Essential Ray Conniff [Original recording remastered]

Ray Conniff | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 2, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0001FGBBG
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,639 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. 'S Wonderful

2. Walkin' and Whistlin'

3. The Way You Look Tonight

4. Favorite Theme from Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto

5. Early Evening

6. (When Your Heart's on Fire) Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

7. South of the Border

8. Greensleeves (What Child Is This)

9. Warsaw Concerto

10. Brazil

See all 18 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Hello, Dolly!

2. Somewhere, My Love [Lara's Theme from Dr. Zhivago]

3. Seventeen

4. Winds of Change (Main Title)

5. Tiny Bubbles

6. A Banda [#]

7. A Time for Us

8. The Power of Love

9. Where Do I Begin [From Love Story]

10. With Every Beat of My Heart

See all 18 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ray sold these numbers without even trying--and that's no small feat !!!, October 2, 2007

By 

Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Essential Ray Conniff (Audio CD)

Ray Conniff always made beautiful music; and his music with his chorus and orchestra leaves nothing to be desired--it's THAT good. If you want mood music or music to relax by, Ray Conniff's artistry is still the best in the biz!

This generous two CVD set gives us 36 tracks; and there are many special numbers. Of course, if truth be told, they're all special; but I'll try to pick the highest of the highlights here. "S'Wonderful," a classic Gershwin tune, gets the royal treatment by Ray as his chorus and orchestra. The horns create a strong beginning for "S'Wonderful;" and the chorus acts as a musical instrument just the way Ray Conniff wants it to be. Great! Love that percussion, too! "The Way You Look Tonight" showcases another Ray Conniff flavored tune with excellent orchestration, chorus and horns to bolster the melody. In addition, "Greensleeves (What Child Is This)" is the first number on which the chorus actually sings lyrics; this number reflects great forethought for a fine arrangement.

"Memories Are Made Of This" swings brightly as Ray, the chorus, the brass and percussion all work wonders to make this number belong to Ray and Ray alone. "Scarlet," a peppy little tune, was written by Ray for his wife. I predict that you will enjoy "Scarlet" very, very much.

The second CD continues the great hits. "Hello, Dolly!" begins the CD strong and happy; and "Somewhere My Love (Lara's Theme From 'Doctor Zhivago')" features that wonderful chorus harmonizing to perfection! I love it! "A Time For Us" uses the brass and chorus well; and listen for a marvelous rendition of "I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony)." The chorus gives their heart and soul on "I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony);" and you are bound to like this sweet little ditty very much.

We also get the "Theme From 'New York, New York';" they never miss a beat on this magnificent number. The second CD ends with a touching recording of Ray Conniff in concert singing "My Way;" this recording was made near the end of Ray's life which makes this ending track all the more moving. The crowd certainly loves it!

The liner notes give us a great essay by Ray's daughter Tamara; and we get some great artwork, too. We also get the song credits and recording or release dates.

Ray Conniff entertained millions of people the world over; and his music will never be forgotten. Ray pioneered the use of the chorus as a true musical instrument; and his countless renditions of classic ballads still sell briskly all these years later.

I highly recommend this for Ray's fans and anyone who enjoys quality mood music of classic pop vocals.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Pleasant Surprise, April 5, 2006

By 

Dr. Glenn W. Briggs "MusicDr" (KSC, Florida & Chengdu, China) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Essential Ray Conniff (Audio CD)

When I first looked at the title and saw the word "Essential," and then the track listing, I was disappointed, expecting a more thorough mix of the "old" and the "new." But this CD is a very pleasant surprise, in that it presents songs that are not the typical ones you would expect to encounter in compilations such as this. It is a very "mellow" collection that will provide pleasant listening and relaxation, on the couch or behind the wheel. A pleasant surprise indeed!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Essential RAY CONNIFF, January 7, 2007

By 

Lim C. Yin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Essential Ray Conniff (Audio CD)

Ray Conniff had constantly innovate on sound since the mid 50s with the blending of voices and instruments. The combination gives a sort of smoothness in the sound of the music which cannot be reproduced with instruments alone. His adoption of the fast swinging rhythm introduces "life" and "color" to his music. The two discs album includes his all time favourites "'S Wonderful", "The Way You Look Tonight" and Tchaikovsky's "First Piano Concerto" which are almost synonymous with his name. I really enjoyed the two discs album even after 50 years. With modern digital remastering and believe me or not the CDs sounded even better with the same speakers which I designed 50 years ago, but with modern electronics. I will not hesitate to recommend the album to old Hi Fi enthusiast like myself.