Customer Reviews

By Request

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is not what would be called an original album. It consists of Olstead's renditions of works from the WWII era. She does a very creditable job. Her voice is strong and clear and the accompaniment is modest in size (not big band) but perfect. In general, this means a laid back tempo and easy swing.

I didn't think I would ever be able to favorably recognize a rendition of "What a Wonderful World" that did not have Satchmo's unique styling but this one is superb. So too does she manage to snatch "Georgia on My Mind" from Ray Charles and make it her own. This is what she accomplishes all through the album.

None of these qualifies as my favorites but I have no regrets. It is a solid piece of work.

Renee Olstead's "By Request..." is one of the sweetest surprises to come along in quite awhile. She carries on the legacy of the Golden Age of Jazz & Blues with her unique shadings and touch that's quite rare in today's offerings. "By Request.." is a marvelous expression of love that's sure to please. Classic standards, creative arrangements, superb all-star musicians
and Renee's sensuous styling make this a must have. What a wonderful world it is!

This CD while very good is not as good as the later "Renee Olstead" CD. Her voice is more mature and the backing and production values of the later CD are superior. There is one song that is common to both CDs "Taking a Chance on Love." The difference is rather striking. If you are only ordering one Renee Olstead Album skip "By Request" and get "Renee Olstead."

Renee Olstead used to be Eddie Reed's Swing Quintet's singer in Long Beach. Reed had the hottest sidemen and Rene has harrowed some of them for this hot little session. Olstead has a sophistocated style, and a mature voice, full of class and sass! She may be heading in the class of Jane Monheit, she's already surpassed Diana Krall, vocally speaking. This cd is better then her recent more commercial one, but you need them both. This one is more JAZZ oriented.

I just bought my second copy of this CD. It's completely unexpected, because the music style is different from Renee's previous albums. The rich, big band sound is delightful, and Renee's voice is as powerful, soulful and fresh as you'd want in such a timeless collection. I just ordered a second CD for my father-in-law's Christmas gift. He will love it!

I first saw Renee when she was about 14. She's not much older now, but even more incredible than ever. This young lady gives me chills when I hear her punch out an old favorite. She must be a reincarnated singer from the swing era, because no one her age should know how to feel the songs the way she does. Unbelievable!

Anyone who enjoys the original Renee Olstead album should be buying this up instantaneously! This was the mini-precursor album to Renee Olstead and it shows; you can still feel more of the raw soul rather than the refined jazz singer, but the songs look and feel very appropriate for the age in which they were first created. Olstead brings them to life as if this WERE the golden age of jazz. Thanks for this phenomonal CD, it never leaves my truck!

I am not sure if Renee was even a teenager when she made this CD, but it would be a pretty good CD for a singer of any age, but it is fantastic considering her being in the lower half of teenage when she did it. I was very skeptical of her ability to do a decent "Georgia on My Mind", she not only pulled it off, but did an amazing job of doing it. She was not as strong throughout, but where she is more than makes up those.

Renee was only 13 when this CD come out, but supplementing my review on her Reprise debut, this CD is just as good. Although 3 song on here are also represented on her 2004 CD, she shows a more stripped down sound than on her David Foster produced release. She also displays a mature sounding voice even at 13. This disc should satisfy your jones for Renee Olstead's music.

Never have I heard such a young beautiful voice teamed with some of the greatest tunes ever written. Whoever is handling Renee's song list is doing one heck of a job. Keep it up Renee!