Customer Reviews

Here I Am

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

Ron Isley has always had one of the most expressive tenors in Rythmn and Blues. His voice isn't as silky as Luther Vandross' or as Thrilling as Marvin Gaye's. It's somewhere in between; part beauty and part raw sensuality.

This match with a premeire melody maker (despite his current recording chart status) the legendary Burt Bacharach yields a stunning CD. The beautiful, melodic compositions paired with the elegant lyrics are handled so perfectly by Mr. Isley. He doesn't try to infuse the style and approach to music for which he is best known, he simply enters into the magic of the music and interprets it. There are times when Mr. Isley's voice seems a little stretched on high notes but not strained. This does not harm the project at all. He uses his still emotive voice to its best advantage with effective, restrained vocal twists. The fact that this CD was recorded live in concert is proof that Ron Isley has the ability to pace himself and just sing for his supper after 45 years in the business.

Ron Isley had some very major shoes to fill as he recorded most of these songs; most significantly Dionne Warwick who is forever the standard of comparison for the majority of the songlist. I don't believe any of Ron's turns at the Dionne standards suffer in the comparison test. Ron Isley sticks close enough to the intent of the writers and brings his own unique approach in pauses, gentle turns, good breath control and fading notes. His is a gorgeous alternative to the originals. Great! The live recording only enhances the listening experience. A careful listener will be able to tell that the CD was recorded LIVE; though the audience response has been edited out. It shouldn't have been.

I absolutely love this CD. "Here I Am", and "The Windows of the World", "Love is the Answer", "In Between the Heartaches" are my favorites on this CD. Ron Isley is in his best voice on "The Look of Love". The lyrics are timeless and captivating. The music is recorded with actual musicians; a real orchestra. It really makes a difference.

If well sung, beautifully crafted love songs are your thing, chase this one down.

I was watching the Conan O'Brien Show one night and Bacharach and Isely was the musical guests. Being that I'm a huge Isely Brothers fan I decided to give it a listen before I turned the channel. Man, am I glad I did. They performed Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head and it was so brilliant and refreshing I went out and purchased the album the very next day. I must say that this is one of the best album's of the year. If they do not win a grammy for this effort something is seriously wrong with the acadamy. I absolultely love each cut on the album. Bacharach's arrangements coupled with Ronald Isley's vocal approach to each song is nothing short of magical. All the songs on the album are really good but highlights include: ALFIE, INBETWEEN THE HEARTACHES, MAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF, COUNT ON ME, CLOSE TO YOU, HERE I AM, THIS GUYS IN LOVE WITH YOU AND RAINDROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD (My favorite). If you've heard these songs previously by other artist then hearing Ronald's approach to the lyrics, he does an amazing job. For example 'Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head' was originally recorded about 30 years ago and was a smash hit. However, the different arrangement by Bacharach and Isley is so magnificant it surely inspires the heart and soul. Do yourself a favor buy this album, call your significant other, open a bottle of courvoisier and let the music set the mood. Then just let nature take it's course. The album is just that good.

This is "CLASSIC ISLEY" at his very best, the best! Every since the age 14 I have heard this style of the Isleys and to let R. Kelly ruin that, is uncalled for. No disrespect to Kelly because his style of music is good for him, but Ron is like Sinatra. This guy Burt Bacharach, restores the Isley I'm used to and hats off to him. It is also great to see those two do a project such as this. Thanks Burt!

I have been a Burt Bacharach fan for years. Growing up, I also listened to Ronald Isley and always loved his voice. What better combination of talent can you get when you put these two together? The combination is unbelievable... One of the best songs is The Look of Love, however, no one sings A House is Not a Home like Burt, but Isley does the next best job. You don't have to love these two to love this CD. If you already love these two, you can't afford NOT to get your hands on this CD. Treat yourself to some awesome listening. I listened to it 7 times today. This is truely a 7 star ******* CD.

I don't keep tabs on this stuff, but apparently Burt Bacharach and Hal David have been on the outs for a while. As in, 20 years or so. From this album, I can only conlude they have reconciled. Bacharach has put Ron Isley's estimable talents to work with his own arrangements in what is no less than a complete reinterpretation of David's lyrics, and all for the better. The result is a tribute to one of America's greatest lyricists, a master chronicler of misplaced love in the free-love decade.

To really appreciate this album, you have to put on hold what you've heard from Dionne Warwick or B.J. Thomas. Those worthy artists have had their day, and their way, with Hal David long enough. Now, thanks to the commitment and genius of Burt Bacharach, David's lyrics are are permitted to find their true range -- as expressed in the classic soul technique of Ron Isley.

No doubt you enjoyed Luther Vandross' interpretation of "This House Is Not A Home." With the greatest respect, I content that Isley has taken the song even further.

Being a child of the '60s, it took me several listenings of this album to get over my prejudices. But once I did, I realized this interpretation is just right for these times. The acid test, surely, is "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head." Somehow, Bacharach and Isley transcend it from a lightweight movie-accompaniment ballad to a stoic acceptance of life's severity -- and make you feel good about it!

I am grateful Burt Bacharach and Ron Isley made the effort to put a seasoned spin on Hal David's words. Somehow the result -- this superb album -- validates all three artists, and in passing, the rest of us '60s survivors who just don't "get" most of today's music.

Tonight I heard the live version of this cd on Soundstage. Well I must say Ronald and Burt have a hit. I was totally swept away by the melodical sounds of Ronald Isley accompanied by the Burt Bacharach Orchestra. AHHHH! How sweet it is just to bask in the warmth of good music and to see the finest musicians at work. If you must buy one or the other, the live concert would be my pick. If you just perfer to take a soothing Sunday afternoon journey either in the car or just in your mind, put the cd on and cruise. This is truly one of the best combination of R&B and orchestra music I have experienced. Please get it and enjoy. You owe to yourself.

I rarely keep up with new music coming out. However, when viewing through the Sunday newspaper ad of a well-known electronics and music store and found this CD as one of the new releases coming the following Tuesday, I couldn't wait to purchase it. I certainly wasn't disappointed. Ronald Isley has taken the great songs sung by Dionne Warwick, the Carpenters, and other wonderful artists, and made them his own. My favorite selection is "In Between the Heartache" - that is a song that will bring a tear your eyes. Ronald Isley has put his angelic voice to the timely words of Burt Bacharach, and it is a fabulous combination. Anyone who is a fan of either artist will definitely have an appreciation of this album.