7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Dynamite Debut CD!, June 14, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: Crazy Eyes (Audio CD)
Backed by one of the best rhythm sections in the biz - Bill Mays on piano, Jon Burr on bass and Terry Clarke on drums - Mary Foster Conklin offers an astute array of music guaranteed to please fans of jazz vocals.
From Jeffrey Klitz's inventive arrangements of the Rodgers and Hammerstein standard, The Gentleman Is A Dope, and the Johnny Mercer-Matt Melneck hit, Goody Goody, to four new tunes by one of the most talented new composer on the block, David Cantor, she brings a sassy style to the music. Note the title tune: Crazy Eyes.
Pay special attention to Fried Bananas, a bebop tune by sax legend Dexter Gordon with lyrics by Anne Phillips. She nimbly nails this tricky, never recorded "vocalese" tune like a master. Also note the Willie Dixon blues tune, Dead Presidents.
Remember this singer's name!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Mediocre Cabaret Singer with Outstanding Combo, March 15, 2005
This review is from: Crazy Eyes (Audio CD)
This singer's shrill voice and overdramatic renditions of such wonderful songs hardly seems fitting for a combo as talented as Bill Mays, Frank Vignola, Jon Burr and Joe Ascione. Conklin's voice is like a wet blanket on the instrumental performances and arrangements. I simply cannot understand how any organization would ever name her Jazz Vocalist of the year. If cabaret is your thing you might really love Mary Foster Conklin, but if you are looking for soulful female jazz artists pick up Dinah Washington, Nancy King, Billy Holiday or Nancy Wilson. Conklin is about as soulful as Dorris Day.
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