Search - Irene Kral :: You Are There

Irene Kral was a great singer, and you should listen to her!

D. R. Leonnig | Dallas, Texas USA | 05/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the hardest things to get people to do is try something new. Irene Kral is certainly not new - she died more than 20 years ago - but if you have heard the soundtrack of "The Bridges of Madison County" then you know her. Her recordings here are delicate examples of American Popular Song, recorded for the Alec Wilder radio show of the same name. The recording quality is not up to current CD standards, but Irene's voice is clear as a bell, and Loonis McGloohan is a great accompanist. Irene is Roy Kral's sister (of Jackie and Roy fame) and has a crystal-clear attack not unlike her famous sister-in-law Jackie Cain. But she was clearly her own singer, and her ability to capture a lyric and communicate it makes her one of a handful of unique singers from the 50s-70s. Were she still alive, she would be enjoying her due. She had cancer when she recorded this, and that may have affected her, but it's hard to tell. Also listen to "It's a Wonderful World" on the "Bridges of.." album. Highly recommended."

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C.A. Arthur | Tacoma, Washington | 03/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is as good a vocal album as you will ever hear. And among the very best produced by the splendid Irene Kral. Moreover, the album is beautifully recorded. Buy it!"