Something Cool [Original recording remastered]

June Christy | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 23, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 1953
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B00005Q66L
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  Unknown Binding
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,250 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

First making her reputation as vocalist with Stan Kenton's orchestra, June Christy was the ideal vocalist for the high-art ambitions of the progressive jazz movement. Her diction was impeccable, her phrasing often inspired, and as this reissue of her classic Something Cool--augmented by another 12 tracks recorded between 1953 and 1955--so ably demonstrates, her technique was extraordinary, allowing her to navigate the most abstract melody with accurate pitch and rhythmic confidence. That's no small feat, for the orchestrations that Pete Rugolo fashioned for these recordings are often harmonically dense, with layered chords, sudden interpolations, and odd metric shifts. Few of the songs could be called standards. Many have melodies that are hardly hummable. Some, like Rugolo's own "Look out up There," seem bop inspired, but Christy not only sings them, she makes them her own, balancing execution with a subtly nuanced, expressive dimension. The results are often dramatic, detached, and highly memorable, whether the song is well known--"This Time the Dream's on Me," "Midnight Sun"--or as obscure as "Kicks" or the previously unreleased, anonymously penned "Love Doesn't Live Here Anymore." This is an intriguing view of a gifted singer and a window on a remarkable and overlooked repertoire. --Stuart Broomer

Product Description

June Christy, Something Cool

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A historic album, still fresh and intriguing, November 15, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Something Cool (Audio CD)

A decade ago Capitol released "Something Cool" on C.D. intermixed with singles done at the same time, totally obliterating one of the most original and significant albums in recording history. At last now the album is restored to its original form and once again we hear a fresh, intriguing collection matching off-beat songs to fascinating jazz vocals and imaginative arrangements. "Something Cool" was one of the first true albums, a gigantic seller and the catalyst for getting June Christy out of the B-list singles market into the A-list album field. Even better, we get the stereo remake done six years or so after the original album with nearly the same musicians and here's June a totally different artist, much deeper, much wiser, huskier in the voice, more experienced in the soul. With the same arrangements, same conductor, nearly the same musicians, same songs and same singer, it's still a totally different listening experience. But both albums, on the their own, are great and profound and thrilling. A double whammy.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something Cool, June Christy, April 15, 2004

By 

HelenCarol (Ventnor, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Something Cool (Audio CD)

Having just reached the "legal" drinking age, on a sunny, hot summer afternoon, in Pittsburgh, PA, my "coolest" male friend decided to take me for a DRINK.
He loved jazz and jazz singers, so we went into a very dim, cool, jazz nightclub.
There, I spent what was to be one of the most memorable afternoons of my life...on stage, singing Something Cool, was June Christy. Quietly, my friend ordered my first Tom Collins for me.
As I was drinking it, Miss Christy paused, and said to me, "This one's for you." At that moment, I realized what being a first class, most talented singer can do...bring special joy, and create lasting memories.
With her wonderful, rich voice, and Something Cool, Miss Christy
still transports me back to that afternoon.
Get this CD, and allow her to make memories for you.
HCS
HCS

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Little June,big voice, July 20, 2003

By 

ellafan (MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Something Cool (Audio CD)

I basically swiped this LP from my big brother when I was about 8 or so.I had listened to it every day,and when he was going back to the base,I sneaked it out of his suitcase! Then I wore the LP out,and had to get several more.So,here it is on CD!! Ms.Christy was a very tiny lady,but she can hit the low notes with the best of them.My absolute favorite on the CD is "Midnight Sun."Of all the versions I've heard of this song,June's is my favorite.Her unusual phrasing,and the depth of her voice is wonderful to listen to.Here I am,55 and still in love with the songs on this CD.I'm sure you will buy this as you fill up your Christy Quota.You will not be disappointed.
Oh,yes..I bought my brother his own CD when it came out!