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Editorial Reviews
Part sex kitten, part All-American girl, Jane Krakowski is 100 percent adorable-a quality that's fully evident throughout her debut solo DRG recording: Live at Feinstein's at The Regency Hotel. Indeed, Krakowski's patented brand of va-va-vroom coupled with vulnerability has kept her in good stead for over 20 years from her Broadway triumphs in Grand Hotel and Nine (which earned her a Tony Award) to her popular TV roles in Ally McBeal and her current show, 30 Rock (for which she received a 2009 Emmy Award nomination)- and it's a smart move for her to capitalize on it for her official debut album which was recorded in October, 2009. Not content with singing predictable standards, although the "live" recording has it's fair share of stop the show hits, Krakowski's act includes a couple of cabaret detours: the Sesame Street favorite "Rubber Ducky" and an offbeat "drug medley" of "When I Get Low I Get High" and "Wacky Dust." She also includes a contemporary twist with a brilliantly updated version of Rodgers & Hart's "Zip" called "Tweet" with special lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
All right, I'll start by admitting I've had it bad for Jane Krakowski (see, Jane, some folks CAN spell your last name) ever since I first saw her on the Ally McBeal TV show more than a decade ago...and when she opened her mouth to sing, my bottom jaw fell to the floor...all the looks, and a set of pipes to match! Her recordings (Ally McBeal soundtracks, cast albums) have all been quite listenable, and I've been hoping for a full album that would showcase her talents in a way that would bring her even more fame and fortune.
This, however, is not that album. Please don't misunderstand me--it's a fine piece of work, and it gives the lovely lady the chance to shine as few performers can. Her amazing talent, her sense of humor, her fabulous voice, and her rapport with her audience are, to a greater or lesser degree, all on display here, and there is very, very little that could make this album better as a recording of a cabaret performance. On that level alone, it is the equivalent--nay, the equal--of "Noel Coward in Las Vegas," Blossom Dearie's "Blossom Time at Ronnie Scott's," or any of the fine Mabel Mercer or Alberta Hunter videos of a couple of decades back. Bravo, Jane...you've got it and you're putting it out there for all to hear.
But this album, peppered with plenty of 2010 jokes, a rap, references to even more pop culture than I can decipher, and double-entendre as well, is lacking in much that would prove that the amazing Jane is much more than just a Martha Wright or a Katie Lee for the current century...and even their albums (along with the aforementioned cabaret recordings) had their moments of poignancy and depth. Other than "I'm Old Fashioned" (which turns out to be only a setup for yet another moment of levity) and her finale version of "Let's Face the Music and Dance," there is not much here that wouldn't sound right at home on a Dr. Demento broadcast. Yes, Jane Krakowski is a fine comic actress and singer, but she's also capable of treating more serious ballads and show tunes with the class they deserve--the evidence of that, though, is just a bit too scanty here.
The album is well-worth the price and the time to listen to, multiple times over. But don't get your hopes too high: it's not the album that she is capable of, nor (I predict) the one that will let the world know just how talented and listenable she really is in ALL genres. I do, however, recommend it very highly to fans of cabaret, current culture (even songs from early last century sound fresh when she inhabits them), and comedy. And the new lyric for "Zip," along with the rap in "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" certainly made me laugh out loud more than once.
One final gripe, though...someone had the bright idea of getting Will Friedwald, our generation's most ostrich-headed pop-culture writer, to do the liner notes. My suggestion? Glue the inner four pages of the booklet together and just enjoy the music. Bravo, Ms. Krakowski. Now let's show 'em everything ELSE you've got. I can't wait!
This, however, is not that album. Please don't misunderstand me--it's a fine piece of work, and it gives the lovely lady the chance to shine as few performers can. Her amazing talent, her sense of humor, her fabulous voice, and her rapport with her audience are, to a greater or lesser degree, all on display here, and there is very, very little that could make this album better as a recording of a cabaret performance. On that level alone, it is the equivalent--nay, the equal--of "Noel Coward in Las Vegas," Blossom Dearie's "Blossom Time at Ronnie Scott's," or any of the fine Mabel Mercer or Alberta Hunter videos of a couple of decades back. Bravo, Jane...you've got it and you're putting it out there for all to hear.
But this album, peppered with plenty of 2010 jokes, a rap, references to even more pop culture than I can decipher, and double-entendre as well, is lacking in much that would prove that the amazing Jane is much more than just a Martha Wright or a Katie Lee for the current century...and even their albums (along with the aforementioned cabaret recordings) had their moments of poignancy and depth. Other than "I'm Old Fashioned" (which turns out to be only a setup for yet another moment of levity) and her finale version of "Let's Face the Music and Dance," there is not much here that wouldn't sound right at home on a Dr. Demento broadcast. Yes, Jane Krakowski is a fine comic actress and singer, but she's also capable of treating more serious ballads and show tunes with the class they deserve--the evidence of that, though, is just a bit too scanty here.
The album is well-worth the price and the time to listen to, multiple times over. But don't get your hopes too high: it's not the album that she is capable of, nor (I predict) the one that will let the world know just how talented and listenable she really is in ALL genres. I do, however, recommend it very highly to fans of cabaret, current culture (even songs from early last century sound fresh when she inhabits them), and comedy. And the new lyric for "Zip," along with the rap in "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" certainly made me laugh out loud more than once.
One final gripe, though...someone had the bright idea of getting Will Friedwald, our generation's most ostrich-headed pop-culture writer, to do the liner notes. My suggestion? Glue the inner four pages of the booklet together and just enjoy the music. Bravo, Ms. Krakowski. Now let's show 'em everything ELSE you've got. I can't wait!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Ross Waghorn
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I found this title by chance when searching for other broadway and cabaret cd's. Jane Krakowski is a favourite TV actess of mine for Ally McBeal days and I knew she was a broadway performer as well. The setting for this live performance suits Janes style and, with an accomplished band backing her up, Jane interprets the songs in her own way, with great aplomb. This disc is fast becoming a favourite of mine, right up there with Bernadette Peters and Kristen Chenowyth.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This gal can sing. This is a great album from a couple of different viewpoints. Jane Krakowski has a voice that fits the music my Dad listened to and the music I enjoy also. The live recording, with her dialogue/monologue between the songs just added to the "dated" feel of this album. Listening to it was both enjoyable and fun. I have already recommended it to numerous friends.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Satisfied customer
I wish there was more singing and less talking, but the music is great. I don't like the idea of having to come up with 20 words because if I do I end up wasting my time and yours... Read more
Published 19 months ago by F. Joan Berry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent album
Jane Krakowski is a talented musician. I got her CD after hearing her sing randomly on 30 Rock. I thought, "Wow, she should have an album!" Lo and behold, she does. Read more
Published on October 31, 2010 by super_wills
5.0 out of 5 stars
KRAKOWSKI--Kool, Klassy, Kabaret
Jane Krakowski has it all--brains, talent, beauty--a perfect package. She is an entertainer who does just that-entertains. This CD is pure fun from start to finish. Read more
Published on August 17, 2010 by HP Cohen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Encore!
The long awaited solo CD from Jane Krakowski is now available and a must have for every collection. Although I admit I was a bit disappointed that her debut solo CD is a live... Read more
Published on August 4, 2010 by blueberryhill
5.0 out of 5 stars
She knows how to please a crowd!
I have never been a fan of cabaret as a genre. The constant rubato as opposed to keeping time just put me off. Not everything is a torch song. Read more
Published on July 19, 2010 by Steve49w
1.0 out of 5 stars
Painful
Miss Krakowski has a pleasant voice, so yesterday I took a risk and purchased this CD. I generally enjoy cabaret but all but one song were painful to listen to. Read more
Published on July 15, 2010 by A. C. Herrick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cabaret is back!
This is a delight! A great cabaret experience by an immensely talented performer. Warm, witty, relevant and great fun.
Published on July 13, 2010 by D. Beach
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