Ron Isley Ronald Isley amp Burt Bacharach - Here I Am (13 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

Great Collaboration Between Two Legends

Smootchez | Michigan | 11/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ron Isley constantly keeps updating himself with his alter ego Mr. Biggs teaming up with R. Kelly and other R & B artists. On the heels of the Isley Brothers "Body Kiss" CD, Ron Isley once again proves that he can perform with anyone and the best. "Here I Am - Isley meets Bacharach" shows truly how versatile Isley is with smoothed out renditions of many Burt Bacharach hits. With the traditionally awesome music arrangement and production of Bacharach, Isley's voice shows strength and compassion in each song. With the exception of "In Between the Heartaches" and "Any One Who Has a Heart" no background vocals accompany Isley so 100% emphasis is placed on his voice.The CD is a compilation of songs written by Bacharach and originally recorded by others; Dionne Warwick (Anyone Who Has A Heart), The Carpenters (Close To You), BJ Thomas (Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head), Jerry Butler (Make It Easy On Yourself), and the list goes on. Added to the remakes are two new songs "Count On Me" and "Love's (Still) The Answer" which are incredible. Along with the liner is the history of the duo and details the making the CD. I'm surprised at how much I like "Here I Am - Isley Meets Bacharach". It's very mellow and smooth from Track 1 through Track 13. If you like Burt Bacharach and Ron Isley (Isley Brother days, before Mr. Biggs) then you will find the collaboration of these two impressive."

Fresh and Moving

Smootchez | 11/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In a day when most CDs are pre-fabricated, soulless grabs for market share, this is a breath of fresh air. I've been a huge fan of the Isleys forever; they have a knack for constantly re-inventing themselves for each new generation. Ron Isley has never sounded better; he really gets a chance to showcase his effortless tenor, and his considerable interpretive skills. There is real *soul* and thought in these vocals. Every once in a while, he'll sing a phrase a certain way that will bring tears to your eyes. The arrangements by Bacharach are recognizably his. Mostly a rather large orchestra or band - all recorded LIVE in the studio. You can tell that Ron, Burt, and the band are *listening* to each other as they play, something you cannot fake with a multitracked recording from 10 different studios. The most stunning thing about this CD is how it moves you. You're taken through love, hate, rejection, all the emotions, then finally, on "Windows of the World" it all comes together in a truly emotional climax. What a timely song!Is it "schlocky"? On the surface it might seem so. But you just have to surrender yourself to what Isley and Bacharach are doing here. They won't let you down. The best thing I've heard this year. Nothing like it."

An Unlikely Team Create Magic

donnamck | The Windy City | 11/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Browsing through WalMart last week I had my hand on a Christmas CD when I spotted the warm shot of Bacharach and Isley seated behind a chess board. Needless to say, I did not buy the Christmas tunes! Ron Isley had been the front man of the Isley Brothers for years and has become very popular with the younger generation by transforming into Mr. Bigg and teaming up with many young R&B singers. I am an admirer of his silky/soulful style and endless ad libbing. Burt Bacharach...soft spoken and classic, has created some of the most beautiful love songs that seem to capture every possible human emotion. Because these two gents are teaming up for this project, the younger generation will be introduced to Bacharach's timeless lyrics. My 16-year old niece asked for the cd for Christmas...I'd say that was proof! The combination of live music, Burt's lyrics/arrangements and Ron's unique style and voice is simply magic!"

Brilliant and Refreshing

Garcia Gilbert | NC, USA | 01/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was watching the Conan O'Brien Show one night and Bacharach and Isely was the musical guests. Being that I'm a huge Isely Brothers fan I decided to give it a listen before I turned the channel. Man, am I glad I did. They performed Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head and it was so brilliant and refreshing I went out and purchased the album the very next day. I must say that this is one of the best album's of the year. If they do not win a grammy for this effort something is seriously wrong with the acadamy. I absolultely love each cut on the album. Bacharach's arrangements coupled with Ronald Isley's vocal approach to each song is nothing short of magical. All the songs on the album are really good but highlights include: ALFIE, INBETWEEN THE HEARTACHES, MAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF, COUNT ON ME, CLOSE TO YOU, HERE I AM, THIS GUYS IN LOVE WITH YOU AND RAINDROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD (My favorite). If you've heard these songs previously by other artist then hearing Ronald's approach to the lyrics, he does an amazing job. For example 'Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head' was originally recorded about 30 years ago and was a smash hit. However, the different arrangement by Bacharach and Isley is so magnificant it surely inspires the heart and soul. Do yourself a favor buy this album, call your significant other, open a bottle of courvoisier and let the music set the mood. Then just let nature take it's course. The album is just that good."

A Real Classic Reworking That Works

saint james | Boston, MA | 11/18/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ron Isley has always had one of the most expressive tenors in Rythmn and Blues. His voice isn't as silky as Luther Vandross' or as Thrilling as Marvin Gaye's. It's somewhere in between; part beauty and part raw sensuality.

This match with a premeire melody maker (despite his current recording chart status) the legendary Burt Bacharach yields a stunning CD. The beautiful, melodic compositions paired with the elegant lyrics are handled so perfectly by Mr. Isley. He doesn't try to infuse the style and approach to music for which he is best known, he simply enters into the magic of the music and interprets it. There are times when Mr. Isley's voice seems a little stretched on high notes but not strained. This does not harm the project at all. He uses his still emotive voice to its best advantage with effective, restrained vocal twists. The fact that this CD was recorded live in concert is proof that Ron Isley has the ability to pace himself and just sing for his supper after 45 years in the business.

Ron Isley had some very major shoes to fill as he recorded most of these songs; most significantly Dionne Warwick who is forever the standard of comparison for the majority of the songlist. I don't believe any of Ron's turns at the Dionne standards suffer in the comparison test. Ron Isley sticks close enough to the intent of the writers and brings his own unique approach in pauses, gentle turns, good breath control and fading notes. His is a gorgeous alternative to the originals. Great! The live recording only enhances the listening experience. A careful listener will be able to tell that the CD was recorded LIVE; though the audience response has been edited out. It shouldn't have been.

I absolutely love this CD. "Here I Am", and "The Windows of the World", "Love is the Answer", "In Between the Heartaches" are my favorites on this CD. Ron Isley is in his best voice on "The Look of Love". The lyrics are timeless and captivating. The music is recorded with actual musicians; a real orchestra. It really makes a difference.

If well sung, beautifully crafted love songs are your thing, chase this one down."

Search - Ron Isley, Ronald Isley & Burt Bacharach :: Here I Am

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