Thank goodness for the AnneMurrayDuets.com website, where you can sample all the tracks complete. The 30 second snipets on a rival Canada competitor were not enough. Though I've ordered one from Canada, the USA will get this gem on 1/15/08, and it makes a nice Birthday gift for my 50th.

I was not aware that Anne's previous album of "I'll Be Seeing You" was intended to be her last. I took it as continuing her "Croonin'" style albums and tackling another era with great success. Her video about the new Duets album on the mentioned website has Anne stating that "I'll Be Seeing You" (in all its formats and titles) was the LAST, but DUETS came along. The project worked its way from duets with various singers to only ladies. I think it is better this way, and a chance for possibly a Duets II down the road with the guys. The videos of Anne recording with these great artists looks like everyone is having a ball.

My curiosity for this set was the electronically created duet of "I Just Fall In Love Again" with the last great Dusty Springfield. Knowing of Anne's admiration of Dusty's work, what a great way to bring a song full circle. Since Anne, Dusty, and even Karen Carpenter released the song within a scope of a year, would've been something if all three ladies could have been featured. Still, this new version with Dusty is superb. My second curiosity was "Snowbird" with Sarah Brightman. I know Sarah would not be operatic and use her pop voice. If I wasn't expecting Sarah, I would have thought it was someone else, for in my ears, Sarah sounds like Olivia Newton-John (who appears with Anne on "Cotton Jenny"). Maybe it's just me. Still a nice rendition. The surprise was "Another Pot O Tea", which is a personal album track favorite. Though I'm not big on Emmylou Harris, their voices blend gorgeously and this track is a true standout. My only bummer is no "new" duet with Celine Dion. Though "When I Fall In Love" does come from "An Intimate Evening", and the track was not on the CD, but on the DVD/VHS only. I hoped for a different song, or even a re-record.

This new collection does have a power to it, and if successful, I'm sure we will see a Duets II, similar to what Frank Sinatra issued before his passing. If Anne goes with "the Guys" as partners, there are plenty more of her songs that would work as duets, or even go with the concept of one of Anne's hits/tracks against one of the male partner's hits/tracks. I think everyone wants to see another Glen Campbell partnering for old times sake, plus some of the other greats out there.

Granted this is the first US remastered Best Of for Jane Olivor, as the only other "Best Of" type recordings were her "Enchanted Evening" LP issued in Australia (with the best album sleeve photos), and the budget-line CD "So Fine". This collection would've had 5 Stars from me if it weren't all the same songs previously released on the Columbia LPs/CDs from 1976-82. There are a couple of rarities that could've been included, and gratefully, one that was.

First of all, "Some Enchanted Evening" was issued as a single close to the release of Jane's second album "Chasing Rainbows". When I purchased that album in 1977, a bonus one-sided while label 45 single was included of a different version of "Some Enchanted Evening" vs. the album version from "First Night". A regular 45 single was also issued with that same single version, which is mostly piano background. The next rarity is the single version of "He's So Fine from "Stay The Night". The single version has a different inflection on the lyric in the middle of the song. Using these two versions over the overly released album versions would have made this collection a "must" for all Jane fans. The saving light is the inclusion for the first time on any Jane collection/album of the wonderful duet with Johnny Mathis of "The Last Time I Felt Like This".

With Jane's resurgance to the concert arena and a devoted following, I hope that all 5 original Columbia albums will go through a superb remaster & add these other rare tracks as bonuses, in addition to expanding the Jane Olivor In Concert CD to include more of or the entire concert vs. the tracks that were only placed on vinyl, with one track "We Go Where There Is Love" possibly being a studio insert. Columbia/Legacy really needs to do some digging & give Jane's releases the polishing and release they deserve. This "Best of" is a start, with a great set of photos.

I've been hesitant to purchase this CD outright, but finally did. What was I waiting for? This will probably become my all time favorite Rosie album of her 50s sound, as I've been playing it for two solid days. Her 1956 series was out two years prior to my first appearance in this world. Growing very fond of Rosemary's voice through the years, due to my parents being fans, and annual visits to WHITE CHRISTMAS on TV, I am glad that these series tracks have made it to CD in such great sound. Despite Feinstein's disclaimer, the sound is superb. After hearing Rosie's version of MOONLIGHT IN VERMONT, we now have a definitive version. Nelson Riddle's arrangements are spectacular. These songs in this format are so long overdue for Rosie fans, and I hope it is so successful that a Volume 2 will follow, especially if there were 39 total shows. These 26 tracks may represent the best, but there's gotta be more. As an opening theme was used with TENDERLY, I wonder if there was a closing theme as well? I've only seen varied clips from this show a long time ago, but glad that the songs are now here on CD.
Marvelous!

I sampled this at a store prior to ordering it on line. After hearing the samples, I couldn't wait to get to my computer, as Sissel CDs are hard to find here in the states, except for what has been issued here. Stores that stock World Music do not include her for some reason. Regardless, this CD is a must.

Besides her "Fire In Your Heart" from the 1994 Olympics, she does some great covers of oldies, including a duet with Neil Sedaka on his own "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do", which is my favorite song on the album. Neil gives her a lovely dedication and describes his first hearing of this great voice. She does two other Neil-penned songs, including an earlier version of "Solitaire". Mama Cass would also be proud of Sissel's version of "Dream A Little Dream Of Me" (if she was still with us). I still can't figure out how to pronounce her last name of Kyrkjebo, but so long as I get Sissel right, and since she goes by that name professionally (like Cher, Madonna), she will always shine just being Sissel!

One of the other titles I purchased while exploring Sissel's work. This Best Of represents many songs of her Norweigian repetoire. They have an Enya and folk feel and are pleasantly presented. Even if you don't know the language, they are a joy to listen to. Unique to this CD are the first two tracks, which were originally only on a CD single. Both feature panflutist, Georghe Zamfir, and similar to his previous work with the great Nana Mouskouri on "The Lonely Shepherd", collaborating with Sissel creates magic on both tracks featured. There are a couple of English songs included from pre-US albums that are also excellent. Though the Japanese import is a bit pricey, it would be worth it for an overall taste, especially for the Sissel fan who wants to collect all her material.

Just discovering Sissel from her PBS concert rebroadcast, I decided to try some of her CD albums. Getting ALL GOOD THINGS by mail in the version advertised here, there were two differences...the photo cover & the actual tracks. Instead of the photo as provided here, the actual cover of the UK Version is the photo from IN SYMPHONY, with references to the Japan cover internally in the booklet.

The tracks are a completely different remix to those presented on the first US CD called SISSEL. There are also a couple of different tracks on each (Shenandoah & Solitaire on SISSEL, vs. One Day & Where The Lost Ones Go on ALL GOOD THINGS), making it unique & a must have for collectors of everything. I like the USA album, but just adore the remixed versions of most of the tracks for the overseas market. This should have been the version used worldwide. Weightless, Carrier of A Secret (album & single version bonus track) and All Good Things totally shine, as does the duet with Espen Lind, Where The Lost Ones Go. When Sissel sings "I'll will be with you", she means it wholeheartedly. Sarah's Song shines on both albums, as is very special if someone is having a new baby. Excellent work and I am glad she is finally touring and presenting her gorgeous voice now in the States.

Rita Coolidge releases have been very limited in the US. Her later recordings from the 80s and 90s (solo material) are discontinued or only issued in Japan. The US gets rehashed versions of the same hits. Finding the impending release of Delta Lady on Rita's website, Feb 10 couldn't get here fast enough. This 41 track double CD is sweetly remastered and is very noticible on the samples available to listen. My actual CD has yet to arrive, but I was totally impressed by the quality from the samples. Rita Coolidge has finally been done some justice in the US. It is an excellent collection with hits, album tracks, duets & movie songs. It is way overdue and most welcome. Once Rita fans wear this one out, we hope all her original albums are issued here in the US, along with those issued in Japan that did not get issued here.

The second Tom Andersen album of songs is a total joy. I don't know what rock I was under for not being made aware of him prior to this. The title track from the "From A Distance" Grammy-winning pen of Julie Gold should have had another grammy with this one, along with a huge hit for Tom. Tom's own music shines on this CD as well. In particular, the track YARD SALE is a minimum four-hanky track. Such a story for these times. STORYBOOK from the musical "The Scarlet Pimpernel" is well done. Knowing only Linda Eder's version from the concept CD prior to the show going to Broadway, Tom's interpretation gives the song a different appeal. My only diappointment is he didn't do the French part of the song as well. Becoming the fan I have recently, THE JOURNEY will make many trips to my CD player. I recommend you take it as well.

The latest from Tom Andersen is a joy to listen to, though a bit short time wise (just over 31 minutes total). So what? When you are listening, it seems longer...in a good way. The title track starts off the flow of the album, which this time is more of a pop country set. I FALL TO PIECES would make Patsy Cline cry. This caberet-style ballad version is breathtaking and would be an experience in concert. A LOVELY NIGHT from Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella" takes on a new dimension as well & to me, mixes a lot of genres. Knowing the title, I immediately reflect to Lesley Ann Warren's performance in the 1965 CBS special. I was surprised that it was not similar here, but the greater surprise was how much I liked this version. It has the country bounce, the celtic-band sound like the Sterage Band on the Titanic soundtrack, and the vocal like Fred Astaire from a 30s musical. The entire album blends well & is very welcome listening. Programs like this should be topping the charts vs. most the garbage that does these days.

Barbra Streisand is one performer who can never cease to amaze me in some way. This newly anticipated gem will certainly rank high with her fans and envelop some new ones into the fold.

The lush arrangements and the soaring Streisand vocals on the powerful songs, as well as the quieter ones are all total ear candy. The major standout is the closing number YOU'RE GONNA HEAR FROM ME, making the statement "I ain't going nowhere". Even the orchestral inclusion of the ending bars of Don't Rain On My Parade in the finale takes you through Barbra's history reminding you what she has given all these years, and what we can still expect down the road. MOON RIVER is the most touching version I've ever heard. I'M IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE takes on a bossa-nova beat which adds so much to this song, making it playful. For future projects, I hope Barbra does a full album of songs in this tempo and style, in the realm of Peggy Lee and her LATIN A LA LEE, as well as Eydie Gorme's bossa-nova albums of the 60s.

This album is a must for those who love movie songs, as well as being one in a Streisand collection that is a "must have". Those devoted fans who have everything Barbra has recorded will just do the natural thing with new Barbra product and pick it up. Those who have a taste of Barbra in their music racks, the necessities are all her hits compilations, both Broadway albums and THE MOVIE ALBUM.