Customer Reviews

Bobby Short Loves Cole Porter / Guess Who's in

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I've been waiting 20 years for "Bobby Short Loves Cole Porter" to be released on CD. I don't know what the problem might have been, but the Atlantic vinly two-disc set from the seventies is perhaps my favorite jazz vocal recording of all time. This album features Bobby with his two longtime sidemen - Robby Scott on drums and the late, great Beverly Peer bowing the double bass. About Cole Porter nothing more need be said. And the whole shebang is cheaper than two drinks at the Cafe Carlyle bar. Buy it and treasure it.

I, too, treasure the 2-disc vinyl set of "Bobby Short Loves Cole Porter." This particular issue of the CD is a bargain...it was originally issued a few years ago at, if I recall correctly, over $30. More years ago than I want to remember, while living in New York, I had the pleasure of spending my 30th birthday at the Carlyle and Mr. Short with my first wife...who also later became my second! But I digress...This disc set is one I treaure, and one who anyone with a sense of musical style [which invariably means a keen sense of personal style, I find] will enjoy. So, my STRONG advice: mix an ice-cold Manhattan or martini [stir it...don't shake!], settle down over some terrific hor d'oevres, and let the nuances that can define love and life overtake you. Nothing better.

This two-CD set is a true gem. The second features songs with lyrics written by Andy Razaf--familiar tunes such as "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Ain't Misbehavin'"--for such luminaries as Fats Waller and Eubie Blake. Fantastic liner notes taken from the original album.

The title CD features 70 minutes of Cole Porter brought to dazzling light by Bobby Short's fabulous voice and piano. Some of the tracks were previously unpublished, some part of the many Broadway shows and Hollywood movies Porter collaborated on. If you're not too familiar with Porter, but are a Woody Allen fan, you'll certainly recognize "I'm In Love Again" from 'Hannah and her Sisters'. "Weren't We Fools" has something for everyone who has loved and lost and loved again.

When I first played this CD, my 2 1/2+ year-old son said "Mommy plays pretty music"...at every pause between tracks he said "More music is coming." Yes, Bobby Short will make everyone love Cole Porter. Short's magnetic personality and energy shines through the technology so you can simply close your eyes and imagine yourself in the Cafe Carlyle or any other venue where he played.

Pop this CD in your car and you won't care if someone cuts you off or doesn't signal a turn....

For those of us who admire cabaret singers and wish to see the continuation of the Great American Songbook tradition, this is a wonderful compilation.

Having had this CD on vinyl years ago I was delighted to see it on CD. Bobby Short delivers great performances and gives the listener a window on a once envyed social culture lost on today's more plebian musical proclivities. Hopefully, this genre hasn't been lost entirely. Its great to see contemporary artists performing these great composers songs in new and exciting formats. Music like this should be re-establishing itself on our musical cultural geography more often. Its something to savor.

Nobody holds a candle to Bobby Short in the 70's. These songs will send shivers up your spine.

Length:: 2:51 Mins

Great performer, great songwriter. How lucky we are...