Customer Reviews

I'll Take Romance

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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!

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.

This is absolutly one of the best jazz cd out there. Along with all her other ones. I think the best song is "Isn't it romantic?". I sure wish there were more songs in there with the saxaphone, I think thats the only one if I can recall. But anyways, the blend of the soothing sound of the orchestra and Adair's fine piano playing is the perfect combination. I'm in love with this CD.

Let's be realistic and agree that we are living in a world of constant change. Today things seem to have a way of changing, sometimes everyday. We can refuse to accept this way or life and be miserable or we can get on the change wagon and enjoy the journey. For me in my ripe old age, I have decided that change is alright, providing some good comes out of it.

As far as this cd goes, when I read about the concept for this project I was a little leary of what the producers were trying to accomplish. Despite this funny feeling about this cd, I decided to give it a chance to win me over. Well the verdict is in, and I like what I hear from this cd. It reamins true to the jazz trio concept despite having a orchestra to perform on each track. The good news about the orchestra is that it is not over powering. It acts more like a mild accompaniment to the trio. This was a good stragedy by the producers.

For this project the trio was it's brilliant self. They really had a good time playing for this gig and it shows in their performances. The unbelieveable thing about this cd was that it was recorded on 9-11-01. You know this was the date of the big terriost attack on the U.S.A. They said that they had to gut up the bad news and try to go on with business as usaul. I think they succeed with this goal.

For the repertoire, this is perhaps the finest repertoire I have ever heard on one cd. Most cds offer just a a few songs that I, like others really like. This cd was marvelous with it's songs.

If you love your spouse and want to make them more romantic, this cd is the spark that will do it. This cd is well worth the small price of rekindling your romance.

Standards from composers such as Harold Arlen, Johnny Burke, George Cory Jr., Douglass Cross, Howard Dietz, Dorothy Fields, Robert Haggart, Oscar Hammerstein, Otto Harbach, Lorenz Hart, Gordon Jenkins, Jerome Kern, Ted Koehler, Link, Marvell, John H. Mercer, Richard Rodgers, Arthur Schwartz and Strachev...featuring Beegie Adair [piano], Chris Brown [drums] and Roger Spencer [bass]...Jeff Steinberg [arranged, orchestrations and conductor]...performed by The Jeff Steinberg Orchestra...Jack Jezzro [guitar]...listen and savor the sounds of the best musicians in the land ~ Beegie Adair is still one of the best kept secrets around today.

Let's mention some of the tunes "ISN'T IT ROMANTIC", sensitivity to the melody prevails ~ "I'LL TAKE ROMANCE", Adair has such a light touch on the ivories ~ "THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT", Beegie improvises and that's when the excitement occurs ~ "LET'S FALL IN LOVE", brilliant in putting the arrangements together, it's so nice how everything comes together with full orchestra and Adair's combo...great job ~ "THESE FOOLISH THINGS", great tune and she is the master of interpretation of the composers pen ~ "DANCING IN THE DARK", she has perfect timing, knows exactly when to improvise, that's what draws you into her realm of greatness.

This is why I'm once again giving Beegie Adair another five [5] star review...she's a precious commodity that gives many collectors joy in the world of music...and that's just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 51:52 on 12 Tracks ~ Green Hill 5270 ~ [4/23/2002]

If you like the soundtrack from the movie 'Father of the Bride,' then you're going to really like this CD. The music carries a main theme of piano with an accompaniment of orchestra. You'll find this CD great for background music while you're reading a book, working on a project, or while entertaining guests. Buy it... you'll like it! Might also checkout 'Marian McPartland- Live at Shanghai'... great piano jazz.

If you want some outstanding relaxing music to listen to, run, don't walk to get some Beegie Adair..............You won't be sorry..........

The session near Nashville that was to produce this disc was scheduled for 9-11-01. The orchestra parts were recorded in a different studio, whether before or after 9/11, I am not sure, but Beegie and her trio had to do their thing after the news from NYC and DC had filled the nation with grief. Her bass player told her and the drummer "We can't quit. People NEED music. Let's play!" He was right, and the results are excellent. Ms. Adair has a great sense of song selection, and this is one jazz CD on which the orchestra is subtle, not overpowering. Jazz artists who record "with strings" often produce an album that ends up as "boring easy listening." (I love George Shearing, but that happened to him several times in his big label career.) This one comes off a winner, and Ms. Adair dedicated it to the first responders to the acts of terrorism. But it is a romance album, not a patriotic one, except in the sense that one could say "With love in your life, the hard times can be survived, and hope revived."

This is the third copy of Beegie's "I'll Take Romance" album I have purchased. I'm going to try to keep this one. I'm a Nashville native and I grew up (same age) when Beegie did in this wonderful town.

I keep being drawn to this album because Ms. Adair was in NYC immediately after 9/11/2001 and this was a tribute album for her and her orchestra. It is one of my dearest treasures, even though I keep giving it away. That is the essence of love.