Swings Cole Porter

Anita O'Day | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 21, 1991)
• Original Release Date: June 25, 1991
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B0000047CF
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111,682 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

This reissue includes six bonus tracks: "You're the Yop," "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" and "From This Moment On."
No Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: O'DAY,ANITA
Title: SWINGS COLE PORTER
Street Release Date: 06/25/1991
Domestic
Genre: JAZZ VOCALS

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anita's voice could swim around words and music as she effortlessly sold every song she ever sang !!!, June 13, 2007

By 

Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Swings Cole Porter (Audio CD)

Anita O'Day remains one of the greatest singers of the entire twentieth century. Anita could take a tune and inject it with a type of electricity that was all her own. Never afraid to scat, change tempos or just play with intonation and syllables, Anita displayed a boldness and flair that set her apart from many vocalists. This CD proves it.

The CD starts with the twelve tracks that were on the 1959 record album entitled Anita O'Day Swings Cole Porter With Billy May; and then we get a few bonus tracks Anita did with other arrangers.

"Just One Of Those Things" starts the CD as if it were a piñata that's just been struck wide open; Billy May's typical use of the horns works well as Anita weaves her magic from the start. Anita sings this as a true jazz song and a classic both at once. "Love For Sale" gets a flashy treatment by both Anita O'Day and Billy May; the tempo changes enhance the beauty and drama of the number.

Other gems in the track set copied from the 1959 record album include "I Get A Kick Out Of You;" this song explores the joys of being with your one true love. Anita and Billy May start this slow with an opening verse; and when the tempo increases you can feel the jet engines whizzing faster than you've ever felt them! Anita doesn't always stick to the melody as she sings the lyrics; this proves her excellent ability to do any and all vocal gymnastics.

"I've Got You Under My Skin" gets the royal Latin treatment from Billy May's arrangement; and naturally Anita more than keeps up with May's work. Anita's voice oozes femininity as she uses her voice to jump up, down and all about on this number. Anita truly performs "I've Got You Under My Skin" to perfection!

"It's Delovely" boasts an energetic yet romantic flavor to it; the tempo may be fast but make no mistake: Anita O'Day sings this with passion and Billy May's arrangement shines like pure gold! The arrangement makes great use of the horns. "What Is This Thing Called Love" features Anita singing with confidence as she scats, plays with the tempo of her vocals while Billy May's tempo stays much more constant, and pours her heart and soul into performing this number as only she could.

We also get bonus tracks that reflect Anita's genius with other arrangers. I love the passion and forcefulness of Buddy Bregman's arrangement for the trombones on "You're The Top;" Anita's voice is in excellent form once again for this number. The romantic number "My Heart Belongs To Daddy" shows how Anita could get away with singing this number by occasionally leaving out the "My" in "My Heart Belongs To Daddy." And you know what? Anita does it with such a natural talent that it works very well. Jimmy Giuffre's arrangement works well, too, for "My Heart Belongs To Daddy."

"From This Moment On" begins with a beautiful piano flourish and Anita whizzes through this ballad without stumbling--and she doesn't sing a superfluous note, either! This number shines and stands as a highlight of this CD. The final track, another interpretation of ""Just One Of Those Things" has different tempo changes than the first version on this CD; the arrangement by Ralph Burns also features guitarist Tal Farlowe.

The liner notes include the recording dates for each song and Will Friedwald contributes a fine essay about Anita O'Day and her work with the different arrangers on this album.

Anita O'Day is something to be personally experienced; I can't quite find the words to completely convey the high octane, forceful energy and electricity with which she performed countless songs throughout her very long career. This CD would be a "must-have" for Anita's fans; and people who enjoy classic jazz will enjoy this CD, too. If you want to become better acquainted with the artistry of Anita O'Day, this CD is also a great place to start.

Enjoy!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anita is the best..., March 17, 2000

By 

Aaron (Aaron) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Swings Cole Porter (Audio CD)

I saw Anita O'Day March 2000 at one of her shows in Los Angeles and I told her she was the greatest and she blushed. This is one of my favorite O'Day CD's and after talking to Anita who signed my CD, it's one of her favorites too she had nothing but great things to say about Billy May who arranged the album. This CD is highly recommeded as well as her autobiography "High Times, Hard times" buy it and read it while listening to this Cd. Then go see Anita next time she plays through your town, or come to LA and see her at her regular spot The Atlas on most monday nights.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great up-tempo collection of O'Day/Porter, October 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Swings Cole Porter (Audio CD)

I've owned this CD since is came out in the early 90's, and it is one I listen to again and again--it strikes me as the best O'Day available now, sparkling with up-tempo stretches and pullings on Porter's original rhythms, melodic lines and verses. Even after dozens of listenings I can always find--or rediscover--wonderful ear-shocks.

Fun, fun, fun!