Customer Reviews

Reflections of Rosemary

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I never would have thought back in 1977 when I heard Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Life" that she would end up releasing an artistic achievement like her latest release, REFLECTIONS OF ROSEMARY. Oh, I knew Debby could sing, and could (when allowed) actually put something in to a song (most notably "The Promise" on her early-80s self titled album), but was I in for a very pleasant surprise upon hearing this new album. I bought it based on a friend's recommendation, and what a great treat it was, indeed!

Debby's voice has grown and has obtained colors not hinted at when she burst on the scene 28 years ago. And, she uses it to great affect now - most notably when she goes into her lower register, which is full and warm. Part of the success of this album also lies in the marvelous material, excellent arrangements and playing, as well as Debby's loving attention to the songs. It is audible that she has an emotional connection with the material, which I'm sure helped that these songs were in tribute to her late mother-in-law, Rosemary Clooney.

Tribute albums abound, and many are exceedingly good (notably, Bette Midler's Rosemary Clooney tribute from 2003). And like Bette, Debby does not try to replicate Rosemary's deliveries, but makes each song her own, while delving into vocal territory previously unheard (by me, anyway) from her. Her connections with the lyrics of each song are astounding - a lot of these songs I've known for years, but this was the first time that I `got' songs such as "I'll Be Home" (brilliantly delivered) and "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" (which is intelligently coupled with "It Never Entered My Mind").

The only track that didn't quite seem up to the par of the rest of the album was "It Might As Well Be Spring" - though Debby sings is lovingly, I didn't get a connection with the lyric from her, which comes through on every other track (note: there is a great alto flute solo on this track by Dan Higgins - in a Herbie Mann mode).

And, there's nothing like sibling harmonies - Debby tackles "Mood Indigo" radiantly with her sisters (they all had previously performed as The Boones, and were featured on Debby's debut album in 1977).

The true capper for this brilliant achievement, for me, is "You Are There," which Debby infuses with emotion and reality (without being maudlin) - all this done with simple piano accompaniment.

The hidden track of Rosemary Clooney's homemade a capella version of "Blue Skies" is cute, and fits with Debby's explanation that Rosemary had recorded this for Debby's son, Jordan (Rosemary's grandson), but could easily get tiresome on repeated listenings.

Now that Debby's children are grown, I hope this release is a precursor for more good things to come from her; a reinstated career, but this time as a jazz-cabaret vocalist who brings brilliance and true interpretive skills to her performances.

After an extended absence Debby Boone is back. And...what a comeback! The songs are SO suited to her voice (which is in top form). A great selection of songs, her vocals are incredible, and the instrumentation is awesome.

If this is Debby's entry back into the recording studio (which, given the reference to it being her "first Concord Records release" sounds like it might be), she has definitely set the bar high for herself.

A must have CD....for fans of Debby's, Rosemary's, music of that era, or anyone that wants to just hear some great music!

What a welcome (and stunning) return to recorded music!!! Debby's wonderful and warm tribute to her late mother-in-law, the legendary Rosie Clooney, will amaze anyone who listens to it. Obviously a bold move for her to make but she pulls it off!!! Great arrangements, wonderful vocals from Debby including "Mood Indigo" in which her sisters join her for an amazing track. Very classy and entertaining album and I applaud Concord Records for allowing Debby this opportunity!!!

Good luck, Debby!

Not only a heartfelt tribute to her Mother-in-law, this material is perfectly suited to Debby's voice. The selections and production are nothing short of first class! Debby has never sounded better and it's evident her fans agree that it's been worth the long wait. The liner notes and pictures add a personal touch that only enhances your listenting pleasure. Let's hope this is the start to a long relationship with Concord Records for Ms. Boone. She deserves it!

Great concept (tunes somehow personally associated with Rosemary and the family), great delivery, great sound - this is obviously the start of a cool new career phase for Debby. Nice listening.....

This is a very special cd. It is a tribute to Debby's mother-in-law Rosemary Clooney so that makes it special in itself. But whats really special is this womans' voice - so perfectly suited for this material. As a fan from the start of her career I know how versatile she is. Here she sings with authority and with the technique of a jazz legend. For us fans who have been waiting for new material from Debby for years this is just what the doctor ordered. This cd is perfect for a night of romance with fine wine and Boones' beautiful vocals washing over you. The production has class written all over it from the players to Debby Boone. Looking forward to the live show - it will rock! Congratulations Debby and thanks for keeping your music and your life real. God Knows :).....postscript - i was lucky enough to catch Debbys' live show at Scullers in Boston 6/22/05 and she truly charmed and dazzled her audience. Debby - thanks for being such an inspiration and a true lady...as I said "keep the good music coming!". :)

Thank you, Concord Records, for giving Debby Boone the amazing opportunity to pay loving homage to the forever missed Rosemary Clooney (her mother-in-law).

Forget the heartless reviews that were previously submitted, as the writers do not seem to appreciate the great American songwriters (Porter, Gershwin, etc.) that left their mark on music long ago. Debby has been out of the limelight (as far as records are concerned) for way too long, and this wonderful CD was a great way to return to the studio.

Recorded with the same stellar musicians that Rosie worked with (including her longtime arranger-pianist John Oddo), the songs Debby chose to sing are all first-rate...my favorite track has to be "Mood Indigo," sung with her sisters.

I hope that this will not be the only standards-oriented album on Debby's resume, because this music suits her perfectly!

With Reflections of Rosemary, Debby Boone really knocks my socks off with topnotch performances on this, her first full scale venture into jazz,backed by some of the finest musicians in the business. Since these are the same guys who worked with Rosemary Clooney, these same gentlemen work great with Debby as well. It is my hope that Debby Boone and her sisters will do some Big Band material as well. I have been a fan of hers since "You Light Up My Life,"too. Debby Boone is an example of the wholesome performer we need more of and will sing rings around the all too many artists who pass themselves off as "singers" or "musicians". The quality of Debby's material says it all. Keep 'em coming Debby.

Long-awaited return to the music scene for Debby Boone! This CD is excellent! Great songs, great musicians, and Debby's flawless vocals make this a must for fans of Ms. Boone or her mother-in- law, Rosemary Clooney, to whom this album is affectionately dedicated. I can't wait for another album from Debby.

-Jacob

The songs in this album "Reflections of Rosemary" from "Blue Skies" and "Mood Indigo" to "In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning" and "Time After Time" are some of the nicest popular standards identified with Rosemary Clooney, one of the best female vocalists of all-time. And Debby Boone is singing the same songs as her special tribute to her mother-in-law. This album promises the listeners an unforgettably, wholesomely beautiful listening experience. There is something to captivate the ears of every listener as she is backed by some of the best musicians we have in the music world today: Rosemary Clooney's arranger/pianist for twenty years, John Oddo, arranger Earl Brown, guitarists John Pizzarelli and Jim Fox, bassist Chuck Berghofer, drummer Gregg Field, percussionist Daniel Greco, saxophonists Gary Foster, Dan Higgins and Scott Hamilton, trumpeter Warren Luening and cellist Armen Ksajikian.

I have enjoyed the music of Debby Boone since she recorded an album of great inspirational songs in the seventies and eighties most notably "Sweet Adoration," "Can You Reach My Friend?" "Sincerely Yours" and "You Light Up My Life." Her father's music, Pat Boone, has been part of my very musical family when I was growing up. He was one of my late parents' favorite singers and mine, too and I was especially fond of his hit song, "Love Letters In The Sand."

On this elegantly charming tribute album recorded with love and dedication, Debby Boone sings sixteen classic standards starting off with an uplifting Irving Berlin classic, "Blue Skies," which Rosemary Clooney used to sing to her first grandson Jordan, whenever he was "sad, when he took a fall and was crying, or anytime he needed his spirits lifted." It's a surprised added track - Ms. Clooney's A Capella version. Ms. Boone stated that, like her son Jordan, she would always find comfort in this beautiful song, which highlights Scott Hamilton on tenor sax solo.

While all the tracks are so enjoyable, I really love the way she sang "Mood Indigo," which features a vocal quartet - herself and her sisters Cheryl, Lindy and Laury with vocal chart arrangement written by Earl Brown. With its vintage-sounding arrangement and its nostalgic rendition, this classic from Duke Ellington/Barney Bigard/Irving Mills evokes a sentimental feeling that will flood your eyes with an ocean of tears as the sisters sing...

Little sister, you ain't been blue
No, no, no
You ain't been blue
Not till you've had that mood indigo
That feelin' goes stealin' down to your shoes
Then you cry, you just sit there and cry
Go long, so long blues...

Always get that mood indigo
Since my baby said goodbye
In the evenin' when lights are low
I'm so lonesome I could cry

The wonderful tone of John Pizzarrelli's guitar as well as his soft and mellow scat can be heard in "I've Grown Accustomed To His Face" while Dan Higgin's flute plays beautifully in "It Might As Well Be Spring" complementing Ms. Boone's gorgeous vocals. The Van Heusen/Burke medley is also surprisingly stunning "But Beautiful," "Moonlight Becomes You" and "Like Someone In Love." One of my all-time favorites "The Music That Makes Me Dance" by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill was rendered so beautiful and heartfelt making it one of the best interpretations ever recorded. And she dedicated it to her hubby, Gabri. The delicate medley of "It Never Entered My Mind" and "In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning" was selected as a tribute to Frank Sinatra, whom Ms. Boone had worked with on several occasions in the past. The enchanting Bossa Nova arrangement on "The Best Is Yet To Come" is so pleasing to the ears.

An all-time top favorite, Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne's "Time After Time" is also a highlight and one of the singer's favorite songs that Chet Baker recorded in an album called "Chet Baker Sings." According to her, "she fell in love with that album in 1996 and developed a real school girl's crush on Chet. She spent summer tirelessly delighting in his trumpet playing and melting at the sound of his voice, not to mention his picture." She then sent a copy of the record to Rosemary knowing that she would absolutely "love the way this guy sang." And to her surprise, Rosemary told her; "Do you know I carry around a picture of Chet Baker in my wallet to this day?" In other words, they had a crush on the same guy! Co-incidentally, "Chet Baker Sings" is also my very first Chet Baker CD from my collection and I have written a review on this outstanding album about a year ago. It's a very nice album that focuses on Chet Baker not as a trumpet player but as a singer with a soft and mellow vocal style.

Listen to Debby Boone at her utmost best as she pays homage to one of the best female singers of all-time, Rosemary Clooney. You'll also be delighted with the Liner Notes, which include in great detail Ms. Boone's heartfelt sentiments for each and every song she selected for this great tribute album.

An album of sheer beauty, elegance and perfection.