Customer Reviews

Heute Nacht Oder Nie: Live in New York

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Heute Nacht Oder Nie (meaning "Tonight or Never") is a two-CD recording of Max Raabe and Palast Orchester's sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall in New York. The suave singing duo project clarity and energy into nostalgic hits from the 20's and early 30's. Songs range from Cuban rumbas to fast-paced foxtrots and courtly tangos. An utterly rapturous celebration of the most beloved musical styles of nearly a century ago, yet presented with the blood-firing enthusiasm and smooth, sensual appeal worthy of modern rock stars, Tonight or Never is a welcome addition to personal and library music CD collections and highly recommended.

It's hard to describe this double CD. A live performance of a great singer and a fine orchestra in a style of music that is of the 1920's and 30's. Music you'd see and hear live in Weinmar Republic portion of history that is particular to Germany of those times between two world wars. If it strikes a chord with you, you will find it compelling and thrilling to listen to as a remarkable piece of modern history. If you came from a home of European immigrants where foreign language music was heard, there is a good chance this will hit some buttons for you too. If you enjoyed seeing the film Cabaret this CD will be a good one to have.

It's a special orchestra and a special singer making this special music and it takes a special listener to enjoy it. If you are special in the ways listed above then this will probably be CD that deserves to be in your collection and you'll really enjoy it. Music is a funny thing, it hard to predict what someone will like, but this CD is great in its scope and delivery and is the finest example of the style described above. It's not for everyone, clearly but if you like old music of the 20's and 30's you'll probably dig this.

Although you'd never know it from the title, this double album was recorded at Max Raabe's November 2, 2007 Carnegie Hall debut. About half the numbers are in English along with his remarks. Max's music is very hard to describe: if cross Fred Astaire's singing with Paul Whiteman's big band, you're close. Northern Californian's are fortunate in having him open the San Francisco Jazz festival at the Oakland Paramount Theater on October 18, 2008. An outstanding recording truly worthy of Carnegie Hall.

Max Raabe (and the Palast Orchester) are simply brilliant. These two cd's documents the performance at Carnegie Hall 2008, and the set builds in a controlled manner until you are simply shouting for more.

Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester was a very pleasant surprise>
As a fan of big band, swing, and 1930's music, Max's team surpassed
my greatest expectations.

He has a superb tenor voice spanning two octaves.
His band are very precise, very crisp, and very talented.

They make me want to learn how to sing and play the trumpet!!!

We saw Max Raabe on PBS and were very impressed. The Palast Orchestra are wonderful musicians. There is quite a bit of sutle humor with the guys in the band. Max Raabe is just very very talented. His singing is so different from anyone else. We immediately looked on Amazon to see what else in the way of recordings were available. We definitely were not disappointed. We bought this DVD and the DVD he had that is all in German and then two of his CD's. We like the music from that era and we especially like the way Max Raabe and The Palast Orchestra perform. He is so funny. I would rate him 10 stars if it were an option.

Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester are superb. Great 1920s music. Weimar Germany was pretty cool and Raabe and his band bring it all back.

It is great that this album has been released to bring back to life the great music of the twenties and thirties which has been forgotten after the war. The album has a great athmosphere, songs are easy to listen, the orchesta is amazing. Easy to say that both the singer and the audience are enjoying the show big time.

I got this CD as a gift for my neighbor who loves Max Raabe! She had seen him perform in person in New York and got hooked. So when I heard about her fixation with his voice and his music I bought Heute Nacht Oder Nie: Live in New York for her as a surprise. She was thrilled and plays his CD every day. She told me it gives her inspiration to get up and enjoy life!!!!

If you're a fan of popular music and a student of history, do yourself a favor and discover Max Raabe and his Palast Orchestra. American standards mixed with little-known gems from Europe -- all performed in authentic arrangements and style from Germany between the Wars. Charming, poignant, hilarious and moving. If you're into Isherwood, Sally Bowles and that scene -- this music is the real deal!