Here I Am [LIVE]

Ronald Isley, Burt Bacharach

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 11, 2003)
• Original Release Date: November 11, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Dreamworks
• ASIN: B0000C9ZK5
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #48,863 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #44 in	Music > Pop > Live Albums > Vocal Pop
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Ronald Isley had a 2003 that most artists would envy. The Isley Brothers’ Body Kiss went to No. 1 in its first week in the Billboard charts in the spring. Still riding that triumph, the veteran singer teamed with master writer-arranger Burt Bacharach for this set of sumptuous ballads. Such event records – often made to cash in at holiday time or to lift a sagging artist profile – aren’t always musically successful, but Here I Am is undeniable. Recording live vocals with a full orchestra in the manner of Bacharach’s ’60s sessions with Dionne Warwick and others, Isley brings a quietude to this selection of Bacharach-Hal David classics and a couple of new collaborations between the composer and Tonio K. "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" gets the most radical reinterpretation; no longer jaunty, it’s transformed into something bluer but ultimately full of hope. Here I Am, one of the more surprising albums of the year, is a true keeper. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Collaboration Between Two Legends, November 11, 2003

By	Smootchez "smootchez" (Michigan) - See all my reviews

Ron Isley constantly keeps updating himself with his alter ego Mr. Biggs teaming up with R. Kelly and other R & B artists. On the heels of the Isley Brothers "Body Kiss" CD, Ron Isley once again proves that he can perform with anyone and the best. "Here I Am - Isley meets Bacharach" shows truly how versatile Isley is with smoothed out renditions of many Burt Bacharach hits.

With the traditionally awesome music arrangement and production of Bacharach, Isley's voice shows strength and compassion in each song. With the exception of "In Between the Heartaches" and "Any One Who Has a Heart" no background vocals accompany Isley so 100% emphasis is placed on his voice.

The CD is a compilation of songs written by Bacharach and originally recorded by others; Dionne Warwick (Anyone Who Has A Heart), The Carpenters (Close To You), BJ Thomas (Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head), Jerry Butler (Make It Easy On Yourself), and the list goes on. Added to the remakes are two new songs "Count On Me" and "Love's (Still) The Answer" which are incredible.

Along with the liner is the history of the duo and details the making the CD. I'm surprised at how much I like "Here I Am - Isley Meets Bacharach". It's very mellow and smooth from Track 1 through Track 13. If you like Burt Bacharach and Ron Isley (Isley Brother days, before Mr. Biggs) then you will find the collaboration of these two impressive.

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh and Moving, November 12, 2003

By A Customer

In a day when most CDs are pre-fabricated, soulless grabs for market share, this is a breath of fresh air. I've been a huge fan of the Isleys forever; they have a knack for constantly re-inventing themselves for each new generation.

Ron Isley has never sounded better; he really gets a chance to showcase his effortless tenor, and his considerable interpretive skills. There is real *soul* and thought in these vocals. Every once in a while, he'll sing a phrase a certain way that will bring tears to your eyes.

The arrangements by Bacharach are recognizably his. Mostly a rather large orchestra or band - all recorded LIVE in the studio. You can tell that Ron, Burt, and the band are *listening* to each other as they play, something you cannot fake with a multitracked recording from 10 different studios.

The most stunning thing about this CD is how it moves you. You're taken through love, hate, rejection, all the emotions, then finally, on "Windows of the World" it all comes together in a truly emotional climax. What a timely song!

Is it "schlocky"? On the surface it might seem so. But you just have to surrender yourself to what Isley and Bacharach are doing here. They won't let you down.

The best thing I've heard this year. Nothing like it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Unlikely Team Create Magic, November 24, 2003

By	"donnamck" (The Windy City) - See all my reviews

Browsing through WalMart last week I had my hand on a Christmas CD when I spotted the warm shot of Bacharach and Isley seated behind a chess board. Needless to say, I did not buy the Christmas tunes! Ron Isley had been the front man of the Isley Brothers for years and has become very popular with the younger generation by transforming into Mr. Bigg and teaming up with many young R&B singers. I am an admirer of his silky/soulful style and endless ad libbing. Burt Bacharach...soft spoken and classic, has created some of the most beautiful love songs that seem to capture every possible human emotion. Because these two gents are teaming up for this project, the younger generation will be introduced to Bacharach's timeless lyrics. My 16-year old niece asked for the cd for Christmas...I'd say that was proof! The combination of live music, Burt's lyrics/arrangements and Ron's unique style and voice is simply magic!