Search - Charles Cermele :: "Ask Me Again"

Wear out your CD player...

08/29/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think some people are just naturally more charming than the rest of us. And when you combine that personal charm with talent, sensitivity and a nearly perfect instrument, the result is a performer who is riveting on many levels.Charles Cermele is such a performer, and on his second CD, ASK ME AGAIN, he proves it without question.ASK ME AGAIN is a collection of songs carefully chosen to appeal not only to cabaret music lovers but to anyone who enjoys songs with meaning, melody and depth. On this CD, Cermele shows just how versatile he is as a singer.Beginning with a smooth "I Remember You," Cermele takes command and moves seemingly effortlessly through standards like "Blues in the Night" and "Do It Again." Energetic and thoughtful at the same time, his "con brio" baritone compliments familiar songs, songs we may not know yet, and standards that sound very different with imaginative new arrangements (Can't Help Falling in Love," "Strike Up the Band").The CD also includes Cermele's hilarious take on "Come On-a My House," the Rosemary Clooney song wildly popular in the early '50s. In contrast to the "Come on over, and let's have a party," feel of the original, Cermele's version involves a progressively indignant immigrant suitor who can't believe the lady in question isn't moved by his offers of "a marriage ring and a pomegranite, too."Done in partnership with Christopher Marlowe, cabaret's best musical director and collaborator of the late Nancy LaMott's, this CD is an excellent addition to anyone's music library. Do yourself a favor and order it. Then wear out the reverse button on your CD player listening to the end of Cermele's version of the Arlen/Gershwin song "It's a New World" from the original "A Star is Born."You will be charmed."

Quite good cabaret mix

drmdm | SANTA CRUZ, CA USA | 05/07/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoy the openness of Cermele's voice. I took a chance on him with this album and altho I Remember You is a great opening(there are a few alarming scoops I needed to hear more than once to attenuate), I didn't really kick into it until he launches into Come On A My House and tickles As Long As I Live and A Sleepin' Bee into life. He also tackles the chestnut My Shining Hour, which I didn't even care for when Joan Leslie sang it in WWII, but Charles has a way with a ballad. If you must have uptempo songs dominate your taste, this isn't the album for you. However, the man has considerable charm and I'd love to see him live on the cabaret scene in New York. In lieu of his presence, it's a great cabaret 'soundtrack'. Good job,Charles:>"