Search - Della Reese :: Voice of an Angel

Pieces of Della Reese's

D. Davis | Southern CA | 05/30/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have never doubted any of Della Reese's talents: her singing, her acting, her salesmanship (remember her doing Campbell's Soup commercials in the 70s?) Likewise, my grandmother remembers Reese's variety show from the 60s and speaks very highly of the divine Della Reese. And although I'm not a fan of "Touched by an Angel," I always stop on that show any time Della is anywhere on screen. I'm tempted to agree with one of the previous reviewers of this collection--I wouldn't exactly classify Reese's voice or presence as angelic, and for now, a better word escapes me. Therefore, you must listen to this CD for yourself. "Don't You Know" is, of course, Reese's biggest hit--from 1959. So lush and romantic, you'll weep every time you hear it. My other favorite is "Let's Get Away From It All," also from 1959. This song is of course more closely associated with The Chairman of the Board, but Reese's version is more raucous and hilarious. How can it not be with lyrics like, "You'd better start your packin', we're leavin' Hackensack and baby, let's get away from it all..."? There are some lovely jazz-type ballads here as well--Della, a piano, a little bass; her voice is a little too loud on some of the softer numbers (and certainly on the louder, brassier numbers), but all in all this is a very sophisticated yet campy collection. You don't have to play all of the songs at your next smart cocktail party--program in the ones you like and let Della's voice speak, rather sing, for itself. Believe me, people will ask you about it, as though it never occurred to them that Reese could sing--or that she had a career before "Angel..." As well, there are some marvelous pictures of Della in her day--she's very striking and very glamorous. If the voice isn't angelic, it's certainly American (in spite of some of the stilted pronunciations of words with long aaahhhhh sounds--as in Caaaahn't...)and highly androgynous. In fact, as a child, I refused to believe that "Don't You Know" was sung by a woman. But that's the charm--the elusive charm of Della Reese. Some of these songs will disappoint you; don't let that stop you. You can't love everything a talented individual does."

YOU WILL BE AMAZED....

James Newman | TENNESSEE,USA | 01/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You will be amazed at how good this cd is. What a wonderful voice;if you aren't familar with Miss Reese's work this is a great one to start with. Don't worry; you can (and will) be back to buy the rest of her work."

The best singer,for tasteful people only!

L'auteur | Paris, France | 10/02/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Della Reese is the ultimate performer.Her voice is beyond description:amazingly powerful,expressive with flawless elocution and most original articulation,that requires much taste to be appreciated by real connoissers!Each song is a unique composition and none is like the other.After you listened to Della,the other blues or jazz stars seem colourless,despite their own qualities,they all are outcasted by Della's incredible temperament and talent.She is the alpha and the omega of song:she can sing everything,from gospel,blues to jazz and even classical music!!Della reese is without contest the BEST singer in the world!She has the trumpets of Jericho in her voice,and sings like an angel!She makes songs alive,she is not only an entertainer (actually the best) but she delivers a message in singing,of life,passion and joy.She is true and authentic and once you heard her,she put a spell on you forever!Moreover,she is gorgeous,and charismatic!Della Reese is the ultimate diva!"