Customer Reviews

It's Better With a Band

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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.

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.

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.

I received my copy of "Barbara Cook: It's Better With a Band" two days ago. It came in the mail with 7 other CDs. I haven't heard any of the others yet. I can't get Barbara of the CD player; I keep pushing repeat. What a joy to get this long-out-of-print album. Listen to Barbara sing a duet with a tuba on "Them There Eyes," then hear her scat on "Sweet Georgia Brown," laugh with her as she sings "The Ingenue," and then discover the queen of Broadway singing an incomparabel Bernstein medley. Nobody does it better than Barbara Cook.

I own several thousand albums (and lps) from rock to opera, Motown to Broadway, blues, jazz and cabaret, and of all of them, when I want to smile, to feel good, to know a glow, I listen to Barbara Cook -- and to this album. It is simply the best of the best. Among my ten favorite albums. It's on my ipod, and I have a copy on the cd changer in my car, too. Don't miss it.

Every cut on this album is a true gem. Her voice has never been better, richer or fuller. And the arrangements are top notch. Truly, one of my favourtie albums......of ALL time.