Customer Reviews

In Between the Heartaches

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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This is a notch above the U.S./BMG compilations of Hyman's work because it gathers many of her rare and out-of-print collaborations with other artists including jazz-fusion stalwarts Norman Connors, Grover Washington Jr. and McCoy Tyner. The effect being that Phyllis Hyman's talent is showcased at its lush and lovely best. There are many highlights here, including EVERYTHING I HAVE IS GOOD, LOVE SURROUNDS US EVERYWHERE and SLEEP ON IT. Of particular note is one of her collaborations with Tyner from his 1982 LP "Looking Out", the track I'LL BE AROUND is a testament to Hyman's ability to touch and warm you with her voice, whether reading the lyric or improvising. MAGIC MONA was on the soundtrack to the 1979 film "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh" but its quirky origin and whimsical theme doesn't prevent Hyman from giving a knockout vocal. And Grover Washington, Jr.'s sax is the perfect duet partner on SACRED KIND OF LOVE. Her take on Bacharach/David's IN BETWEEN THE HEARTACHES is gutsy and unique; and could definitely stand alongside Dionne's superb original. None of her "hits" are on this compilation but I think the tragedy of Hyman's career was that she was too often made to record material that was so clearly beneath her. As a result many of her best-known songs are some of her most mediocre. Although not perfect, this compilation comes closest to truly capturing her "essence".

Whether you are a Phyllis Hyman fan of long-standing, or a novice to her music, this CD from Hyman friend and music producer Michael Grimaldi stands alone as her best. The inclusion of her stellar work with jazz legend McCoy Tyner is worth the price alone; Hyman addicts clamored for years to have these three tunes, "In Search Of My Heart", "Love Surrounds Us Everywhere"' and "I'll Be Around" released on CD. Listening to these cuts( which also include the genius of Stanley Clarke, Carlos Santana, Gary Bartz and Buddy Williams), confirm my belief that Phyllis was meant to sing jazz above all else. Tyner's piano and Hyman's voice are a blend of musical perfection, and here you will know that she can scat with the best. Listen to "In Search Of My Heart" and you will hear her croon, perhaps prophetically, "Remember, won't you please, remember me..." Just when you think you have heard her at her best, listen to "I'll Be Around", and you will be left shaking your head at the size of her talent. Included in this compilation are rare and unreleased songs such as "Sleep On It", "If You Ever Change Your Mind", "Do You Love Him",and Hottest Love Around", and the achingly beautiful title song, "In Between The Heartaches", a Dionne Warwick song that Hyman makes her own. Also featured are gems with Grover Washington, Norman Connors, Jon Lucien, Pharoah Sanders and Bill Lee.
But this CD is much more than the music, Michael Grimaldi recalls his friendship and admiration of Hyman in extensive liner notes, and uniquely, takes the listener on a journey with him through personal stories and rare photos of Phyllis. This CD is obviously a labor of love, and it shows. What it means for fans of Phyllis Hyman is a unique gift from someone who knew her not only as a musical legend, but as a beautiful talented friend. If I were forced to choose one CD from the many I have of hers, this one would be it. Buy it, no buy two and give one to someone you love.

Phyllis Hyman Was One Of The Greatest Singers Of All-Time!!! This Wonderful Cd Is Full Of Rare Gems!!!! The Title Track Is Breathtaking As Is Everything Phyllis Sang!!! She Will Be Missed, Remembered & LOVED For All-Time!!!!!!!! R.I.P. & Thanks For Every Note You Ever Shared With The World!!!!

This is definitely worth the buy!! This import collection is one of the better ones on Phyllis because it features alot of rare gems! It was like hearing a 'new' cd from Phyllis!

When I heard that Heartaches was to be released, I was practically holding my breath. As it turns out, it was well worth the wait. A gem and must have in your collection if you're a Phyllis fan. From the content of the CD to the artwork, it was an obvious labor of love for Michael Grimaldi, producer and friend of Phyllis.

This CD gives her fans a glimpse into the past, if for just a moment, to those unleased treasures, the long awaited release to CD of her collaboration with jazz pianist, McCoy Tyner, in addition to her collaborations with Grover Washington, Jr., Sacred Kind of Love from the "Time Out of Mind" CD and Everything I Have is Good with Pharoah Sanders and the one who discovered her, Norman Connors. Even included in this compilation is the song from the fun, but not to widely seen movie, "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh", Magic Mona. The soundtrack for that movie turned to be far more successful than the movie itself. And not to forget to honorably mention her background vocals lent to Jon Lucien's track, Springs Arrival

Overall, this compilation is for the casual fan and completist alike. A treasure to add to the collection that so painfully reminds us of the talent that the music industry lost and didn't appreciate while she was still among us.

I have been looking for a CD of Phyliss Hyman that contained more than 1 good Jazz song and this one by far is truly the best.
I would like to thank the group of people or persons who picked and put together all of the songs that I can remember since Junior High school, great compulation.

This is such a sad story, one of the greats that no one has ever heard about except you and I. this CD will complete your Ms. Hyman library. I hope "somewhere in time" she receives some small amount of pleasure knowing we here are still enjoying her great voice, we miss you so, :(:(
buddy clark

One of the best CD's that I own. Phyllis Hyman shows her vocal skills and ranges. One of the best singers of all time. I put this one in my best CD collection.

This album steals the show when compared to all the other greatest hits packages... For the fans it's a fabulous shortcut to the rare gems Phyllis Hyman recorded.
I my opinion one of her best tracks ever is here : "MAGIC MONA" from the very rare original soundtrack LP of the equally rare movie THE FISH THAT SAVED PITTSBURGH... A track you will grow to love a little bit more with every play.

Although various different compilation CDs have been released since Phyllis' 1995 death, this one really stands out in a class all by itself. Why? It focuses on previously unreleased album tracks and collaborations with other artists. My personal favorites are "Sleep On It", "If You Ever Change Your Mind" and the title track (all of which were intended for but not included on her "Can't We Fall In Love Again" LP. This excellent collection is truly a must-have for your CD library!