Customer Reviews

And Now I Swing

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

 

 

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.

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.)

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.

This is a wonderful mixture of things we have heard Chita sing and things we have not. Her unmistakable unique and wonderful voice is in great shape and she sounds fantastic. I particularly liked CAROUSEL.

Chita Rivera has appeared in a number of great Broadway musicals including West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, The Rink and the recent revival of Nine. There were many others as well. And in each one she sang (and danced heavenly) and belted a good many Broadway show tunes!! She held her own in Chicago opposite the fabulous Gwen Verdon and almost stole the show from Antonio Banderas in Nine.

Now comes this CD in which she does not belt any songs. She has chosen some nice tunes by some wonderful composers. Each is given a thoughtful rendering. Among the highlights of this very likeable CD are some fabulous Kander and Ebb tunes including Nowadays, I Don't Remember You and Love and Love Alone from a show that didn't make it to Broadway titled The Visit. The medley of I Won't Dance and Let Me Sing is good, as is her rendition of More Than You Know. Jacque Brel's Carousel is a highlight. And A Nightingale Sang in Berekely Square is a knockout.

The arrangements are very different and very good. The guitar work of Brian Koonan is earthshaking! His solo accompaniment on Nightingale is breathtaking! The other fine musicians do a great job.

It's nice to have a Chita Rivera CD--And the cover does justice to the Broadway legend, showing her exuberance for life. Bravo--Miss Rivera!!

It may not be the worst CD of the year, but it's way up there. (The worst? Carol Channing's "For Heaven's Sake," a mangled mess of gospel tunes that is the closest thing to a trip to hell and back.) Chita is not a singer, but a dancer, first and foremost. Always was. Always will be. Yes she sang, and sang well, in such hit shows as "West Side Story," "Bye Bye Birdie," "Chicago" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman." But that was then. She has grown old and tired, and it shows in her voice. Let's face it: She was not the first Hispanic to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama last August because she could hit high notes. The CD is an embarrassing reminder that age is not kind; even the usually generous New York Times dubbed her voice "harsh and ravaged." It's apparent and disturbing on all the cuts, but especially "I Don't Remember You" and "Carousel," on which she sounds like some crazed crack fiend trying to hit notes that may or not exist. The CD's first cut is "I Won't Dance/Let Me Sing." Our reply: Yes! No!

I have loved Chita Rivera since I saw her onstage in the chorus of "Guys and Dolls" way back in 1953 and then watched her triumph in one show after another starting with "West Side Story." Her voice has deteriorated a bit, but she is still a happening to listen to. She never made a lot of recordings other than her shows, but I admire her spunk and visions of her dancing creep into my head and I hold those memories dear to my heart.

If you are a Chita Rivera fan, as I am, you need to have this CD in your collection. Most of the material is from her recent club performances. My only complaint is that the balance of orchestra to singer favors the orchestra in a couple a places. Otherwise, this is a must have!!!

Love Chita...dynamic professional..have enjoyed on stage and as a single. This album does not convey the the smiles she bring in person. The warmth comes through in Nightingale, and the Kander and Ebb pieces. The opening number "I wont Dance is rough" and without charm, Carousel by Jacques Brel is poorly sung and phrased. The orchestra is just great with one exception, the guitarist seems to hit some screech sounds in Barkley. All in all I won't listen to the album after my first go round and wait to see the dancer, charming lady we see in person.

This is a delightful CD of an American treasure. Chita is one of the last of the Broadway legends.