Customer Reviews

Essential Ray Conniff

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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.

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!

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.

As "old fashioned" as CONNIFF might be to some people, his music is UPLIFTING and ENJOYABLE and never goes out of style. His composition adaptations from music that has been around awhile, some long before him, shows what a "creative genius" CONNIFF really was. Example: Concert in Rhythm Volume 1 and Volume 2 displays his Mastery of great music from some of the "great composers". Every time someone hears that music I am always asked "what great music and what is the name of that - I want to get that CD"? I have many of Conniff CD's which create "the mood" I want for "the occasion". Conniff offers this with his greatest natural musical abilities in his compositions still in demand.

My Dad & I were on another site. That had someone's review of Ray Conniff. Comparing him to Lawrence Welk. We were SHOCKED. Ray is much better. My Dad said a few words that I can't repeat. The title of this CD speaks for itself. If you're a Ray Conniff fan then this is the cd for you. End of story.

IN VERY FEW OPPRTUNITIES I SELECT COMPILATIONS, IN THIS CASE
BECAUSE WAS A SELECTION DONE FOR THAMARA CONNIFF,I BOUGHT THESE
CDS. REALLY, THE COMPILATION IS GREAT.