It's Better With a Band [Live, Original recording remastered]

Barbara Cook | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 18, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live, Original recording remastered
• Label: Drg
• ASIN: B00006GOET
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #124,338 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Recorded live in 1980, this long-out-of-print album shows Barbara Cook about halfway through her Broadway ingénue beginnings and her current incarnation as cabaret's reigning empress. Her crystalline upper register is still in very good shape, but she also swings surprisingly hard--those who know only Cook's semi-operatic trills or her dramatic readings of Sondheim's art songs are in for a shock here. The contrast between the singer's tone and the brassy orchestra behind is startling from the very first number, Irving Berlin's "I Love a Piano," and it sustains the entire album. But what makes the album stand out is its mix of show tunes and pop songs. Take "Inside," for instance; cowritten by Peter Allen, it's something you'd expect on a Barbra Streisand record and yet Cook does such a fabulous job that it feels completely natural for her. The frantic glee of "Sweet Georgia Brown" (on which Cook scats) is even better. Add tracks such as Harry Nilsson's "Remember" and Laura Nyro's "I Never Meant to Hurt You," and you realize that what Cook is doing is pulling off the rare feat of "cabaretizing" pop tunes without sounding ridiculous. Fans of the more traditional Broadway repertoire aren't forgotten, especially with an ace Leonard Bernstein medley. It's Better with a Band is a gem and it's nice to have it around again. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars She's the best, September 30, 2002

By 

Wm Reeves Gilmore (Northport, Maine USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: It's Better With a Band (Audio CD)

What can I say about Barbara Cook that has not been said already? A delightful surprise came in the mail today, "It's Better With a Band." First of all, I am biased and a devoted fan of this exquisite voice and effervescent personality. For anyone who has not heard Barbara Cook before (is there anyone?) this CD is a great introduction. Recorded 22 years ago, it is as fresh and as listenable as if it were recorded yesterday. Cook can sing ... from Berlin, Sondheim, Bernstein through Nyro and Nillson. For her legions of followers, this CD is a must for your collection. For those just discovering her, buy this and explore her other recordings, you will not be disappointed. She is a master interpreter of Mercer, Harburg, Arlen and all the greats. She is quiet simply ... THE BEST.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HOW can this be ONLY #9 on Amazon's 10 Best of '02 list??, January 13, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: It's Better With a Band (Audio CD)

OK,so I KNOW it's a 1980 performance, but you folks STILL aren't giving this 2002 reissue its due appreciation
(A.K.A. worship)! Simply put, this has been, since its original CD issue in 1986, my all-time favorite recording ever, by anyone!! For my money, there's nobody better than Barbara, and this was the performance to prove it! Ms. Cook has continually done wonderful work both before & since this Carnegie Hall concert, but THIS is the recording that first made me love her, and I haven't gotten over it since! Heartily recommended to all lovers of beautiful music, beautifully sung.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's Better with Barbara Cook, July 31, 2003

By 

I. Sondel "I. Sondel - lover of the arts" (Tallahassee, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: It's Better With a Band (Audio CD)

Barbara Cook has recorded a number of very fine albums over the years, but not one is half as enjoyable as this little treasure. "It's Better With a Band" is one of those recordings that I wouldn't ever want to be without. At the very least I like everything on this CD, but most of it I love. "I Love a Piano," "It's Better with a Band" and "Another Mr. Right Left" are wonderful, "Them There Eyes" is a treat. The Bernstein medley a gem. "The Ingenue" is a highlight - fast and funny. The finale couldn't be improved upon - "Chant La Vie (Sing)/Sing A Song With Me" delightful, followed by Coward's classic "If Love Were All." Everything seems to coalesce perfectly. I love this recording - and my 'dear friend' Barbara Cook too.