Customer Reviews

Burt Bacharach Songbook

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

 

 

Carol Duboc does great justice to Burt Bacharach with her tribute album of his songs despite a slight misstep here and there; her own song entitled "My Melody" is very beautiful and creative as well. Carol never skips a beat on these tracks with their somewhat jazzy, bossa nova flavor; this is fine, high quality control music and that's very impressive. Hubert Laws does a fine job on the flute on several of these numbers; Danny Embry, Bob Bowman, Tim Cambron, Luis Conte and Joe Cartwright don't sound all that bad, either! These musicians never try to steal the show from Carol; her voice is squarely in the spotlight which creates a very intimate feeling for the album.

Whether you're listening to "What the World Needs Now," "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head," "Wives and Lovers" or any other tune, Carol's voice is in excellent form and this thrills me to no end. Unfortunately, however, there are some parts of a musical arrangement here and there that don't quite do it for me; and that's a shame because Carol's voice is just so good. For example, ""What the World Needs Now" just doesn't sound one hundred percent right; the number is mildly disappointing perhaps because the music doesn't fit completely with Carol's singing, or maybe they played a little too much with the arrangement. "Always Something There To Remind Me" also comes up just a tad short in my book. On the other hand, at least I can say that the tempo and key changes do let Carol put her own stamp on these ballads.

"My Melody" gets the royal treatment from Carol who delivers this perfectly--what skill she displays on this track! She never lets go of a single superfluous note and I love it. True, it's not a Burt Bacharach tune; but it fits in with the rest of the music on the album.

"Anyone Who Had a Heart" sounds quite sweet when Carol performs it; this is easy on the ear and that music fits in perfectly with Carol's singing. "Walk on By" works particularly well; and listen for "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" which sounds quite a bit like the original arrangement for this number. "The Look of Love" is very jazzy; and other gems include "A House Is Not a Home" and "Close To You." The two closing numbers, "Always Something There to Remind Me" and "I Say A Little Prayer," have a jazzy/bossa nova flavor that works very well to make them strong and memorable.

Carol Duboc turned out a very good CD with this release even though one or two numbers are slightly less than perfect due to minor trouble with the arrangements. I still recommend this album for Carol's fans; and people who enjoy Burt Bacharach songs would do well to consider adding this to their collections.

I was leery when I saw another CD of Bacharach covers, but after only one listen of the CD, I was blown away by the lush velvety vocals from Carol Duboc(reminds me of Tierney Sutton). I have always been a Hubert Laws fan, and his solos and flute support adds great depth and he uses perfect restraint not to over power Carol's presence in the music. The arrangements for the most part are quite fresh, and I really recommend this CD to any Bacharach fan (which I count myself as also). I have played this CD over and over, a great musical achievement that Duboc and Laws and the band can be very proud of!!!

This is some really good stuff! Duboc's interpretations of these Bacharach classics are rich and soulful. Having said that, if I had to pick a favorite, I'd have to say that is the only one she wrote on the album: "My Melody." On the Bacharach side, I really like the way she did "Wives and Lovers," it has a deep Jazz feel to it. There is some great piano playing on "The Look of Love" and Laws flute is flawless throughout the album. (If you like Hubert Laws, you'll like this album.) I really recommend this album to existing Duboc fans, to Hubert Laws fans, to any Burt Bacharach fans, and to lovers of Jazz in general. It's simply great.

I love Burt Bacharach and Hal David and I am a huge fan of Hubert Laws and Carol Duboc. Hubert sounds amazing on everything he does and he really compliments Duboc's voice. With so many singers jumping into the jazz arena, it is refreshing to find a singer who does not sound like anyone else. Her style is unique and all hers. I love the arrangement on "Close To You" and her original song, "My Melody" is actually one of my favorites. I just wish I could find a video of her singing "Anyone who Had a Heart" on You Tube. I saw her sing this live in Los Angeles with Hubert a few years back and never forgot it. All I can say is I want a "Burt Bacharach Songbook II"!!