Customer Reviews

Classic Della

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It is usually by accident that anyone finds the "The Classic Della" in a music store. That's how I stumbled on to it. But once I listened to it, I became an instant fan. I am such a devotee I own the record, the tape and 2 CDs of "The Classic Della".

In a voice that exudes pure velvet power, Della Reese convinces you, cajoles you, entices you, and finally transports you into a timeless world of song, poetry, and fantasy. Soon you are listening to "The Story of a Starry Night" while you remain trapped as a "Stranger in Paradise". You are smothered in "Moon Love" as you drift along with the pure musicality of "Serenade". Della then makes you an offer to "Take my Heart" and to keep it "Till the End of Time". When you finally awake, you realize ("Don't You Know"?) that you've really been in "My Reverie" all along.

If you like good clean alluring words set to semi-classical music, that is all-appealing, and presented in an easy-listening style by a craftswoman with perfect diction, go get your copy of "The Classic Della" before someone else stumbles on it and robs you of the opportunity to own an enduring album.

The first time that I heard Della Reese was on the 45 "Don't You Know," one of my father's favorite songs. I became a fan instantly. But this was 1970, and most of her LPs were already out of print.

A friend lent me his mother's copy of "Della" and from the moment I heard Neil Hefti's brass orchestra intro followed by Della's belting "Lady is a Tramp" I was spellbound. The album, in my estimation, is flawless. I quickly sought out my own copy as well as her other LPs.

Which brings me to "The Classic Della. I never knew that anyone could sing vocal interpretations of classical selections with such beauty and grace.

Now, both are reproduced on this one CD.

My only complaint about the reissue is that the tracks from "Della" appear in mono. The sound quality pales in comparison to the "Living Stereo" sound of the original release. Many of these same tracks, however, are dupicated on the RCA domestic release "Voice of an Angel" in stereo with much better sound quality. I would recommend purchasing that CD as well.

Combining two of Dellas early RCA (BMG) albims this is well worth the money the classic Della not issued in europe until; 1968 was originally issued in America and the million selling single "Dont you know" taken from it the other album is "Della." The new australian BMG compilation of three cds miss's out some tracks from both albums and adds little of the repetoire so if your into Della then buy this rather than the Legendary 3cd set....

I also owned the LP disc mislaid in moving in the early 70s and have since been searching for a replacement which I did find last year. I played it for dinner guests who, coincidentally suffered the same fate and now are insisting that I order copies for them. It is a superb production, the quality and maturity of Ms Reese's voice (though at a relatively young age when recorded) lifts one to another plane, and as a lover of the classics to which these lyrics were performed there is double the satisfaction listening to this CD.

I will be reordering at leasdt 2 CDs (perhaps one Limited Edition) as soon as my total shopping list is ready.

I had this original LP years and years ago and have been trying to find a replacement ever since. Thank you for rereleasing it. I turn the volume up to bust your ear drums, sit back, close my eyes and get totally into the music. This is a must in my collection.

Like Eclectic, I first listened to this album in the 60s when it was a great favorite of my parents'. "The Classic Della" made me a fan of Della's, and it remains my favorite album of hers.

Reese's voice on these songs still gives me chills.

I first heard this album, as a child, back in the sixes when my mother used to play it, and I've loved it ever since.

I'm so glad it's now available on CD. Della Reese has an amazing voice and her phrasing is perfect.

Many of the tracks are based on classical music (hence the name of the album) and while some classical music pursits will wince, many people will be swept away by the sheer beauty of it all.

For the most part, this is a very sentimental and romantic recording. Soaring over the top orchestrations combine with Della's clear powerful voice to sweep all before her in an avalanche of bygone romanticism. This album has an ethos from another age, when declarations of everlasting love were made and meant. As a matter of fact, I had "Till the end of time" playing at my wedding.

Originally issued in the late fifties on the RCA label this record is the first of many crossover records Della sings a series of classical pieces from Chopin to Puccinni Musetta Waltz from La Boheme .Her million seller hit single "Dont you know "came from this album.Some of the songs have been tackled by among others Perry Como comes to mind but long before Barbra attempts at Classical music this is the original dont take my word for it get it now.This import is the delux version but the same songs can be found on the Australian Import.Get"Gone" and quietly on a Starry night youll here the voice of an Angel is not just a dream.RCA has nine other albums that should be reissued if you like this one pester RCA or BMG.

Della Reese is the ultimate performer.Her voice is beyond description:amazingly powerful,expressive with flawless elocution and most original articulation,that requires much taste to be appreciated by real connoissers!Each song is a unique composition and none is like the other.After you listened to Della,the other blues or jazz stars seem colourless,despite their own qualities,they all are outcasted by Della's incredible temperament and talent.She is the alpha and the omega of song:she can sing everything,from gospel,blues to jazz and even classical music!!Della reese is without contest the BEST singer in the world!She has the trumpets of Jericho in her voice,and sings like an angel!She makes songs alive,she is not only an entertainer (actually the best) but she delivers a message in singing,of life,passion and joy.She is true and authentic and once you heard her,she put a spell on you forever!Moreover,she is gorgeous,and charismatic!Della Reese is the ultimate diva!

i know that i paid too much for this cd, but i had to have it. it arrived very quickly, considering it was december.