon) and Al Schmitt. Ms. Monheit could well be among the newest divas in the jazz scene today. Her voice has a classic touch and her interpretations of these gorgeous and timeless standards are so remarkable.

My personal favorite tracks are the following:

"TOO LATE NOW," an Alan Jay Lerner/Burton Lane composition. It's worth not only a listen but also multiple listens. The music and words, the soprano saxophone by Joel Frahm, piano and arrangement by Michael Kanan, drums by Rick Montalbano, bass by Orlando Le Fleming and Jane Monheit's rendition make this song a real winner.

"Too late now to forget your smile
Too late now to forget your voice
Too late now to imagine myself away from you
All the things we've done together
I relive when we're apart
All the tender fun together stays on in my heart
How could I ever close the door
and be the same as I was before?
Darling, no, no I can't anymore
It's too late now."

"EMBRACEABLE YOU," one of the most popular compositions of George & Ira Gershwin. This track is just fabulous and charming, accompanied only by the terrific guitar playing of Romero Lubambo. Another track that deserves endless listens!

"IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT," a Cole Porter classic rendered beautifully with a bossa nova touch, orchestra conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

"DO I LOVE YOU?" another Cole Porter gem, arranged and conducted by one of the finest and talented musicians of all-time, Alan Broadbent.

"TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE," a Vernon Duke/John Latouche/Ted Fetter composition. A super upbeat and jazzy interpretation arranged by Michael Kanan, whose piano playing is so sublime!

"LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME," a Walter Donaldson/Gus Kahn composition. Nice arrangement by Christian McBride.

"I WON'T DANCE," a duet with Michael Bublé, a new singing sensation himself who greatly contributed in the success of this project. This is one of the best tracks and my special favorite from a great songwriting team of Jerome Kern & Dorothy Fields.

"OVER THE RAINBOW," a bonus track. Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg composed this classic made popular by Judy Garland. This wonderful track was backed by an orchestra arranged and conducted by Ed Shearmur. To me, it is by far the most beautiful rendition I have ever heard. This is truly a testament of Ms. Monheit's impressive vocal prowess.

A splendid CD. I graciously recommend it for your listening pleasure!

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