Customer Reviews

Jimmy' Durante's Way Of Life

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OK I'll admit one would never associate Jimmy Durante with the lush, soaring strings of the great Gordon Jenkins orchestrations, much less GREAT singing, but Ol' Schnozzola does just exactly that on this handful of heartfelt ballads, each one dripping with beauty. The pairing of Jenkins with Durante is such a hit, one can liken it to the pairing of Jenkins with Sinatra or Cole...seriously. The title track, A WAY OF LIFE, reminds us all what it's all REALLY about anymore. Written and recorded at a time when there were no terrorists or 401K or economy dilemmas, one need only listen to this song that sets the tone of the entire album to be transported. There is Jimmy's wistful "talk-through" of the great Meredith Wilson penned "MY WISH" (with orchestra AND chorus abetting Jimmy, as is the case on most tracks) and the standard WHEN DAY IS DONE, equally as heartfelt and borderline dark and moody. The use of one finger on the piano in the Irving Berlin classic WHEN I LOST YOU puts this version over the top, and I cannot begin to describe the emotions relayed when Jimmy Durante starts (and FINISHES) the immortal I'LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS. Gordon Jenkins' orchestrations have long been heralded (and sometimes knocked) for being evocative of drama, of searing feelings and at once recognizable. I have heard most of his work with just about every singer, as well as a good deal of his solo efforts. I would name this recording of I'LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS one of Gordon's top five arrangements of all time. I'm nothing more than a lover of great music, so don't just take my word for it. Enjoy it yourself. This entire package is very likely to become one of your favorites. Thanks Jimmy!

At first blush it appears that Jimmy Durante is not exactly the great singer that Gordon Jenkins would want to work with. Durante is not known for being an especially accomplished singer on a par with Sinatra and Perry Como. Nevertheless, I noticed one important similarity: Jimmy Durante's voice is not unlike Louis Armstrong's voice. Much like Armstrong, Durante's voice is gravelly, masculine yet sensitive and potent. Durante occasionally speaks the lyrics instead of singing them; but it doesn't diminish the quality of the song at all. The backing of Gordon Jenkins and His Orchestra enhances the beauty of each song Durante performs.

The CD begins with the touching ballad entitled "The Way Of Life." The musical arrangement for the strings shines brilliantly as Durante works his best magic. "My Wish" follows and demonstrates how Durante could turn out a song in such a way that you want to pay close attention. The backup chorus makes the arrangement extremely lush.

Three tracks on this CD appear custom tailored to Durante's voice and style. Durante performs "As Time Goes By;" "Make Someone Happy" and "I'll Be Seeing You" very romantically. I believe that these songs are all the most beautiful because Durante in his old age was able to impart a natural sense of romanticism. These songs also encourage reminiscing about the past; and an older singer like Durante could accentuate that very well.

The CD ends fittingly with "I'll See You In My Dreams." This romantic song reflects a great deal of effort by both Gordon Jenkins and Jimmy Durante. The piano and strings work magic on this track! Jimmy Durante sings of a love gone awry although he could never forget his woman. As Durante ends the song he says his signature closing line "Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are." This adds to the sentimental sweetness of the album.

The liner notes are the original liner notes for the LP written by Stan Cornyn in 1964. The song credits are provided for you, too.

All in all, this CD by Durante and Gordon Jenkins is far from being the tacky and unlikely partnership you might assume it to be the very first time you think about it. Upon much more careful reflection, however, Jimmy Durante and Gordon Jenkins produce a memorable album with all the passion they could have ever mustered.

Enjoy!

Jimmy Durante shows us his dream of what life should be... We should all dream like that and at least try to put it in practice. Perfect band creating the perfect mood for a dream CD.

You can't beat Amazon for CD's such as this. These can't just be bought anywhere. And how about the free shipping! WOW!

Among the many beauties of growing up in the 60's, was seeing Mr. Durante in his waning years, appear on may TV shows, particularly the incredible Ed Sullivan shows. As exciting as The Beatles appearances were, there was something so dear about Mr. Durante, that even as a child, you were touched by his performances. This recording captures that spirit as none of the others I have found by him have. The lush strings and chorus, which in lesser hands might be unbearable, are embraced by his truly sincere and romantic spirit. A great entertainer who has honed his craft for decades, gives his all in these performances. To have these available now and captured in excellent sound, is a true gift. The excellent taste to place I'll See You In My Dreams as the closing number, including his signature sign off, to Mrs. Calabash, is priceless. Do yourself a favor.

Jimmy Durante had a long, unblemished career in show busines. (Just TRY to find negative articles about this sweet man.) Much of his musical and movie output was loud, raucus comedy. Late in his career, he put out three albums of standards backed by big band arrangements and full chorus. This 1965 collection was the third of the three albums. The other two were 1962's "September Song" and 1964's "Hello, Young Lovers". You will find on these albums some of the same songs used so effectively in movies such as "It Could Happen To You" and "Sleepless in Seattle". Sentimental, a little sappy, but so beautiful. Jimmy Durante's musical maturity shines in these recordings. GET ALL THREE.