Sweet and Lovely: The Best of Nino Tempo & April Stevens

Nino Tempo | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 9, 1996)
• Original Release Date: April 9, 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Varese Sarabande
• ASIN: B0000014WB
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,583 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Deep Purple

2. Sweet and Lovely

3. Teach Me Tiger

4. Paradise

5. (We'll Always Be) Together

6. Begin the Beguine

7. Whispering

8. Stardust

9. Tea for Two

10. I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)

11. The Coldest Night of the Year

12. I Love How You Love Me

13. All Strung Out

14. You'll Be Needing Me Baby

15. I Can't Go on Livin' Baby Without You

16. I'm Fallin' for You

17. Why Don't You Do Right?

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More classy classic pop, January 18, 2002

By 

Zub "Zubenelgenubi" (Forks Twp., PA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sweet and Lovely: The Best of Nino Tempo & April Stevens (Audio CD)

Brother and sister Nino Tempo and April Stevens had chart successes both together and individually from the 50's into the 70's. This compilation, while focusing on their stint at Atco in the early 60's and later with White Whale Records, also includes April's solo minor hit from '59, "Teach Me Tiger", along with two previously unreleased songs done in the 90's. The Atco recordings include all their charted singles headed up by the chart-topping "Deep Purple". A lesser number of cuts from their White Whale period follow, among which is the Spectorian marvel "All Strung Out".

Nino and April's musical talents beyond just performing are made evident here and the variety of styles handled range from schmaltzy and sophisticated pop to country and r'n'b. While much of Nino and April's output is represented here, there are a few omissions such as April's "Wake Up And Love Me" on A&M, that, had they been included, would have made this a five-star collection.

Sound quality is generally very good although a few early Atco tracks are noticeably sandy. Tracks are in stereo with the exception of 1,3,4,7 and 11. The eight-page liner notes booklet includes a musical backround on the pair with some pics. Though not totally comprehensive in coverage, this piece offers an excellent overview of this highly talented yet underappreciated duo.

More White Whale recordings of Nino and April are available on the Varese Vintage "All Strung Out" CD. In addition, their first two Atco albums are available on a Collectables two-fer. For those seeking a deeper mining of this pair's musical output, these CDs are also worthwhile.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A collection of their absolute best. Classy rockabilly., September 23, 1999

By 

Bob Magruder at [e-mail] (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sweet and Lovely: The Best of Nino Tempo & April Stevens (Audio CD)

If Nino & April had come along in 1952, rather than l962, they would have been huge stars. Their rockabilly style with the pop standards of the 40s and 50s was unique and commercial. Nino's musicianship was (is?) superb. But in the 60s, hard rock was taking over record sales. And Nino & April's best stuff was looked upon as "novelty". Although "Deep Purple" and "Whispering" were their big sellers, their "Tea For Two" and "Paradise" may be the best versions I ever heard. Terrific also are the original "Together" and Nino's inspired version of "Begin The Beguine". Trying mainstream rock, the pair had somewhat of a comeback with "All Strung Out" in 1966 and then faded to the nightclub circuit. Also liked Nino's attempt at country and jazz on the last two cuts. I dare you to listen to this album twice and not have Nino and April's unique phrasing pulsing in your head.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Pre-Beatles 1960s Listening, February 18, 2000

By 

Mike Lofquist (Toronto, Ontario) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sweet and Lovely: The Best of Nino Tempo & April Stevens (Audio CD)

I heard this album while browsing around a downtown record store and was moved to buy it. Most of the songs are strong, only a few sound dated and one really stinks. Tempo & Stevens' version of "Stardust" is the best I've ever come across. This music belongs in your collection.