Customer Reviews

My Country / That Old Feeling

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Brook Benton is one of the best interpreters of romantic ballads that I have ever heard. These two albums, recorded in the mid sixties for RCA Victor, more than justifies that assertion. For the first album, "My Country," Brook sings twelve country love songs with pop orchestrations and arrangements by Anita Kerr. You will be amazed at how different they sound from their original versions. His heartfelt rendition of "Have I Told You Lately that I Love You" is just remarkable. The second album, "That Old Feeling," is even better and, most likely, my favorite album of his. Brook croons a dozen pop standards backed by the lush sound of a string orchestra conducted by Glenn Osser. His rich, seductive baritone caresses every song, converting every one into a classic of its own. "That Old Feeling," "Blue Moon," "My Darling, My Darling," every track is flawless. The set closes with his warm, incomparable rendition of "Moon River" which, for me, is the definitive version of the Henry Mancini classic. So, put out the lights, close your eyes, and be swept away by the beautiful voice of Brook Benton.

The Brook Benton double album, "My County/That Old Feeling," is some very fine work. Around the mid-1960s, Mr. Benton took a brief break from his "sweet soul" R&B to make these two albums of great old vocal standards. His gentle, gospel-trained voice and nice interpretations produce a wonderful musical experience. Mr. Benton and his fine singing voice indeed will be missed (yes, he's been gone for awhile). I say, give this album a listen; you won't be disapppointed!

This is Brook Benton at his best! As far as I'm concerned these are the two of his best albums. That Old Feeling is his best work by far!!! It doesn't get any better than this.

Brook Benton certainly tried his hand at tenderness, perhaps never more so than on this coupling of two original mid-sixties LPs. His soothing, rich baritone caresses the lyrics of the songs, which find him accompanied by Glenn Osser's string laden band on That Old Feeling and a more sparse, but vastly more interesting, orchestra compiled and arranged by Anita Kerr on My Country. That band consists of a tiny string section, rhythm + vibraphone and a couple of french horns, which are used to great effect by Ms Kerr. Also we get a chance to hear her peerless close-harmony singers in sympathetic rapport with Benton. If you're in the mood for soft lights and sweet music you'd be well advised to put this CD in your player. Don't turn up the volume though, or you will hear some extraneous and slightly irritating noises on some titles, reason enough to withhold one star. Otherwise a most enjoyable collection of one of the forgotten greats of crooning.

If you love Brook Benton you will love this album (CD). I highly recommend you buy this cd.