Customer Reviews

Blue Condition

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This is the best CD in my collection. Bobby evokes the sounds of Frank in his own unique style. This is an incredibly wonderful sound that transports the listener to another era, yet with both feet clearly in this century. Bobby Caldwell is clearly the best. Blue Condition is the vehicle. All aboard!!!

No stranger to the music business or the "blue condition" one can get in while waiting for a big break, Bobby Caldwell has astounded the masses (this reviewer especially) with this great collection of standards. While most can be associated with Frank Sinatra (another man who's no stranger to being in a blue condition) right down to the arrangements, it's refreshing to hear these classic charts updated, if you will. Caldwell supplants himself into another time on this album, and we lucky listeners are transported as well. The welcome additon of the oft-skipped but most important verse on the ultimate lonely song STREET OF DREAMS paves the way to all the silver and gold that's not just up there in a moonbeam, but also in our vocalist's great reading. Caldwell's magic shines through on one of Sinatra's favorite songs to sing, the Mercer/Bloom classic, DON'T WORRY 'BOUT ME, a great chart here based on the reading FS gave on his "At The Sands" disc, which in turn was based on the original classic Nelson Riddle chart. Absolutely fantastic. Another wistful tune, and classic as well, from the pens of Van Heusen and Cahn, ALL THE WAY is included here (another update of Nelson Riddle's work for Sinatra). This one should never be left off an album if the idea is even remotely inferred to reference Sinatra. Bobby's vocals are stunning on this track. And just because a blue condition is imposed by the title, doesn't mean being in love and singing about it has to be all muadlin...case in point: the new definitive version of Cole Porter's I GET A KICK OUT OF YOU. This is the track that led me to discover Bobby's music; I heard it on the radio and headed for the nearest record store. The chart swings beyond words, the musicians knock themselves out, and Bobby brings this one home as no one else I've ever heard, and anyone who knows music can attest that Porter's songs have been well covered over the years, and rightfully so. This version of "KICK" is the best ever, in my humble opinion, and I've heard many. But I want to make a case for Caldwell that he's far more than just a Sinatra interpreter. His original works blend perfectly here with the mood as well as the menu. STUCK ON YOU is a bluesy and interesting piece that everyone who's ever been up against the ups and downs of love can relate to. TOMORROW is one of the best pieces of music I've ever heard in my life, from the torchy vocals to the outstanding arrangement. Not to be confused with the song from Broadway's "Annie", Caldwell's work on this track alone makes this album destined to become a classic. I'm sure you will agree. Frank and Dino and Sammy are gone, Tony Bennett's one of the last great ones out there...enjoy this album from one of the keepers of the flame of classic vocal styles.

Simply just a great album. His seductive voice just grabs you and won't let go.

Listen to this guy do "I Get a Kick Out of You", with that powerful orchestra right behind him, both components absolutely on point-and I will defy you to hold yourself still.

This man has a great, strong voice harnessed by very fine control.

I feel a little useless and bored writing this review, because what I'd much rather be doing I can't do here in Lizard Lick-and that's hearing Bobby Caldwell live, where there's a great dance floor and some very stylish company, ladies who know how to move and won't mind dancing with a guy who's never learned how to do it properly.

If you liked Sinatra, listen to Caldwell. He delivers. And the orchestra is stunning. There's a lot of power and life in this collection.

Five stars indeed! Bobby delivers killer big band performances of these exceptional Tin Pan Alley/Pop classics. Other artists take note, this is how you do these songs!! The big band and arrangements are exceptional.

As I mentioned in the review of the equally wonderful "Come Rain or Come Shine" CD, many of these songs were heard on a live performance by Bobby on the BET Jazz Channel that was jaw-dropping in it's intensity. My Mom was so floored by the TV appearance (which is still being replayed in 2005 on the BET Jazz channel's "Jazz Central" show) that she asked me to buy his music. She'll get both "Blue Condition" and "Come Rain or Come Shine": one for Christmas and one for her birthday.

The Pieces D'Resistance are versions of "I Concentrate on You", "Don't Worry About Me" and "Street of Dreams" as well as a "Girl I Dream About" that is simply sensational.

This blue-eyed soul meister is a natural for the standards and he doesn't compromise his voice and phrasing to imitate anyone. Even Alicia Keyes makes no secret that Bobby is one of her many influences. Hearing the great Lou Rawls gush over Bobby's performance on the BET Jazz Channel says all you need to know about the music that was later recorded on this CD. Bobby has come along way since his mega-R&B hit "What You Won't Do For Love" and this CD is a sizzling example of how he has expanded his repertoire' beyond 'blue-eyed soul'. Thank you, Bobby for some truly memorable big band music.

Although this is his first CD with big band tracks, I think he's doing great! All the songs are consistent and had the same theme. Try listen to it when you're in a 'blue condition'... you'll feel better at the end of it!

WOW WOW WOW!! I've listened to this CD so many times that I had to re-order it because I wore it out. This CD is fantastic and one of Bobby's best contributions to the industry. My favorite (and my 3yr old's favortie) is "The Girl I Dream About" and "Stuck On You". He writes music and sings as though he came straight out of that era. He's truly out done himself with this one and I can't wait for his next one. A MUST buy!!