Search - Bob Cohen :: Moonlight Serenade

Beautiful renditions of classics

Michael S. Berliner | 12/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album has three things going for it: selection, arrangements and voice. For musical purists, what more could one ask?The selection of songs is superb. Some classics (with "Autumn Leaves" sung beautifully in English and French) and some rarely-recorded greats, especially "If I Love Again" and "I Wish I Didn't Love You So."As to the arrangements: they are, thankfully, from the "straight" school. Cohen has the sense to respect the songs and the composers and is not tempted to show how "clever" he is by modifying the melodies. But these are not emotionless, perfunctory renditions. On the contrary, his love for the music is evident.Great selection and arrangements would be to no avail were the singer not up to the task. But Cohen has a beautiful voice, with the supreme virtues of clarity and purity. He's soft when he needs to be and strong when he needs to be. This is a wonderful and moving album for those who appreciate great songs sung they way they should be sung."

Love songs to listen to

Dr. Janice Moulton | Massachusetts | 12/17/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These are real love songs. They make me feel romantic and warm and cheer me up when other things aren't right. And the way Bob Cohen sings them, I can imagine he is singing them just for me. What a wonderful set to listen to over and over again. I especially like his Rain Medley, "Not a Day Goes By" and "Until the Real Thing Comes Along." And also "Yiddishe Momme". Oh, I love all of them."

Classic Songs Sung by a Classy Singer

Bob Brown | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | 04/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a lover of Gershwin, Kern, Porter, Carmichael, Mercer and the great songs of the thirties and forties, I relish this album. It is filled with enduring music sung and played to perfection by Bob Cohen and his accompanist, Richard Groman.Bob and Richard present the songs with simplicity and honesty, respecting the composer rather than trying to reinvent the music. Bob's voice is so pure, his style so elegant, that I can identify with every presentation. As one who has had voice training and has done a little singing, I hear Bob using all the techniques I was taught, but delivering them much better than I ever could. And his pitch is perfect, which mine never was!My wife Madeline is an equally ardent fan, as are our next door neighbors, who bought the CD at our urging. We all have had the pleasure of watching Bob and Richard perform in Bethlehem and find them completely captivating in person as well as in a recording. Bob is an excellent communicator, as may be inferred from the sincerity with which he delivers his lyrics.I do have some favorites on this disc. One is Carmichael's "Skylark," which is so wistful and melodic. "Autumn Leaves" in English and French always gets to me, and I can't remember hearing it sung better. I never tire of the humor in "Let's Do It," and Bob does lots of verses. His original second verse to "I Wish I Didn't Love You So" makes the song much more interesting.If you like these songs, you will want with this recording."