Customer Reviews

I'll Be Seeing You

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Beryl Davis' warm and intimate voice will take you back to a simpler era. Davis who started out sing in her Father's Big Band, was discovered in England by Glenn Miller, she sang with Miller, and also recorded with Django Reinhardt!, and George Shearing. She sang on radio's You're Hit Parade with Frank Sinatra for a year in the mid 40's. On this 1999 CD, Davis shows that the 50 years since she sang with Miller in the 40's, haven't effected her voice, in fact she's a better singer now(like Rosemary Clooney now), then she ever was. Just like Anita O'Day and Billie Holiday who had slightly raspy voices in the 1950's, when they were still young(which made better singers out of both of them), Davis has a slight rasp, barely noticeable, yet it creates a warmth. As Will Friedwald describes in his book "Jazz Singing" Davis has the "old" sound(not meaning she sounds old), but old fashioned. Here she isbacked by either Page Cavanaugh's Trio(which 40 years ago backed up another underrated singer Doris Day), and Ted Herman's Orchestra. The trio sides are the best as they give davis room to swing and play with the melody slightly. Davis turns the Judy Garland associated tune "You Made Me Love You" and turns ininto a sultry torch song. Every track is a gem, and if you like good singing or if yo're into Carol Sloane or Rosemary Clooney now, you'll really enjoy Davis' wondeful CD. She truly is a beautiful person, and this CD is essentail.

I must be honest and say I have not heard the entire recording ... however, 20 years ago I played piano for Beryl Davis, not realizing how big of a star she really was. I was totally wet behind the ears and didn't understand anything -- especially about the type of music she was doing. She had the patience of a saint, gently coaching me along till I clued in.
In addition, she was this totally, classy, gorgeous woman who loved life. And she had this beautiful, warm, rich instrument -- and after hearing some of these recordings, I have to say that she doesn't sound like she aged a single day. I wish I could have told her back then what I'm able to tell her now: Beryl, you are absolutely wonderful and I love your beautiful voice!

Anyone who loves this type of music (big band, swing, jazz ballads) and who can appreciate a mature voice will certainly enjoy this recording.

One need not have lived then to experience a catch in the throat when hearing Beryl Davis sing "I'll Be Seeing You" and other great songs from the era. This English singer, who often worked with America's own Glen Miller's band, must have made life a little sweeter for lovers of the "Greatest Generation" during some otherwise grim days!