Lush Life

Linda Ronstadt, Nelson Riddle | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Elektra / Wea
• ASIN: B000002H2D
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,326 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish I could give it 6 stars, January 31, 2003

By 

jazzyjohnny (Falls Church, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lush Life (Audio CD)

All three of the Linda Ronstadt/Nelson Riddle collaborations are wonderful, but this is my favorite. IMO, these versions of Hoagy Carmichael's "Skylark" and Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" - two extraordinarily difficult songs to sing - are the equal of ANYONE else's attempts at these songs. (I have yet to listen to the harmonica on Skylark without getting chills.)

To me, it doesn't matter that Linda's voice is not ideally suited to this material. Or that the success of these efforts is probably more the result of Nelson Riddle's arrangements and taste in material. The more important matter is that Ronstadt GETS IT. Whether she intuitively understood what makes these songs "tick," or whether she merely followed Nelson Riddle's road map, she deserves the highest praise for richly capturing the mini-drama contained in each song.

The recent failed attempt by Rod Stewart and Phil Ramone to capture the same magic, proves my point. I am an admirer of both men's other work, but it is obvious to me that Stewart has none of Linda Ronstadt's understanding of what he is singing.

If you have any heart at all for this kind of music, buy this CD. Or better yet, pass this one by and buy the three-CD collection "Round Midnight" which includes this CD.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lush Arrangements, August 15, 2002

By 

J. M. Zuurbier (Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lush Life (Audio CD)

LUSH LIFE follows in the footsteps of WHAT'S NEW, more post WWII standards and jazz classics. The CD is worth the price alone for her captivating performance, and one of the best versions I've heard of "Skylark". LUSH LIFE once again shows Ronstadt as the interpreter, she ranges from playful and sassy to romantic. LUSH LIFE has more uptempo numbers than WHAT'S NEW did, but she sounds at ease with the material here, joined beautifully by Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra. She also does a nice simple version of "When I Fall In Love". Other highlights include "Mean To me", "You Took Advantage of me", "I'm A Fool To Want You" and "Lush Life". Go out and get it!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a must for those who love the oldies, April 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Lush Life (Audio CD)

the oldies performed with penache and a clear voice that is a must