Customer Reviews

New Jack Swing

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This album appeared two years before Jack's quintessential "Jack Jones Paints a Tribute to Tony Bennett." No doubt its up-tempo, fully-orchestrated arrangements will appeal to many listeners more than the later album. At the very least, however, it should be seen as a complement to its essential successor.

The liner notes claim Jack is the only singer whose "musical intelligence and vocal chops" qualify him to pick up the Sinatra mantel (Jack himself dedicates the album to Sinatra). No argument from me. Even apart from some significant differences, Jack's voice now has a Sinatra "edge" to it, permitting him to grab on to notes in a manner that, say, Tony Bennett or Bobby Caldwell cannot. The man clearly can swing. (Recently a musical acquaintance challenged me to support that claim. Admittedly, there's discouragingly little recorded evidence, but I simply played the following two juxtapositions: "All or Nothing at All"--1st Barry Manilow's version from a mid-90s recording with the Harry James (ghost) band, then Jack Jones' version; 2nd, Sting's "Every Breath You Take" as performed by The Police followed by Jack's rollicking take on the tune. At that point I was able to rest my case, though I had Jack's "Mack the Knife" ready for insurance.)

But there are definitely some serious caveats: Most of the tunes on the collection are contemporary ephemera. Perhaps all the more to Jack's credit that he, like Sinatra, is able to transform all but one into enjoyable, foot-tapping performances (the exception being "Color of the Wind"). But another inescapable feature of the album is the generic, formulaic quality of the arrangements. No Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Neal Hefti, or Johnny Mandel on board here. In fact, the use of electric bass and what sounds like a digital piano reminds me of some of the karaoke tracks used by wannabe crooners. The arrangements are admittedly feasible and the playing polished but at the same time quite "mechanical." Whereas a Sinatra album almost always conveyed the sense of a total event--the presence and freedom of a singer being recorded in front of a large orchestra in "real time"--I can easily imagine Jack laying down his voice to these tracks at a later date.

The answer? The later ballad album, with its sensitive and frequently exquisite, in-the-moment accompaniment by Mike Renzi's trio, along with some of the most inspired, heart-felt performances by a male singer since, well, "Only the Lonely," "In the Wee Small Hours," and "No One Cares."

Jack Jones still sounds as fresh as ever. His new rendition of "The Love Boat Theme" is cool,peppy! This album is somthing we 4o+ can continue to enjoy..

This album consists of great songs, sung by the very stylish Jack Jones. My only complaint, is that the album doesn't have more on it. "Dangerous Mood" is terrific, a la Joe Williams, and Jones gives it his trademark pow! "Color of the Wind" is a beautiful song, that will make any parent cry. The arrangements and mixdown are top-notch. You can't go wrong with this!

I've always liked Jack and have been collecting and listening to his music since I was a teenager. Although his voice "shines" best in ballads, he is a terrific jazz singer. I saw him in Columbus OH where he performed with the local jazz band in his tribute to Tony Bennett. If you like jazz, you will enjoy this CD.

Jack Jones has been around for a while, but this CD displays his talent for honest swinging. "All Or Nothing At All" is dedicated to Frank, but there is no emulation here, Jack has has his own style. He does tunes from Sting to Weill and he makes them his own. Bravo.

Jack Jones is still going strong; his album sales and concert touring proves it. Jack always sings with so much heart and soul; I'm very impressed. Jack is in excellent form here; he blows me away with his sophisticated phrasing and his genuine emotion and electricity. The quality of the sound on this CD is excellent and that artwork is very nicely done. My only disappointment is that we don't get an extra song or two on this album.

Jack begins this album by doing a wonderful cover of "Every Breath You Take;" this number was originally written by Sting and recorded by The Police in the early 1980s. Great! Jack never skips a beat and the music fits in perfectly with his vocals--how's about that brass? I love it. "She's Leaving Home" gives Jack Jones a terrific opportunity to cover a song by The Beatles; and he certainly does great justice to this ballad! The backup vocalists do a great job of harmonizing, too. "She's Leaving Home" is easily a major highlight of this CD. In addition, "All or Nothing At All" features Jack swinging brightly to make this number really shine! Jack can always make it seem so easy; but of course we know it really isn't all that easy for anyone to sing this well. Jack's incredible talent carries him through every time.

"Have You Ever Loved a Woman" is a most passionate tune that Jack aces as effortlessly as if it were mere breathing. Jack's excellent diction enhances his performance even more; and again this gets a strong musical arrangement. Wisely, however, the musicians never try to steal the show from Jack; he remains squarely in the spotlight, right where he belongs! "Mack the Knife" is a tune I first heard sung by the immortal Bobby Darin; the bass is excellent and Jack sings this so smoothly with panache. "Mack the Knife" is one of the best songs on this CD.

"Stranger in Paradise" charms me with its excellent flavor, Jack never lets go of a superfluous note despite some challenging tempo and key changes. "Stranger in Paradise" is one heck of a number in Jack's capable hands. The album closes with Jack Jones performing the theme from "The Love Boat;" and Jack does this to perfection--and beyond! What a grand way to end this album!

Jack Jones never let his fans down; and he still tours to this day. Catch him in concert if you can! Jack is exceptionally talented, to say the least. Despite that fact that I do wish we got another song or two out of this CD, I still recommend this for Jack Jones fans and even newcomers to Jack's artistry will love this CD. The songs on this album also have something of a Vegas lounge flavor to them, so if you like that style of music this will be perfect for you to enjoy over and over again!

these are old songs refined to a different beat and tempo!

"What colour is the wind" is an incredibly beautiful song that every father will love.

If you want to hear Jack Jones at his best, purchase his CD recorded at the Sands Hotel, particularly for his brilliant performance of the ballad, The More I See You. This was a time when Jack was not smoking...and his true voice shines through with a quality unlike any other recording he has ever made in his career!

I loved this Jack Jones Cd because he gets really jazzy, which I love, and coming from him is a real treat! I especially liked the song about the Dangerous Mood--I try to sing it like him and, of course, fail miserably! Just had to order this after seeing him live in Wichita, and was "all jazzed up" and have played this album for my friends just to prove that Jack is truly gifted singer (what else--he's Welsh and they are among the best singers in the world!!) and they agree. (Of course I'm tiring them out at times--they almost have it memorized like I do) You can tell he loves singing just by listening to this one!!