Blue Condition

Bobby Caldwell | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 22, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sin-Drome Records
• ASIN: B000001PI9
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,834 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well done, December 9, 2003

By 

Jon Kortebein (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Blue Condition (Audio CD)

I can't quite understand the criticism that's been leveled at Bobby Caldwell for "Blue Condition" and "Come Rain, Come Shine". Some complain that the arrangments are unoriginal, that the songs belong to Sinatra, Darin and others, that Caldwell copies Sinatra's phrasing, that Caldwell's voice doesn't measure up to Sinatra's or those of the other singers of these songs. As these criticisms relate to "BC":

1) The arrangements aren't groundbreaking, and maybe they owe a debt of gratitude to those arrangers of the past. With those concessions, I find the arrangements extremely solid, reasonably interesting but not obtrusive. And the orchestra delivers them with an extremely professional touch.

2) These are great songs, and as long as contemporary artists respect them and the singers who popularized them, what's the problem? Caldwell is extremely respectful of the songs and the singers, and that's all that needs to be said.

3) I've listened to a fair share of Sinatra recordings, and the thing that stands out most is his unique (and at times even peculiar) phrasing. Caldwell could try for a million years to copy it and never succeed. If anything, Caldwell is guilty of straight forward phrasing. Why anyone would think Caldwell is ripping off Sinatra's phrasing is beyond me.

4) Caldwell's voice doesn't measure up to Sinatra's? I'm not so sure. What made Sinatra unique was his phrasing and his style, part of which was visual. It wasn't necessarily his vocal qualities. If you listen to Sinatra for awhile you'll notice that his pitch isn't always perfect. I don't think the same criticism applies to Caldwell. Caldwell possesses very good pitch, a smooth, silky tone and good control throughout his range. Caldwell's voice bears a striking resemblance to Bobby Darin's, which tells you all you need to know.

"Blue Condition" is a respectful, classy and satisfying record, and I recommend it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smo-o-o-o-oth as silk!, August 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Blue Condition (Audio CD)

If you love old jazz... add this one to you collection. Bobby's interpretations of the standards are hip and stylish... very 90's. If you love Sinatra... Bobby Darin and the velvet sounds of the crooners, you'll LOVE this CD.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not only is he great, but he's still alive!, November 22, 2000

By 

luckytown "luckytown" (LA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blue Condition (Audio CD)

I am more than pleased that I was able to send my parents to this concert. I am also completely jealous that I was so nice to them and didn't go myself! I was told that he has a wonderful live performance. The kind of event where people dress up and fall in love - all with the utmost class. And that is what Bobby has. The classy style of black tuxedos and silk gowns and long limos and plush restaurants of the forties summarized by the most luxurious voice. And his rendition of "You go to my head" is so sexy! My favourite is "Beyond the sea" where the piano dances and his voice carries an almost lazy mastery of the tune. I also adore the crazy "I get a kick out of you" that jumps and jives with a big grin. He isn't Frank, but he is perfect for this era. Such the awesome album.