Customer Reviews

Because of You

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While browsing at a Tower Records store, I saw James' new CD and had to buy it immediately. Although he's concentrated on acting and directing for a long time, it's great to hear him singing again. His previous CD "This One's from the Heart" was great (I'm sad that I sold my copy but will buy another one), but I cannot find a better word for this one.

I tip my hat to Patrick Williams for not only conducting so brilliantly, but also for contributing half of the charts -his treatment of "Just One of Those Things" (a chart he originally wrote for Sinatra) is just great! Also, Ray Ellis (one of my favorite arrangers ever) did such beautiful writing on "Because of You," "Blame it on My Youth," and "Our Day Will Come." The other charts were wonderful, too!!!

As with his last outing, James had the support of the best studio musicians in Hollywood, world-class engineer Al Schmitt, and (this time around) world-class producer and drummer Gregg Field.

Fans of James Darren (and of great pop singing)...GRAB THIS ONE!!

Shades of Sinatra, Bennett, Martin, Darin and Connick Jr. surface with this latest release from Concord Records and Mr. James Darren ~ "Because Of You"...remember his singing from the early days...good to hear his voice and how much it still sounds the same...GREAT!

Let's touch on the stand outs ~ "MY KIND OF GIRL", composed by Leslie Bricusse is still a classic, Bricusse who worked with Henry Mancini(my favorite composer of all-time), remember Bricusse's brilliant score for the Albert Finney "SCROOGE", is watched every year during the Holiday Season at my house...another highlight is "CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF OF YOU", romance is the name of the game, with beautiful and touching harmony from Monica Mancini.

Every selection bears lush and lasting arrangments from Paul Williams, David Campbell, Ray Ellis and Bob Krogstadt, is the essential big band and easy listening genre...so if you're into this bag of of tricks, you WILL DIG IT...nuff said!!

Total Time: 50:52 on 14 Tracks ~ Concord Records CCD-4969-2 ~ (2001)

In some ways, this CD is a re-invention of a re-invention. In the 1950s and 60s James Darren was a noted teen-idol movie star and Grammy-nominated recording artist. A junior member of the Sinatra Rat Pack, during the 1970s he headlined in Las Vegas teamed with comedian Buddy Hackett. With his singing days supposedly left well behind him at the age of 62, his decision in 1998 to take on the role of Vic Fontaine, a cool and swinging Rat Pack-style crooner, on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine", reawakened the singer inside of him.

The great achievement in this CD is Darren's ability to make each standard feel fresh again, thanks to his peerless velvet rasp and easy phrasing, the exceptional arrangements and eminent jazz musicians comprising the big band. But "Because of You" takes a step away from his previous CD "This One's From the Heart", delivering a slower, more mellow take on some swing standards, and lush string-backed ballads. Where "Heart" was Frank Sinatra, "Because of You" is more Tony Bennett.

As such, the Bennett-signature trio of "Because of You", "The Good Life" and "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" (the latter done here in semi-bossa-nova style) have the most influence here. It must be said that when James hits the final few notes in "Boulevard", he sounds incredibly like Bennett himself; while in "The Good Life" his delivery of the word `alone' is pure unadulterated Darren, a totally unique sound.

Overall, I must admit I prefer the more upbeat and happening style of "Heart", but Darren's undeniable talent and palpable charm makes "Because of You" simply irresistible, and a must-buy for DS9 fans and lovers of big band and romantic jazz. So as Vic Fontaine once said in toast "To whatever makes you happy!", I raise my glass to JD and respond that this CD sure did!

This CD is fantastic, but why should I be surprised? How could it not be? For 35 years now, (I became a life-time fan at a very early age!) Jimmy Darren has been my all-time favorite singer, actor, director, and the most charming human being I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. From the teenage songs of his very early youth, to his "All" album in 1966, to the pop songs he recorded in the 70's for Don Kirshner, and currently in this whole new phase of his musical career, (This One's From the Heart was amazing!) Jimmy hasn't missed a beat in being the consummate entertainer, and consistently continues to deliver his heart and soul in everything he does. Am I getting paid to write this review? Of course not. My sentiments are geniune...so for everyone who is a fan of Jimmy's (and if you aren't yet, you will be!) you must listen to this CD...you will be thrilled, just as I was!

I saw this album on the store the other day and I know I should bought it. Vic Fontaine, played by James Darren, was one of my favorite character on DS-9 and I loved "This One's from the Heart" so much. In this album Darren used a combination of big and small bands (compared with all big-band songs in his previous album). But his singing style remains unchanged from his DS-9 days and the arrangement was very well done. I especially like Darren's version of "Can't Get My Eyes out of You", which he sang slowly and in duet with Monica Mancini. Other songs I loved in this album are: "Blame It on My Youth", "I'm Fool To Want You", and the finale, "Dream a Little Dream of Me." But all the songs are well done and overall, an album any James Darren (or Vic Fontaine) fans should buy. Great jobs, James! Way to go, pallie!!

I purchased this CD "Because of You" ""Because of Him""
James Darren Is a excellent singer performer entertainer
all the songs on this CD are very good. My favorite two
songs are "My Kind Of Girl" & "More Today Than Yesterday"
I find myself listening to this CD along with "This Ones
From The Heart" over and over again these are two CD's
you don't and wont get tired of listening too.

A GREAT CD -- truly! It should have been nominated for a Grammy...
While indebted to Sinatra, Bennett et.el., the arrangements are fresh and original...
I say, "Move over, Tony -- make room for James."
It's high time this wonderful singer got the praise and recognition his work so clearly deserves.
Check it out and get ready to SWING!

This is one of my favorite CD's. Every song is superbly done; every single song flows very well. If you liked his previous CD, or if you like Sinatra or others like him, this CD should be added to your collection. My favorite song on it is his version of "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You".

Have alays enjoyed James Darren on the movie nd television screen. How pleased i was to hear him sing! Very nicely done, did not expect him to sing so beautifully. Thanks James for giving us more entertainment

The CD came in just a few days, and was in perfect condition. I could not ask for better service.