International music reviews

"Age is just a number, what matters most is your outlook in life. Smile and the world smiles at you, frown and the world frowns at you. ~ Beatriz Barretto, July 29, 1920 - September 21, 1991 ~

The above quote was once said to me by my late mother, who used to be a teacher, during one of my birthdays when I whined about getting a year older ('cause I wanted to be "forever 21" LOL!). That was one of her philosophies in life, that's why she stayed looking young all her life until she was diagnosed with the Big "C" that took her life away. She would have been 86 years old today, July 29, 2006. My late parents were so musically-inclined and I would give credit to them when it comes to my musical taste. When I was growing up, I would listen with them to their kind of music and I have learned to appreciate their music especially the songs of Frank Sinatra.

The only album Frank Sinatra ever recorded outside the United States, "Sinatra Sings Great Songs from Great Britain" is one of my late parents' favorite albums that they enjoyed listening to together. I started an on-going project about three years ago in replicating my late parents' collection of LP records into CD formats and before I could get a copy of this wonderful CD, a good friend of mine so kindly provided me with a copy. Thank you very kindly! I can't thank you enough.

This noteworthy album was arranged and conducted by one of Frank Sinatra's finest arrangers who was very impressed with the singer's musicality, Robert Farnon, whose arrangements were truly remarkable and beautiful works of art - a trademark of excellence, I would say. It starts off with the Chairman's sentimental rendition of a classic song and my all-time favorite "The Very Thought of You" and wraps up with an obscure song but performed so nicely "I'll Follow My Secret Heart."

"If I Had You," "Now Is The Hour," "We'll Meet Again" and "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" are such great songs and Frank Sinatra's singing showcases his uniquely enchanting vocals as well as his perfect diction and phrasing. While recording one of my favorite songs "If I Had You," also a favorite of the legendary singer, the piano broke down and celeste was used instead, but still came out to be a masterpiece. Frank Sinatra first recorded this beautiful song in 1947 with arranger Alex Stordahl, and again in 1956 with Nelson Riddle.

Three of my late mother's absolute favorite songs (and mine, too) from this collection are "The Very Thought of You," "We'll Meet Again," a song that was personally chosen by the singer and "Now Is The Hour," which barely made it to the repertoire since it's the only non-British song but the Chairman insisted, "It's near enough British."

"Now is the hour
When we must say goodbye
And each hour I'll miss you
Far across the sea . . .

While I'm away
Oh please remember me
Someday I'll sail across the seas
Back to you . . .

It's not 'Goodbye'
It's just a sweet 'Adieu'
'Cause someday I'll sail across the seas
Home to you."

And I dedicate these great songs from this album to her - the best mother one could ever have. The one who instilled in my young mind the ABCs of right and wrong. I love you, Mama, more than you'll ever know. "We'll meet again!"

"We'll meet again
Don't know where, don't know when
But I know we'll meet again some sunny day
Keep smiling through just like you always do
Till the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away

So will you please say 'Hello' to the folks that I know
Tell them I won't be long
They'll be happy to know that as you saw me go
I was singing this song
We'll meet again
Don't know where, don't know when
But I know we'll meet again some sunny day."

This is one of Frank Sinatra's finest recordings. Give it a listen and enjoy the great songs from Great Britain. Very highly recommended.

Reviewer Mark Blackburn's 01/10/03 review below is so absolutely on the money that it should be part of the liner notes! The person who reviewed it for All Music Guide (only 2 stars) completely misses the reason that many serious Sinatra listeners find this to be one his most compelling albums.

This long fabled collection of tunes from "across the pond" by Francis Albert Sinatra is definitely a point of interest along the road of collecting important works by one of the world's greatest singers. Much has been written about Sinatra's vocal condition being under par during the undertakings presented here. The astute Sinatra fan will remark that he sounds thin here and there, or he cuts off notes when he normally wouldn't; but it actually works in his favor on most of these songs, which are required to be sung with a tone of wistfulness and longing. Special mention must first be made, when reviewing this album, to the exquisite backings charted by one of Britain's favorite musical brainchildren, Robert Farnon (whose work with Tony Bennett years after this album merits some of that "other" Italian crooner's absolute finest) Nelson Riddle lent a minimal helping hand with chords and note changes, but this was all Farnon and Sinatra, the one and only time these two geniuses ever got together. All the stories are true; the piano really did break down that first night, and they went with the celeste, and it came off without a hitch. Yes, Frank did want to dump ROSES OF PICARDY, dreamily sad as it seems here; (Bobby Darin would team up with Billy May and give this one a great swing later on) Happily for us, ROSES OF PICARDY has been restored here. Everything you've heard about this album is true, except if you believe the story that this originally UK-only released gem finds Sinatra straining to get through the works. Just listen to the subdued intensity in his heartbreak version of NOW IS THE HOUR. A touching performance, as is the other great anthem of so-longs-ville, WE'LL MEET AGAIN. Believe it or not, the prettily-titled WE'LL GATHER LILACS IN THE SPRING comes off very well with Sinatra setting the scene along the lane beautifully, abetted by what I consider the finest chart written for this album by Robert Farnon. The slyness incorporated in both arrangement and vocal on the classic IF I HAD YOU is not to be missed, complete with referential brass section tipping their 'darby' to Nelson Riddle in that tight, sweet sound. Noel Coward's I'LL FOLLOW MY SECRET HEART is a fantastic closer on this very pertinent set, and differs greatly from the version Sinatra laid down with Axel Stordahl on the classic "Point Of No Return" package for Capitol in 1960. The soaring strings at the end of the chart show Farnon's exuberance once again, as if to remind us of just how wonderful each of the charts were in this album. You'll thoroughly enjoy this album.

Javier Solis' collection of unfogettable love songs, what a
"Torch" singer! he must have carried the Torch for someone to sing his love songs with such feelings the way he did!( just like Frankie did for Eva Gardner)
This CD. has it all Tangos, Boleros, Rancheras all sung to the masterful mariachi arrangement of F.Z. Maldonado(the Mexican Nelson Riddle)This was Javier Solis' highest selling L.P. at the time of it's release with such memorable songs as Sombras,En Mi Viejo San Juan, Cuando Calienta El Sol, Songs that have become closely associated with Javier Solis, in my opinion there's not a weak trak in the whole bunch!
This CD is sure to compliment anybody's music collection, Listen to it with someone you Love!

Contains all the great JS music for new and old fans. This is a must for all fans of Mariachi music.

At 15 years old I heard Javier for the first time eventhough, he had already died. Slowly, this voice melted into my heart and now at 51, I still can't get enough of the same songs. "Cuando calienta el sol" is beatifully performed by this magnificent voice. His premature death has me saying, "there were too many romantic boleros that needed to be sung by this particular voice that were left begging and poor because they were not recorded by Javier Soliz." I have one question for the recording companies. "Why haven't you released the other great recordings by Javier with songs like, ""Siento Alejarme de Ti, Mi Medallita, Desierto en el Alma, etc.""?" I would buy this CD in a heartbeat as I know others would, so please release these recordings. We fans recognize that this voice does not come around but only about every hundred years. His premature death in his late thirties and the fact that he only sang in Spanish was a loss for the whole music loving peoples of the world.

Myriam Hernandez sings like an absolute angel. 'Todo El Amor' is a wonderful collection of music sung from Myriam's heat and soul. My cd just arrived from Amazon today and I could hardly wait to listen to all eleven songs. Myriam's talents are on full display on this cd. Her vocal range and sincerity will amaze you. I'm a devoted fan 4ever!!!

This is yet another example of why this artist is so special to me. The lyrics by the most talented composers and musical arrangements add that special compliment to the sensuous voice that only Myriam can produce. This CD has a very good mixture of songs for different moods. I can relate to just about every song she sings on this CD. I give it 5 stars because that's the highest we can go.

To start things off I want to say I'm not hispanic but I love there music. I always listen to the mega 97.9, a New York station, and when I first heard the song, Huele A Peligro it brought tears to my eyes. Tears flowed down my face with so much feeling in my heart. I couldn't believe how beautiful she sound. I don't speak or understand spanish but the way she touched me with her cry, like there were so much pain or love in her heart. What ever it was it brought chills to my body. Her music sends off a very romantic vibe. I only wish I could understand what she is saying. Her album is very beautiful. All her songs are great. Myriam I don't know if you read these reviews but god has blessed you with an incredible voice and good looks to go with it. Keep singing the music with your Beautiful Voice. Chris Davis

ALMOST EVERY SONG IN THIS CD SET IS A TREASURE. THE HARMONY IS THE VERY BEST EVER. THE GUITAR PICKING IS BEYOND COMPARE. I NEVER GET TIRED OF LISTENING TO IT. YOU DON'T NEED A THOUSAND WORDS TO GET YOUR MESSAGE ACROSS.

Where is "cuando vuelva a tu lado"!?oh well,this is the one I would reccomend if you don't own any panchos cd's.This trio defines true romance,by the beutiful strumming and prickling of the acoustic guitars,and the raw,heartfelt melodic vocals!eydie gorme who guests frequently with los panchos has an amazing voice that is truly for los enamorados!check out "nosotros","si tu me dices ven","sabor a mi" and " me voy pa`l pueblo"!

Los Panchos created music for an era of romance. My mother was fortunate enough to grow up listening to their music. On a recent visit, she shared with me her love for this wonderful trio.

Her favorite present this year will be this beautiful music in this CD collection. I have also decided to share this music with several friends. What a great gift ... the gift of romance.

I usually don't listen to slow music (even though this does have some fast beat ones)but I had to but this one. It is very sensual and powerful. The words the music and his voice just makes this one uncomparable. Chayanne is Truly an Artist.

I first saw this artist in the movie " DANCE WITH ME ". Shortly thereafter I purchased the movies soundtrack. I then fell in love with his music, and Latin music in general. I find his music Sensual, Passionate,and Smooth. It is true that music can transcend many barriers. I do not speak, or understand Spanish at all, but I love this music ,and Chayannes music particularly.

This album runs a close second to his most recent album "Atado A Tu Amor". Again - every song on this album is a winner. You don't have to speak Spanish to understand the feelings and emotions that Chayanne brings to the ballads - i.e. Tal Vez Es Amor, Solo Pienso en Ti, the desperation in Solamente Tu Amor (Only Your Love), the yearning in Volver A Nacer. Baila, Baila (Dance,Dance) is a great salsa number and Guajira has a great cha-cha beat. If your toes don't start tapping - causing you to get up and dance around the room - nothing will! On Ramito de Flores Chayanne sings about the happiness the beauty of his homeland Puerto Rico brings to him. A really uplifting, happy melody - true caribbean style. All in all, this album is great. Get it soon, sit back, and enjoy a soulful serenade from the consummate performer - Chayanne!

If I were stranded on a turtle island and I could only bring along 10 cds, this would be on my list. Whomever chose the songs that ended up on this collection is also welcome on my island. :)

The music is fairly far reaching in its scope with the possible exception of all the vocalists being female. From some traditional songs with only a drum accompanyment to contemporary poetry atop music, this CD has burned itself into my own mind with its lyrical and intriguing music.

I'm not all about native American music. Still, this CD makes me want to hear more. Simply stated, it is excellent.

I purchased this Cd with the hopes of hearing the Native American laguages spoken or in this case sung. This is a great Cd. I have learned the words and now sing along. I only wish that they had provided a translation page so that I knew what I was singing. This is a must have for anyone that loves native music or just loves great music.

An excellent sample of songs from the North American continent.
The CD contains some excellent tracks and is a very good starting point from which albums of the artists featured here can then be purchased, for example Sharon Burch, Walela and Joanne Shenandoah.
However the album works well as a collection in its own right with a suitably varied colection of cntemporary North American women artists.
A CD that will bring joy to the ear from the sheer beauty of the music.

My review of "White Shoes" ran in the June 1985 issue of CD REVIEW magazine. The music is great and the fidelity is exceptional. Great band, songs, production. It's probably Harris's most rocking album.

As was the custom in those early years, Emmylou relied heavily on covers, but the choice of songs gives you the first clue that this album differs from its predecessors. Among the songs covered are Pledging my love (a rock'n'roll classic by Johnny Ace, though I first came across it via a Teresa Brewer cover and her version is still my favorite), On the radio (very different from the disco version by Donna Summer) and Diamonds are a girl's best friend (an old show tune that is most commonly associated with Marilyn Monroe although Jo Stafford was the first singer to have a hit with it) and Like an old-fashioned waltz (originally written by Sandy Denny, a brilliant folk singer-songwriter).

The opening track, Driving wheel, is a brilliant rocking song that was co-written by Billy Swan (famous for I can help) and T Bone Burnett. White shoes is from the songbook of Jack Tempchin, who wrote several Eagles songs including Peaceful easy feeling and Already gone. Randy Meisner, once a member of the Eagles, recorded White shoes on one of his solo albums, three years before Emmylou recorded the song.

Some continuity with the past is provided - there are two Rodney Crowell songs (Baby better start turning 'em down, It's only rock'n'roll). The album is completed by two brilliant original songs, In my dreams (the biggest hit from the album) and Good news.

This is a fascinating album in many ways, not like any of Emmylou's other albums. It is albums like this that make me grateful for having eclectic musical tastes. The music is brilliant but it is not obvious what the target market was. It was a decisive move in the direction of rock music, but with Brian Ahern as producer (his last Emmylou album in that role), it probably was not decisive enough for those rock fans that weren't won over by her country-rock albums of the seventies, while some of her existing country fans just didn't want to know.

So this album's appeal was limited to die-hard Emmylou fans and those (like me) with eclectic tastes, which is a pity because there are some great performances here. Perhaps the fans that Emmylou acquired with Wrecking ball and other more recent albums may appreciate this album more than Emmylou's traditional fans.

WHITE SHOES marked the last album that Emmylou Harris worked with her longtime producer Brian Ahern. The result is a very experimental album that is the closest thing Harris has done to a rock album. There are some really inspired cover song choices here, like a cover of Donna Summer's "On The Radio" which is inspired, and Johnny Ace's "Pledging My Love". The title track is an instant favorite. The hits from the album were "Drivin Wheel" and "In My Dreams". Other favorites include the old showtune "Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend", and two Rodney Crowell covers "It's Only Rock N Roll" and "Baby, Better Start Turnin Em Down". Overally a really unique offering from Harris that all fans should own.

I had always wondered whether, as Rondo Veneziano got "older", whether the quality of their original works would decline. Well, after listening to Zodiaco, I am happy to say that my fears have been unfounded. Zodiaco is, in this keen listener's opinion, one of Rondo's top three CD's ever - comparable only to the original "Rondo Veneziano" and the CD Import "The Best of - Volume 1". Track 2 on Zodiaco is almost unbearably beautiful, and has become my all-time RV classic. The other tracks, including the title track, are also extremely good, and anyone could listen to this wonderful music for hours. Bravo RV and Maestro Reverberi for maintaining such an incredible standard over all these years.

Received this disc a few weeks ago and cannot stop listening to it! It is most delightful and very infectious! Rondo Veneziano's sound is 2nd to none. A musical interpretation of the Zodiac but the music is so good you don't need to know it was inspired by star signs. Among the greatest of instrumental groups of all time, Rondo Veneziano has achieved the perfect blend of pop and classical styles.

I have listened to Rondo Veneziano since the mid-80s, and it continues to enchant me. I'm so glad that I can get these CDs now in the US.

I am one of their biggest fans, and this latest album has become a favorite. I have gotten copies for many of my friends and family for birthdays, holidays, etc. It is an ideal gift!

Hac�a mucho tiempo que no sal�a al mercado latino una producci�n tan "heavy" como esta. Todo buen conocedor de estos g�neros podr� notar la hermosa fusi�n de ritmos y voces; y la influencia de super-m�sicos como Papo Luca, Sal Cuevas, Cuco Pe�a y una excelente calidad en las mezclas, t�picas de los productos que salen de la f�brica de Emilio Estefan.

Todo el disco est� BUENISIMO, pero "Mi amor no es un favor" , "Qui�n te cantar�" y "El Adios" son mis favoritas, este disco no debe faltar en tu colecci�n!!!

Jair Ruiz
Panam�

Tremendo tema, por aca esta sonando fuerte en la radio, lo unico es que no lo estan vendiendo en las tiendas.. Por eso lo voy a comprar por aqui..

Increible escuchar nuevamente a Papo Lucca y Sal Cuevas de la Fania All Stars en este album.

This is a great CD! It's some of the best work these two have put out. The still do many of this album's songs on tour. I highly recommend catching them if ya can!

While American music was stagnating and wholly uninspired in the last few years I was wondering if and when it would get it's act together. Mindless pop tunes with no soul autotuned to sterile perfection blared on every radio channel I knew that there had to be a glimmer of light somewhere to save music. I endured a few more years of this and finally it took me moving to San Diego California in 2002 to know that while American music had lost its passion the rest of the world however had not. Driving in my U-haul over the mountains east of San Diego the US channels faded to static and the Mexican stations took over. Soon I hear a sublime impassioned voice whispering passionately in Spanish. Though I do not understand Spanish the heartfelt emotions pouring from the singer backed by a wistful guitar, the message was clear. The music fanned the dieing embers of my heart and washed over me in a glorious candlelight. The Song I was as I have just recently found out was Sin Bandera's Te Vi Venir, easily the best piece of music I've heard anywhere, anyplace in the world in many years. My heart was inspired and the Romantic in me rekindled. I knew that hope had returned to music.

I went to boarding school for senior year and my roommate was Mexican and played this album incessantly and I was addicted so I bought it also. I'm an international student from Africa and when I went home, all my friends were so addicted, we requested Entra en Mi Vida on radio so many times that they had to go find it. It's such a great album. My favourite's are Sirena and Te Vi Venir