And Now I Swing

Chita Rivera, Claire Fowler | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 13, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: YELLOW
• ASIN: B002LFPA84
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #190,164 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. And Now I Swing - Chita Rivera

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a good album even with a misstep or two along the way..., December 31, 2009

By 

Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: And Now I Swing (Audio CD)

Chita Rivera has entertained us for quite a while now; and she continues to display great talent. Her latest album, unfortunately, has a misstep or two along the way; this CD could benefit from a polishing job although most of the songs are performed quite well

"I Won't Dance/Let Me Sing" certainly has a creative arrangement, all right; but it just doesn't feel right--there are so many rapid tempo changes that the number feels not unlike a roller coaster--that is, a roller coaster that stops and starts in fits. It's too bad, too, because Chita's voice itself is very good. "Nowadays," which comes from the musical "Chicago," has Chita squarely in the spotlight; the music fits Chita's singing perfectly as she carries this tune to make it shine.

In addition, "Where Am I Going" from "Sweet Charity" has a fine arrangement for the piano, bass and more; Chita sings this with panache and I'm very impressed. This time around the complex tempo and key changes really work wonders for this tune; and that's grand. "Sweet Happy Life/Mas Que Nada" has a splendid Latin flavor and Chita makes this number take flight! The lush musical arrangement complements Chita's vocals faultlessly. "Love and Love Alone" from "The Visit" stuns me with its natural beauty; and Chita's sophisticated phrasing enhances this number even more!

"Carousel" comes from "Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris;" Chita aces this as effortlessly as if it were mere breathing--but of course we know that it really wasn't all that easy. Chita's talent carries her through. The piano arrangement is nicely done and "Carousel" is a major highlight of this album. I like how this number builds momentum, too. "Not Exactly Paris" starts with a beautiful but very brief piano intro; and Chita sings this faultlessly. Chita's character recalls a love affair from long ago; and this theme with the actual words and music gives this a most romantic flavor.

"I Don't Remember You" is the second misstep on this album. I just don't care for the way Chita delivers this song. Her singing is practically staccato (well, throughout most of this number) and the music doesn't fit well with her vocals, either. Sigh. "More Than You Know," thankfully, reverts to showcasing Chita in a wonderful light--and how's about that violin? The violin and the other instruments help make "More Than You Know" a fine ballad that gets a fine interpretation from Chita Rivera.

"Circle of Friends" by Carol Hall boasts a gorgeous piano arrangement and Chita sings this with great sensitivity. The bass, guitar and cello round out the musical accompaniment as Chita sings this to perfection--and beyond! The CD ends with Chita Rivera performing "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" from the show "New Faces." "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" is exquisite and it leaves me wanting more!

Chita gave us an album that is mostly pretty good--but it's not quite great. "I Won't Dance" and "I Don't Remember You" just don't make the grade; and that's too bad. Nevertheless, diehard fans of Chita Rivera will want this for their collections.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chita is AMAZING, October 17, 2009

By 

Mary C. Laing - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: And Now I Swing (Audio CD)

Title says it all.
Can't imagine why she hasn't had a solo album in so long. And this one REALLY does Swing. The combination of I won't Dance and Let me sing is wonderful.
And she nails the Kander and Ebb songs. Hopefully The Visit will make it to Broadway soon so we can get copies of all the songs from this Show (Saw her do it in Chicago and can't wait to hear this again. So it was a special treat to hear one make it to this album.)

5.0 out of 5 stars Got to see her to do this LIVE!, July 26, 2011

By 

Anchorage - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: And Now I Swing (Audio CD)

I was fortunate enough to see Miss Chita Rivera do this set list live, on the Grand Mediteranean RSVP Cruise. She was magical. Her stories of show business enthralled the audience between songs, I especially liked the one where she told Catherine Zeta-Jones that she may have won the Oscar but that song All that Jazz was still hers. And while Carousel may be an unusual song to say the least to watch Chita perform this song was amazing, it brought the audience to its feet. The second standing ovation she received was when she finished the show with All That Jazz. I am buying this CD because of how simply incredible she was.