I'll Take Romance

Beegie Adair | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 23, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hillsboro Jazz
• ASIN: B0000647MI
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #52,185 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Isn't It Romantic?

2. I'll Take Romance

3. The Look of Love

4. I Left My Heart in San Francisco

5. The Way You Look Tonight

6. Let's Fall in Love

7. Some Enchanted Evening

8. These Foolish Things

9. What's New?

10. Dancing in the Dark

11. P.S. I Love You

12. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

Editorial Reviews

Legendary jazz pianist Beegie Adair delivers her greatest performance to date with her first-ever orchestrated collection of classic romantic standards.  Her charm and grace are tastefully complimented by the lush orchestrations of conductor/arranger Jeff Steinburg.  The result is pure magic. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Isn't It Romantic?, May 18, 2003

By 

douglas barton "emotions in motion" (Arlington, Va.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I'll Take Romance (Audio CD)

I suspect I should begin this critique with a dedication of sorts. Never having been aware of Beegie Adair's enormous talents it was a friend of mine who introduced this wonderful disc to me and so it is to her that I dedicate the following review. So thank-you Ann, without whom I would not be enjoying this wonderful disc to day and for the many years to follow. I truly do owe you.

Now, with that being said I will state for the record that listening to " I'll Take Romance " is without question the most unabashedly romantic disc I've heard since Michael Feinstein's " Romance On Film/Romance On Broadway " that was released two years ago. And for a cd that offers no vocals that in itself should be considered quite a feat. But there's much more going on here then meets the eye. Beginning with Ms. Adairs keyboard style it is at once refreshingly subtle yet remains honest and committed to the melody. I have recently listened to far too many discs featuring piano where the artist seems to intent on showering the listening public with how many notes they can cram into any given selection thus awarding the music lover with a disc where, sadly, the songs melody seems delegated to a distant second and the artists primary motivation seems to show what a grand ( no pun! ) keyboardist he/she truly is. Fortunately what we have with Beegie Adair is an artist who seems not just comfortable with her skills as a musician but also a woman who understands that sometimes " less is indeed more " when tackling standards such as these. I will admit to my favorite song here being " Isn't It Romantic? " which had me from the very first notes. Although I've heard more then a dozen versions of this chestnut I must say that hearing Beegie softly caress the songs tender melody truly brought me to a complete standstill and I was indeed hooked from that point on. And, lucky ol' me, things get better from there! " The Look of Love " is sinfully playful and backed with full orchestra ( a stroke of genius! ) the song is shaded with more depth then I've ever heard before. What a treasure! I will admit to being completely awed by her rendition of " I Left My Heart In San Francisco " where they not only included the songs wonderful intro ( something usually left out by other artists ) but also the bridge that, for this listener, takes the tune to its wonderfully evocative level. All the while with Beegie's concise playing leading the way and awarding the song with a rich mixture of colors and unique shades. And, just to bring this point home, the orchestra that is wisely used adds so much to the this disc that I can't imagine hearing these songs without their backing.

If you were wondering with all of these accolades why I haven't given this imaginative cd 5 stars I will state that " Some Enchanted Evening " is simply not on my list of favorites and though it's performed admirably I simply have never cared for that selection all that very much. Plus, " These Foolish Things " melody seemed a trifle too fast, thus losing some of songs heartfelt and sentimental feelings. Nevertheless, that being the case, I am still very much smitten with Beegie's fine disc and am not surprised to find myself listening to its haunting selections at least two or three times a week. And if that isn't "Romantic" then I don't know what is. Enjoy!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnificent!, October 24, 2002

By 

Vasilius Trokis (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I'll Take Romance (Audio CD)

Much like my accidentally discovering the sultry vocals of Laura Fygi, I came across Beegie Adair's latest CD in the same way. What a treat it is to hear the soothing sounds of her flawless jazz piano playing with the gorgeous back-up orchestra. For the longest time, I was searching for that right CD/artist reminiscent of a classy ballroom engagement.

Truly, a beautiful CD, the music are renditions of classic tunes like "I Left My Heart in San Francisco", "The Way You Look Tonight", "Dancing in the Dark" and "I'll Take Romance." Oh, how nice it is to hear Adair's soulful interpretations by tickling those ivories. This collection is very regal in its presentation: flawless, tasteful, exceptionally refined. Perfect for a dinner date, a gift, or simply enjoying a drink while relaxing in your favorite lounge chair, no jazz collector should be without Beegie Adair's "I'll Take Romance."

Magnificent!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Music to capture your heart, December 14, 2002

By 

susan c. masten (Springfield, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I'll Take Romance (Audio CD)

I play five instruments: clarinet, oboe, sax, trumpet and guitar. Needless to say, I appreciate music - especially good music! While there are a lot of fine musicians every now and then you come across one who stands above them all, such is the case with Beegie Adair. I came across her quite by accident. Touring the Midwest I happened to be near Eureka Springs, AK, a very quaint town filled with quaint shops. Opening the door to one I heard the most soothing and enjoyable music and immediately started humming, as I knew the tunes. As I wondered through the shop I found myself drawn back to a well hidden stereo which filter the air with the sweets sounds of Beggie Adair. I was not the only one standing in hostage to the music - there was a group of us - a group which grew over time. I stood and listened to the entire CD! Others entered the shop and asked, Who is that - they are really good? Beegie Adair! If you enjoy piano, base, and a full orchestra as a back drop, you'll LOVE this CD. Ms. Adair's music SINGS - songs which capture the heart. I can honestly say that there was not one song in this CD I did not like, I loved them all! Each arrangement is played in a light up beat style, where the melody is easily discerned thus bringing the listener back to a time when music was more than a note, it was a SONG.