Customer Reviews

Open Fire Two Guitars

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This reissue of a 1959 album for Columbia is a classic! At the time, Mathis was as hot as one could get in record sales with hit after hit following his 1956 breakthrough smash, IT"S NOT FOR ME TO SAY. This album was risky as it was a departure from the "formula" which his audience had become used to. It was terrific then and still is today. This is Mathis in his prime with excellent material comprised of great old standards. A pleasant surprise is the title tune, a little known, wistful ballad which is the equal of any of the better known songs on the album. It would be interesting to hear the mature Mathis of today perform these same tunes with a small ensemble behind him. Until then, enjoy this one it's a winner.

Sighhhh....If by the end of the first two songs, you haven't set that romantic mood your looking for, I just don't know what to tell ya. By the end of this gorgeous 45 minute Johnny Mathis Album "Open Fire, Two Guitars",you should be completely in love! The selections are perfect for the occasion, the music exquisite yet simple, and the voice...ahhh that voice. With, as the title tells you, only 2 acoustic guitars as accompaniment (performed beautifully by Tony Mottola and Al Caiola), with a little bass for rhythm, Johnny's silky tone is the instrument that is in total command of your listening pleasure.

Mathis takes some grand old standards and adds a wonderful feeling to each and every one. A feeling that may be described as dreamy, sweet, tender, and lovely. Included are "Open Fire","Bye,Bye Blackbird", "In The Still Of The Night","Embraceable You","I'll Be seeing You", "Tenderly", "When I fall In Love", "I Concentrate On You","Please Be Kind", "You'll Never Know", "I'm Just a Boy In Love", and "My Funny Valentine". 12 tracks all a good enough length to have a nice slow dance or linger in front of that open fire. They range from 2:30 to 4:30.

The CD is excellent. It is obvious that this album was produced with much love and attention. These old songs sound crisp and clear.

Fall in love once again to the sounds of Johnny Mathis....Laurie

more music to fall in love:Love Songs

If you liked "Misty" and "The Twelfth of Never" you will love this album. Every selection is hauntingly beautiful, and unlike some of Mathis' other albums, there is a consistency of mood in this one which leaves the listener mesmerized.This is the epitome of mood music.

I loved this album in '59 and love it more now then ever. The songs are among the great tunes ever written. Besides that, the arrangements and improvizations of the 2 guitars and a bass are outstanding. Having seen Mathis live in the early 60's I was aware that he is a great song stylist. He's a terrific jazz singer and this comes through on some of the tunes. The arrangement of "In the Still Of The Night" is very cool. Mathis has an incredible voice. If you have the chance, see him live and you'll be sold.

Simply, one of the most romantic light-jazz albums ever. I relished the vinyl from the late '50s until it became too scratched to enjoy. Frankly, I can't understand why Mathis or the publisher waited so long to release this on CD as it blows away anything he ever has done in terms of his artistry, sexiness and sensitivity. Maria and Tenderly are especially haunting. Mathis's voice quality was superb, at the height of his "game." As an instrument, his voice blends exquisitely with the beauty and delicacy of the two guitarists.

This CD is a sure bet for setting the mood for a romantic candlelight dinner for two. Johnny was truly at his vocal and artistic peak when this timeless album was recorded and issued. While today universally recognized as one of the greatest romantic music albums ever recorded, it was not (strangely) one of his biggest sellers back in 1959-60. The best thing about this wonderful CD reissue is that Sony Legacy did a magnificent remastering job here. A classic to forever enjoy and cherish.

Wonderful music. Soothing, romantic, puts you in a different place. Brings back many memories.

I had this collection on L P and transfered it to tape when I moved to Florida. I played the heck out of it and now it is GREAT to see it available on CD. This is a masterpiece in every selection, the arrangements and his control are fabulous. A must have.

My wife and I enjoyed "Open Fire, Two Guitars". Giving it 4 stars is short of excellent. He sounded great and I remember it from when I first listened to it with friends. We actually listened to it while we drank martinis over an open fire place during my U.S. Foreign Service years in the 1960s. I would highly recommend it to any Johnny Mathis fans. It's a great C.D. for people in love, regardless of their ages.

Bob Geluz

I owned this record in vinyl years ago when I was in college and it was one of my favorites. I wanted it in CD Format since I wore out the vinyl copy a long time ago. It was as good as I remembered. I found that heartening to know that I had at least a modicum of good taste when I was younger. I like the simplicity of the arrangements that showcase the beatiful voice so well. The jazz guitar arrangements and the interplay between the two fine guitarists is top rate. This is a classic that should not be missed by fans of Johnny Mathis, jazz guitar, or romantic moments with your best girl.