Customer Reviews

Caught In The Act (2 Albums on 1 CD)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I purchased these LPs back in the early seventies, I had no idea who Frances Faye was, or what she sounded like. The albums were filed in the jazz section, and I was so intrigued with the covers and liner notes that I took a chance and bought them.

Well, I'm so glad that I did.

She was as unique as one could expect. Not a great voice, I have to admit, and certainly not sweet and smoothe, but suitable for the Vegas club circuit of the late fifties/early sixties. She simply pours her "hipness" into the delivery of everything she sings. Furthermore, her patter between songs is, to borrow the parlance of the times, a "gas." It's easy to understand why show biz personalities would flock to her live shows. I've read too that she was favorite among jazz musicians.

If you looking for someone who isn't a standard pop/jazz singer, she's definitely the one. Even if she doesn't win you over right away, her eclectic style may grow on you eventually. For me, however, I was hooked right away.

Frances Faye may be a little tough to take at first, but give it a some time -- there is joy to be found. Not a classic singing voice, but Faye is more musical than most. Even better, her patter is downright hilarious, especially considering this was recorded late 50's/early 60's. She's a daring and explosive performer and I recommend it to anyone who likes to have a good ol' time.

Become a "Faye-natic"! This is the place to start to discover the tornado that was Frances Faye! These live recordings of her zany & swingin' club act have endured and endeared Frances to legions of fans since the 60s -- fans that include celebrities, jazz musicians, and her ever-faithful gay following. Who else could do a medley of "Fever" & "Barney Google"? And her banter is outrageous! Frances was the ultimate nightclub performer, so grab this -- "it's a gas!"
(Verve -- get off your corporate backsides & give us a CD of Fran's 2 fabulous LPs.Give this diva her due!)

Frances cut this one after her years at Bethlehem Records where she cut her best tracks. This album catches her live and it gives you a glimpse of what a truly funny and entertaining performer she was. Frances' voice is better than many of her peers from the era and she sings as though she's lived the songs. My Mom first turned me on to Frances Faye in the 80s when she gave me three of her old records. The Bethlehem era ones are all long out of print and worth the money if you can find them. It's a shame more of her stuff hasn't been released; hopefully this is a start.

Frances Faye was one of the greatest jazz entertainers of all time. I can think of no others actually, lots of singers but no real entertainters. Frances knew how to keep an audience go go going! This is Faye live and at her best. Unbelievable are the open quips and asides - not heard on any other major release in the 50's. She was bold and fun. A must have for any gayman or lesbian. Faye's sound is unique and waht a wonderful voice. Buy this album and listen to it until you you really get Faye. Once you do, you will never be the same.

This is one of the best CDs you will ever listen to and it will grab you from the opening bongo solo through to the last horn wail. Great jazz from top-notch musicians of the fifties filtered through the voice and style of one of the most accomplished and unique comedienne/singer/piano players in history. Frances played music through six decades, beginning in NY in the late twenties through to her last concert in San Francisco in 1981. She kept the best of the old stuff in and added new hits to her act every year. The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The Animals, all the kids making music in the 60's revered her, just like the celebs of every decade before (Bing Crosby, Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Buddy Hackett, Judy Garland, Betty Grable, Mitzi Gaynor, Peggy Lee...they were all her fans.) There has never been another like her although Bette Midler certainly learned a thing or two from FF! My band and I pay tribute to this entertainment legend every weekend at our nightclub show in San Francisco. It took two years to put it together because of how difficult it is to get information and recordings. She recorded 12 albums from 1953 to 1964 for Capitol, Bethlehem, Imperial, GNP Crescendo, Verve, and Regina, and about 20 78's and 45's. This CD release of "Caught In The Act" started the ball rolling and it's been a ball ever since. I highly recommend this cd!

From the first roll of the drums and fanfare to the last witty flourish, this recording is wild, wacky and completely and utterly wonderful. It makes me want to scratch the walls knowing I shall never see one of her live sets, as Frances passed on earlier this decade. Her patter is hilarious, her voice a force of nature, her phrasing and musicality on par with the ultimate best of the best.

Frances Faye was an entertainer's entertainer. During the Fifties, her night club audiences were made up of such greats as Judy Garland, Julie London, & Sammy Davis, Jr. to name just a few. She had a genius for comic timing, & her musicality was bold, raw, & original. Today, her talent is vastly underrated & virtually unknown. These live recordings capture the essence of her wit, drive, & spunk. Thank goodness someone has put them out on CD! Hopefully, other recordings will follow!

What a wonderful CD! The music is great, and Frances is as witty as ever! I feel like I am actually at her shows when I listen to the CD!
Her unique voice gives a depth to her singing. Her band is also amazing- you cannot help but keep time to the music! Throughout her songs, she chats with the audience, making her even more enjoyable. A wonderful combination of singer and comedienne.
If you enjoy music, you will enjoy this CD!

frances is cookin' at the thunderbird circa 1957, fantastic stage patter from one of the great caberet acts and one of the kindest performers (see judy garland and the beatles in australia).Should sell millions to all of the relatives of her ex-husbands!