Customer Reviews

Liza's Back

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

First off, I feel I must admit that I am a very devoted fan of Liza Minnelli--have been for years--so my comments are not without bias.

When I received this album as a Christmas present this year, I was thrilled--I had wanted it since I knew it had come out. I listened to it for the first time on Thursday, January 2nd., and it did something to me that I don't think I will ever forget.

Without going into a whole lot of detail, let's just say that I needed, desperately, a pick-me-up at the time I listened to the disc. I also needed to cry, something I don't do easily most of the time. Both of my needs were fulfilled.

There is just something about a performer like Liza and her mother, too...how they just won't quit, no matter how much they've been through. And when you know how much Liza has been through in the last several years, and then you hear that roaring applause for her at the beginning...it just gets you, as it got me.

The tears really started to flow when, prior to the "Crying" songs, Liza spoke of how she's accepted the fact that sometimes she needs to cry, and that that's okay. I felt like she was saying that to me. And so I sat there in my little apartment with my Scottie dog on my lap, and I bawled for an hour while "Liza's Back" played.

I wouldn't say there is one song I disliked on here...on the contrary, it is as though Liza deliberately set out to do songs that she knew I would like, that were my favorites.

Liza's voice is not what it once was. We all know that. How could it be? Even without all the surgeries, illnesses, etc., that she has endured, simple aging would have changed it. But people who carp about this fact are missing the point. It's like that old adage, "It's not what you say, but how you say it." And Liza says everything very well, indeed. In fact, this album reminds me quite a bit of Judy Garland's final concert in Copenhagen--the voice was shaky at times, but the will to impress--even astound--was still there. Hopefully, though, this concert will be only the beginning of a whole new era for Liza.

As I have said, I loved every single song on here, from the new opener, through the "Crying" medley; the "Gypsy" songs, and especially anything by Kander and Ebb--if you listen closely, you can hear the melody of K&E's "Funny Honey", from "Chicago", in "Don't Smoke In Bed." My all-time favorite song, though, is "Maybe This Time", and when Liza launched into that, I wept especially hard--by the time she reached that thundering conclusion--I was crying and applauding at the same time.

So there it is. I guess this just shows how individual all humans are. Some people wouldn't listen to this if you paid them. Others would be indifferent to the fact that Liza has had a comeback at all. But in my case, the fact that Liza has new hope has resulted in my having new hope. Maybe you, too, can find such hope by listening to this album. Whether you have been a long-standing fan of Ms. Minnelli, or are just starting out, I highly recommend this.

I was one of the privileged who saw this incredible and historic performance at the Beacon Theater. I was there twice on June 3 and June 8 one of the 2 nights this powerful and superb CD was recorded. From the moment Liza hit the stage and declared in song she was back the audience felt it heard it and knew it and song after song Liza brought us to our feet standing in applause. Don't Smoke in Bed was amazing. Neverland was incredible at the end with mike in hand Liza walk towards the audience and grabbed the mike stand with her other hand and started to sing the final verse to Over the Rainbow. That moment in the audience was electric. I think the performance and recording of But the World Goes Round is fierce. You can feel and hear Liza declare in song that it does! I have to say there are a few songs missing from the concert but I am grateful this show is preserved on this CD and the quality is excellent. I have to add one thing that is missing from the June 8th closing. The standing ovation went on for 30 minutes and 20 minutes into it Liza returned to the stage grabbed the mike and sang an additional verse to I'll Be Seeing You! She told the audience she will never forget this and neither will I.

I was at the June 1, 2002 performance of this show. It was my first time seeing Liza live, and am I glad it was! I have never seen a performer so loved by her audience, and so THRILLED to be in front of them. Liza is simply amazing, and this CD shows just how much of a survivor she is. Of course, her voice is not what it was 20 years ago, but who wants that? People change as they age, and Liza certainly has vocally. Now, her vocals contain a knowing sense to each and every word she sings, which makes each song all the more powerful. The definitive versions of "Cabaret," "New York, New York," and "But the World Goes Round" are on this CD. "Rose's Turn" is fabulous, as is "What Did I Have." "Never Never Land/Over the Rainbow" is very touching. You will NOT be disappointed in this CD.

Liza's Back! Like her mother she has dumped her bottle of pills, stopped the booze, and has lost tremendous weight all for the sake of her glorious voice and her adoring fans who have stuck with her through it all, and knew that like her legendary mother, Judy Garland, would comeback and be better than she ever was.
People criticize the fact that she has a different voice than she used to, however I believe that like one of the other reviews stated, it is much more "mature". She sings like a bluebird in the springtime on this album, rather than shout lyrics to "Ring Them Bells". I am only 16 years old, but I can recognize when an artists means to do the right thing, and I'll tell you something, this is the best cd I have ever heard, EVER!

Liza Minnelli deserves much more credit than she is getting. Ridicule & Rumors all around the late shows and tabloids, mean nothing to me, and most Liza fans, but it is not fair to her. She has tried her damndest to please all who want this cd, and she has overdone herself. If you do not have this cd, email me and I will burn you a copy! Its That Good!

I break into tears as she sings the tale of the Never Never Land, and how you will never grow old. You will always believe in dreams and will let nothing stop you. And then she sobs a little and starts to sing her mother's classic song, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, and she treats it with more care then anyone, as she says: "Birds....fly....Over, the rainbow.....Why...Oh....Why...(silence)Thank You Mamma!..Cant I!

I will tell you something. Liza Minnelli has, without a doubt, one of the finest voices I have ever heard, from this cd, and deserves to be listened to by all. This cd will change your life. Its amazing the beautiful, and delicate rasp of her voice at times, and how she carefully expresses each phrase as if it were a decision she had to make about something, and the way she sings so very in tune, and so very high (3-octave range on this cd), stuns me and should you! I hope you buy this and enjoy it so wonderfully! God Bless You!

I was at the Beacon twice to see Liza's Back and I was there on June 8th on one of the 2 evenings this CD was recorded. I have seen Liza perform many times both at her best and ill with no voice. This performance was not only one of the best but truly amazing. From the first song the audience went wild because it was clear that Liza was back. Healthy and Happy and ready to Rock! I lost count of the standing ovations during the course of this show. Don't Smoke in Bed was excellent. When she sang Nederland and then walk toward the audience at the end of the song with mike in hand she grab the mike stand with her other hand and started the last verse of Rainbow you could feel the electricity run through the audience. But the World Goes Round was fierce because you know Liza does indeed know that it does. There are a few songs missing from the show but I am grateful most of this performance is preserved beautifully on this brilliant CD. One thing that is not here that I need to share is at the end of the show the standing ovation went on for 30 minutes. About 20 minutes into it Liza did come out yet again and she sang an additional chorus of I'll Be Seeing You!

Wow, that is my first word!! I had the luxury to fly to NYC and see Liza on Thur. June 6, 2002 of her Beacon Theatre Engagement. I am 30 and just getting into Liza, so I am trying to catch up. I've rented Cabaret, bought Tropical Nights CD, Highlights from Carnegie Hall. What an absolute talent!!! Every cell in her body is amazing. Liza is amazing to watch and hear. The concert was incredible, and my only regret is that I wasn't a little more versed in her songs and music beforehand. Though that night will live forever in my heart!!! And the album that captures that engagement (Liza's Back) is worth a spin!!! It is humbling, touching, beautiful, strong, determined, and most of all---LIZA. I think the seasoned aspect of her voice is sexy and sultry and provides such depth to the album. 'Liza's Back' is such a strong shot to the heart, and 'What Did I Have' is utterly phenomonal. I could listen to that song over and over. And the utterly determined 'Roses Turn' Ok, now I want to go and play the CD. I think this album captures Liza in a way that makes me feel poignant. All of her work is incredible. She is a true talent and star. Seeing her perform is even more of a treat because she IS the full package: looks, talent, voice, storytelling ability, posturing, dancing, and those luscious legs. Wow. She looked great in all of her costume changes. At one point she had a knockout sequined red number on, then she placed a matching hat atop her head and i melted away, my heart was pattering away at her utter genius.
So, yes, I recommend this album. There are spots that are stronger than others, however, overall, it is a stellar offering from one of America's best entertainers!!!

I was one of the privileged concertgoers to attend her performance at the Beacon on June 1, 2002. I have followed Liza's concerts and performing career since 1977, and rarely do I remember such a thrilling evening (save, perhaps, for the Carnegie Hall sellout in 1987). She can tear your heart out with songs like "What Did I Have?", a song which makes me weep uncontrollably when she sings it. She can make you laugh, smile, weep, and lose your breath all in a 3-minute ballad. She looked magnificent, sang wonderfully and I'm delighted to have this remembrance of a fabulous evening with Liza Minnelli.

Liza Minnelli stuns her audience with her strong performance on this CD recorded over two nights at New York's Beacon Theater in June, 2002. Liza's voice is in excellent form; indeed her energy is infectious just listening to this recording! She impresses the audience with many numbers which are masterfully performed; and this CD proves it.

Liza starts out with a song written especially for her entitled "Liza's Back." Liza sings of how she's in better health then ever before and the crowd loves every minute of it. Her rendition of "Something Wonderful" is done with great sensitivity, too.

Another song written especially for Liza by Kander and Ebb is entitled "Don't Smoke In Bed." Liza performs this well and the musical arrangement is excellent.

There are also many classic Minnelli songs on this CD that any Liza fan will be delighted to hear once again: "City Lights;" "Some People;" "Maybe This Time;" "Cabaret;" "But The World Goes 'Round" and "New York, New York." Excellent!

In addition, Liza gives her audience a very rare treat in the song entitled "Never Never Land/Over the Rainbow." Liza sings a few bars of her mother's infamous song, "Over The Rainbow." Liza rarely, if ever, performs any part of "Over The Rainbow" in concert and her audience roars with delight! When Liza says "Thank you, Mama," you know she really means it. I was touched.

Liza's final encore is an a cappella version of "I'll Be Seeing You." Excellent!

The sound quality couldn't be better and the liner notes by then-husband David Gest sing her praises greatly. There is great artwork in the liner notes and the back cover of the liner notes offers a wonderful profile photograph of Liza.

My only disappointment is that I don't think this 74 minute recording is the length of an entire concert. I wish they had released this as a two CD set with an entire concert or at least a combination of two concerts to highlight Liza's performance even more! However, this is a minor concern: Liza sounds wonderful and she gives all heart and soul to each and every number she performs.

This CD is a must-have for any Liza Minnelli fan. I also recommend this CD for fans of female vocalists as Liza's three octave range does not disappoint. I treasure this CD; and I hope that you enjoy it every bit as much as I did!

I don't want to sound melodramatic (or maudlin), but this Return To The Living CD by the incomparable Liza May could not have come at a time in my personal life when I needed it more....it's a thrilling, explosive testimony to the fact that Miracles can happen, and Comebacks can, by God, be accomplished! The voice may still be a little rough, ragged and hoarse at times, but this comeback is the Real Thing, as opposed to her painful but earnest attempt at one in 1999 with "Minnelli On Minnelli" (though she does, gratefully, once again give us the very best song from that previous performance: "What Did I Have That I Don't Have.") She also does a powerhouse "Crying" medley that includes "Don't Cry Out Loud" (a song written by her first husband, Peter Allen, in this show produced by her fourth husband, David Gest) and some new songs provided by her ever-faithful friends, Kander & Ebb. I just wish they had titled one of them "You Got What You Wanted" (which would have been more appropriate, after hearing the lyrics) rather than "Don't Smoke In Bed".....which is also the title of an old torch song recorded over the years by many artists, including Nina Simone, Peggy Lee, and k d lang. Other highlights for me on this CD were two of my all-time favorite Minnelli Masterpieces, "Maybe This Time" and "But The World Goes Round"......and if she had only reprised "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out" (which she hasn't recorded since her second album for Capitol, "It Amazes Me") I would have had all THREE of my Ultimate Liza Songs on one album. But I won't wish for too much....I'm just very grateful for what she gave us.

My only concern is that perhaps Mr. Gest is pushing this fragile star, someone who has survived so many illnesses and hard-knocks, too hard to sing every song with the same gusto and power that came easily to her thirty years ago. Those days are gone, but Liza's career is still alive and thriving, and she is far too great an entertainer to need false bravado to deliver a song. Indeed, listen to "Never Never Land," "Something Wonderful", or her beautiful acappella version of the classic "I'll Be Seeing You" to know what I mean. With the release of this 2002 recording, it can truly be said of Liza Minnelli that she is one of the greatest entertainers of BOTH the 20th and 21st Centuries. I love her. I encourage her. I'm in debt to her....for indirectly letting me know that if you hang in there....things will work out. Somehow.

Liza Minnelli is a show-biz survivor, par exellence. She probably can't ever escape her past, but she keeps trying so genuinely, sincerely, to resurrect herself that one must pay respect to her efforts. Minnelli's voice was badly damaged by vocal-chord surgery several years ago, and her efforts to re-establish herself as a power-house performer have been derailed by various ailments and addictions. She acknowledges these at the start of this recorded concert, and then briskly moves on to try and wow her audience. An audience that is effusively supportive even when her vocals are shaky at best. The fact of the matter is that Minnelli's voice isn't what it used to be, and most likely will not ever be. Her vibrato is so wavy and pronounced that one immediately thinks of her mother in the last years of Garland's performing life. Liza's range may have lowered with the ravages of her history, but it's also shrunk quite a bit. She overcompensates for these deficiencies with all-stops-out lung power, sometimes to very good effect, usually to trying-too-hard-by-half results. But her audience eats it up. Her material is almost all familiar here, two new songs by Kander and Ebb are done well enough, but when she strains to knock out numbers from "Cabaret" and "New York, New York", the effect isn't pleasing, it's downright sad.

I have been a fan of Minnelli's for many, many years, and I will always support her right to perform because of her immense talent, but time doesn't heal everything in this case, it just makes it bittersweet. She's coasting on her past, her desire to do well, and the good will of her fans. But they are applauding the memory of her better days, the memory of her solid work, and, with good cause, her survival instincts. It just doesn't make for great entertainment, and that's a very difficult thing to have to admit.