Customer Reviews

Unforgettable

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Johnny Hartman is terrific and has made many fine albums with small groups. I enjoyed them, but nothing like this album where a wonderful big band and some swinging arrangements provide a showcase for him that others have not. This is one I will probably wear out and will have to buy another one.

Johnny Hartman would have been a household name like Sinatra or Joe Williams if his career had been longer. This was my first CD of his. He's a true jazz singer, backed by an excellent big band on this one. Your feet will be moving!

But otherwise, there are many better recordings of his. Start with the Coltrane collaberation and then the soundtrack to Bridges of Madison County. After that, if you want more, jump to the box set. He is truly one of the great vocalists.

"Yet the kind of long-term success that Hartman ultimately achieved - much to his dismay - was not the kind that could be measured on charts. When once asked by an interviewer about the kind of material he liked to sing, he answered; 'all standards - not fly-by-night songs.' Although he never achieved mass popularity in all of his 60 years, he might be glad to know that his own output has had the same kind of staying power." ~ Will Friedwald ~

I totally agree with Will Friedwald's Liner Notes about Johnny Hartman. Yes, he did not attain the kind of popularity that Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Tony Bennett achieved, but as far as vocal artistry is concerned, Johnny Hartman absolutely had a remarkable one. I was very impressed with his deep-as-an-ocean voice the first time I heard his amazing album with John Coltrane, John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman.

This wonderful album, "Unforgettable" is such a pleasurable listen from start to finish. Be it uptempo numbers such as "Almost Like Being In Love," "Isn't It Romantic" and "That Old Black Magic" or slow ballads like "Unforgettable," "Fools Rush In" and "The Very Thought of You," the singer with a cool voice can interpret each song like a soft caress with timeless appeal and guaranteed appreciation from the listeners. His engaging light swing takes on "The More I See You" and "Our Love Is Here To Stay" are such delights and two of the best tracks.

So what made this so special and irresistible? For obvious reasons, which include Johnny Hartman's profound and powerful voice that cuddles the lyrics and gives them exceptional readings; a set of beautiful standards; outstanding arrangements and orchestrations of Gerald Wilson and Oliver Nelson; and great teamwork from the finest musicians such as Ray Brown (bass), Herb Ellis (guitar), Plas Johnson (tenor sax), Mike Melvoin (piano), Stan Levy and Shelly Manne (drums), from among many others.

Johnny Hartman died in 1983 but he left behind his wonderful music - the kind that has timeless charms and can be enjoyed now and forever. With my heartfelt recommendation.

Not even being a moviegoer, I heard this album at the heiught of the Madison County Bridge hoopla period. It was playing over the PA system at the CD store. I had to ask "who is that" so I could buy the tracks, and that's how I became a fan. There is some better stuff, but you certainly can't go wrong with picking this one as your first. It give you the flavor you need. And you cannot go wring with this one. In fact its a really great album.

A truly unforgettable album.
A very good selection of standards.
Well recorded and beautiful backing to make a truly memorable addition to any collection

This album contains 2 of the 1966 Lps. All songs are excellent singing, the way he bends the notes are just....the best !!! you'll never be disappointed. I truly recommend this album.

Johnny Hartman is, as a jazz vocalist, an undiscovered treasure... i happened by this CD curtesy of WGBH of Boston, and have fallend in love with his voice ever since... they way he phrases the lyrics and the way he pushes the rythem is simply amazing to one's ear... you will not regret discovering this vocalist of obscure fame. If you need something to ease you into the moods of Johnny Hartman, try the Johnny Hartman and John Coltran colaboration... a master piece in jazz vocals.

I'm sorry I did not know about Johnny Hartman when he was alive. That voice is magnificent! I thoroughly enjoy this CD.

Another fine example of Hartman's lush singing (just like I Just Dropped by to Say Hello ) doesn't have the proper instrumental backing, apparently necessary to propell the singer to the greatness he is more than capable of achieving (see John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman )...

Still, nice music, very romantic and musical.