Customer Reviews

Richard Carpenter: Pianist, Arranger, Composer, Conductor

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is one of the Greatest Piano CD/Tapes I have heard for a long time. Can be played as background music anywhere. Nice relaxing music. This CD showcases Richard Carpenter's GREAT piano playing job. The only thing I wish he had included was the tune "Heather" from the "Now & Then" album, but oh well, I thought everything else besides that one small point, was great to listen to!

This album is absolutely beautiful. I enjoyed the new treatments to these well-known Carpenters standards as only the musically brilliant Richard Carpenter could give them. This album is not at all awful as others have suggested. There are those who can release any album and it's a masterpiece: Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Johnny Mathis, Paul McCartney, Barry Manilow and now it is evident that Richard Carpenter is also on that list. It's great to listen to after a hard day's work. If you want beautiful melodies, magnificent arrangements and something to calm your nerves after a long day, and if you love the music of the Carpenters, buy this c.d. If only the powers that be would see fit to re-release Richard's Time LP on compact disc. Time is another great album from this genius. The Time c.d. should have never been deleted.

There is no doubt that Richard Carpenter is an exceptionally talented pianist, composer, and performer; however, without the pure vocals of sister Karen Carpenter, this collection of instrumental Carpenter songs falls flat. It's like having ice tea without the sugar, or Coca-Cola without the fizz - you know something vital is missing. In this case what is missing is Karen's exceptional voice. As a fan of the Carpenters for over 30 years, I of course knew all the songs on this collection, and they are excellent melodies, but I kept expecting to hear Karen's voice break in, the voice that makes these songs complete.

I love the Carpenters, but without Karen's vocals, this collection reminds me of "elevator music".

Die hard Carpenter fans will want this album to compete their collection, but if you are new to Carpenter music, I'd suggest you buy one of their greatest hits collections instead.

Jim Konedog Koenig

This recording shows what everyone already knows, that Richard Carpenter is an incredibly gifted composer and arranger. It features arrangements, mostly instrumental but some with choral accompaniment, of songs that The Carpenters recorded, as well as a couple of selections that Mr. Carpenter wrote after his sister's untimely death. The latter selections seem to be deeply-felt tributes to Karen Carpenter's memory. The chorus adds a nice touch to tracks such as "Sandy." It's refreshing to hear this, along with some other lesser-known numbers, given a new treatment. As always, Mr. Carpenter's music is understated, elegant, and classy.

While this CD may not break any ground musically for Richard, it is superior elevator music. The songs are well arranged, but every song makes you long for Karen's voice to somewhere magically appear on the album. Her drumming is evident on a couple songs, and her voice is mixed in with the OK Chorale on "Sandy", but she's still not there. Richard would be better off putting out unreleased Carpenters material or doing completely new music. This album is nice to play in the office or in the background - but it is not much more than that.

... because this is his tribute to his sister and the success they shared together as the Carpenters - and it's a musically wonderful tribute to listen to.

Like most Carpenters fans, Karen was/is my favourite female vocalist of all-time - nobody else has come along with a voice quite like hers. But what most people tend to overlook is the fact that Richard Carpenter was the architect of their sound that we love so much. Give the man his due.

Congratulations, Richard, on a job well done.

I waited to buy this CD, the clips I had heard online were good but I just wasn't sure. I finally picked it up at a local store and I fell in love with it. I listen to this CD quite often, especially when I really need to relax from a rough day. I was and always will be a huge Carpenters fan, Karen's voice was one of the best this world has seen and Richard has equally fabulous talents in other areas. This CD is a wonderful tribute to the Carpenters music and a beautiful continuation of it as well. These versions of these songs showcase different qualities than the originals but equally as great. The songs lost nothing by being instrumental. The whole album fit together well. I especially loved having Karen's Theme at the end, again saying this is a tribute and a continuation of some of the best music from the second half of the 20th century.

Great album! Great background of Karen and Richard and this leaves room for the future to remember Karen, with Richard in the huge foreground. He's obviously very protective of her music, and this effort is keeping it alive. Paul Williams would be proud. I am glad he keeps so busy, as this wonderful tribute to Karen and his piano talent is showcased in a rich portrayal of many years remembering Karen. He is a very strong musical influence for many of us, and its nice to remember Karen in such a brotherly way. Thank you Richard, your fans appreciate your huge talent!-Love Karen(GAR)

When I received this CD as a gift I knew I was going to have a problem with yet another repackaged collection of material. I had grown very tired of constant reissues of music from deceased artists. But whoa, was I ever wrong. Richard Carpenter, the quiet half of one of the most successful recording teams of all time, has put together a very fresh and enjoyable "non-vocal" recording of those Carpenter hits we all know so well. The arrangements are creative, new and viberant yet take nothing away from the memories of the original recordings. This is truly a stand alone recording that can be enjoyed over and over whether you are a fan of the Carpenters or just a fan of great music. I usually don't recommend music as I feel it is a very personal thing. However, if you are even considering this album then I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Richard oh Richard, what an absolute gem! Where are the other five stars? No home should be without this CD. DONT WAIT!!!