Customer Reviews

At Last

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3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I loved "SLOW" and "BLUES IN THE NIGHT" so I figured this would be another winner. Ann Hampton Callaway has managed to make every song on this album unique and musically enchanting. Her voice rings true with every word and every note. Just when I think I need to hear "Landslide" for the fifth or sixth time, I remember that I'm going to want to do the same thing on all the songs to follow. Her rendition of "On my Way to You' is a masterpiece and literally leaves me breathless. AT LAST will be my Valentine's Day gift to special people in my life, my birthday gift to others, and a Christmas gift to many when December arrives. Buy the CD and then be prepared to spend some quality time with one of America's most talented singer/songwriters.

Ann Hampton Callaway scores a big goal with her CD entitled At Last. These songs of love showcase Ann's outstanding skill as a chanteuse and when I hear it I remember seeing her perform live in New York City a few years back. The quality of the sound is excellent and the artwork is very well done. Ann's voice is like a finely tuned instrument and we are all better off for her sharing her gift with us. Ann takes her time with the ballads on this album to deliver lush, moving renditions of songs by her and the musicians that will stand the test of time.

"What Is This Thing Called Love?" by Cole Porter has Ann Hampton Callaway squarely in the spotlight--right where she belongs! Ann never sings a superfluous note and that's grand. She delivers "What Is This Thing Called Love?" passionately and you can tell she wears her heart on her sleeve--bravo! At the end of "What Is This Thing Called Love?" listen for Ann to scat a bit with drummer Victor Lewis and Jay Leonhart who also plays bass. "Comes Love" has a smooth jazz flavor to it and that horn work fits in perfectly with the rest of the musical arrangement. There's a great arrangement for the piano and Ann never sounded better. "Carey" has a great feel to it, too.

"At Last," the title track for this album written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren, is very pleasing to the ear; when Ann Hampton Callaway sings this she does this ballad great justice. I wonder if Etta James would like this version of "At Last?" Ann aces this seemingly effortlessly; but we know of course it really wasn't so easy. Ann's incredible talent always carried her through. In addition, listen for "Lazy Afternoon" which gets quite a fine arrangement; the musical effects are wonderful and Ann Hampton Calloway sings this with a type of honesty in her heart I rarely hear or enjoy. Great!

"Landslide" puts Ann front and center; the music that plays fits in perfectly with her vocals and "Landslide" is definitely a major highlight of this album. "Save A Place For Me" boasts a wonderful sound and Ann sings this most romantically. In addition, Ann Hampton Callaway bravely tackles that Judy Garland standard which some still say is Judy's territory alone, "Over The Rainbow." "Over The Rainbow" has Ann singing a rarely heard opening verse and when she goes into the much better known lyrics to the song this number takes flight and it works! Judy would have been proud of Ann.

"Finding Beauty" is very well done; and the album ends strong with Ann Hampton Callaway performing "On My Way to You." "On My Way to You" has a depth to it that is meaningful and quite beautiful in Ann's capable hands.

Overall, this CD entitled At Last by Ann Hampton Callaway provides great musical entertainment for people who enjoy classic love songs and sensitive renditions of more recent love songs as well. Ann's fans will certainly want this album; and it makes a wonderful starter CD if you're just getting to know the artistry of Ann Hampton Callaway.

There are three contemporary singers in their prime who, IMO, have the kind of voices to where they could have trained in any kind of genre and have succeeded. One is the opera singer, Renee Fleming (who in fact has released two caberet-ish c.d.'s in recent years); the second is jazz singer, Jackie Ryan; and finally, the very talented Ann Hampton Callaway.

Any release from Ms. Callaway is a cause for celebration going in; and this one is no exception. This is a c.d. dedicated to "falling in love"; and indeed, it has some love-filled touches.

Consider Ms. Callaway's scatting on the jazzy "What Is This Thing Called Love," where out of the blue she pops out a high B-flat with aplomb; or consider "Spain," where she whips along with the instrumentalists as fast as did Al Jarreau on the famous original; or consider "Lazy Afternoon," where she builds the word "Grow" on an ascending scale with as much drama as any diva around.

Or consider "Over the Rainbow." I normally counsel singers not to do this song, as Judy Garland owns it and inviting comparisons to Ms. Garland generally is a bad idea. Good thing Ms. Callaway didn't listen to such advice. With the sensitive accompaniment of pianist Ted Rosenthal (and a beautiful solo from Flugelhornist Marvin Stamm), this is as thoughtful and original a read of this song as any since 1938. Bravo.

The c.d. is a nice mix of jazz, cabaret and blues (with a smokin' bluesy read of the title track, a la Etta James). But speaking of cabaret and of Ms. Callaway's talent, she writes a ballad, "Save A Place For Me," and performs it. To me, this is the highlight of the c.d. This song would have worked very well with Ann Hampton Callaway's best recording, 2004's "Slow."

I review a lot of singers, and I admire a lot of them. Relatively few of them just blow me away. Ann Hampton Callaway is one of those relatively few. RC

Very enjoyable. She makes great choices in the use of her voice and vibrado. A great singer.

It is truly exciting when an artist you love takes their music to the next level. I have loved Ann Hampton Callaway's many beautiful releases but "At Last" surprised me with new musical heights and musical depths. Her voice sounds more rich and expressive than ever. And there is a sense of inspired genius informing her song choices, arrangements and lyric readings for this concept album of "grown up" love songs. Backed by a team of extraordinary musicians, she ignites new life in songs as diverse as Joni Mitchell's breezy "Carey" to the sensual "Lazy Afternoon" to the Arlen classic "Over the Rainbow." I always look forward to the originals she includes on her recordings and the two selected "Finding Beauty" and "Save a Place For Me" are gorgeous additions that sit well with Cole Porter and Stevie Nicks. I hope the President and First Lady hear Callaway's passionate "At Last". The love song they chose for their historic Inauguration has probably never received such an unbridled and soaring interpretation. For music lovers and lovers everywhere, this is must have music to stir the embers of love and hope in these challenging times.

My first impulse after listening to At Last was to find someone to slow dance with! I am a newcomer to jazz music and my first introduction to Ann's music was to hear her in a live performance. I was completely blown away and couldn't get enough of Ann's unique and wonderful sound. I love all of the jazz tunes on At Last, but "Landslide" is a revelation. For the first time, I actually listened to every word of the song and was so moved by Ann's version that I don't ever want to listen to anyone else sing it. I give At Last my highest recommendation!

Ann's follow-up to 1996's Blues in the Night is one more jewel in her dazzling collection of albums.

The first Ann Hampton Callaway album I purchased was Slow, and I was pleasantly surprised by two things. First, Ann is refreshingly free of the diva-lounge singer-coquette baggage that weighs down so many potentially talented female vocalists. It's just Ann, her voice, and a well-chosen selection of songs. She doesn't hide behind an image. She didn't need to create an "identity" because her true identity, the heart and soul that comes through like a brilliant lighthouse beacon in her music, is much more powerful than anything that could be "created."

While I am not a big fan of labels, I'd have to agree...Ann excels in performing "love songs for adults." On the "Slow" album, one of the many highlights was her duet with sister Liz on Van Morrison's "Moondance." On "At Last," she travels similar terrain with Stevie Nicks / Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" and Joni Mitchell's "Carey."

The message behind that? Good music is good music. The person who is unable to appreciate Cole Porter and Fleetwood Mac in one sitting is probably the same person who is not ready for Ann, and that would be a genuine shame.

This album is warm, heartfelt, and...in February 2009, when so many people are afraid and uncertain about what tomorrow might bring...a welcome affirmation that love and beauty are like the cream that rises, unfailingly, to the top of life. Thank you Ann.

Vocalist and songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway presents At Last, a music CD collection of "love songs for grownups". Performances of beloved jazz standards and pop culture songs as well as a few original tunes blended into a seamless whole. Bringing the music to life along with Callaway are pianist Ted Rosenthal, bassist Jay Leonhart, and drummer Victor Lewis, and various guest musicians. A joy to listen to, "At Last" also makes a romantic Valentine's Day gift. The tracks are What Is This Thing Called Love? (4:44), Comes Love (4:57), Carey (4:46), At Last (5:30), Spain (6:35), Lazy Afternoon (6:19), Landslide (4:59), Save A Place For Me (5:23), Over the Rainbow (6:03), Finding Beauty (4:55), and On My Way To You (4:36).

This album is amazing. Congratulations to Anne on her selection of tunes, her choice of musicians, and her musical ability and talent. She is a "singer." Not too many of those anymore. A lot of people "sing"- but Anne is a singer. Who else would even TACKLE "Over the Rainbow" and be able to do it in her own signature way-----moving, emotional, haunting- just perfect.

One of the best singers of our time- and one of her BEST ALBUMS EVER! Keep it up, Anne. And visit L.A. more !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll keep this short and sweet: At Last is a must have for music lovers. Each one of AHC's cd's is fabulous, and I wondered if she could keep up the pace. Well, she has not disappointed! I've been listening to At Last constantly for the last few days and find myself with a different favorite song each time. For me, that's the hallmark of a great cd. I usually don't write reviews but this one has grabbed me and I wanted to share my thoughts. Give At Last to a loved one and you'll make them veeeeeeerrrrrrry happy!