Customer Reviews

Let's Do It: Bolcolm & Morris at Aspen

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I have been a Joan Morris fan for over 20 years and own many of her superb albums. More than any others, "Let's Do It: Live in Aspen" is a dazzling tour de force for Ms. Morris and her accompanist/husband, William Bolcom.

No singer can match Joan Morris's vocal and interpretive skills. Her phrasing and timing are impeccable! She can take a song you've heard a million times (by others) and make it breathtakingly unforgettable. Examples on this disc include "Always," "Bill," "Let's Do It" and - my favorite - "On the Banks of the Wabash." And William Bolcom's lilting piano composition, "Graceful Ghost," written in his father's memory, will knock your socks off!

In short, treat yourself to this CD!

Beautiful authentic renditions of songs of a time long gone. This is a wonderful introduction to these two talented "musical archeologists" who can bring back terrific songs of an erea long forgotten (by most). If you don't know of them, this is a real good introdution to their superb artistry & authentic recreations of beautiful sentimental songs that should not be forgotten. These songs are STILL touching, and bring great pleasure. A SUPERB COLLECTION!

Joan Morris is a mezzo-soprano who has recorded a number of albums accompanied by her husband, composer and pianist William Bolcom. She has a lovely voice, and sings the old Tin Pan Alley and similar genre songs straight in the way they were written, without a lot of jazz embellishment. (Not that jazz embellishment is bad, it just doesn't always work with this material.) I'm a big fan of hers, so my opinions may be a little biased; but if you love this music it's hard to not enjoy Morris singing it.

This album covers quite a range of songwriters, from 1900 through a piece from Bolcom. The title tells you there will be Porter and, indeed, there is. Quite a range of songwriters, but all of it wonderful. A great sampler of the work of Joan Morris. Try it and then try not to buy more of her work!