Search - Julie London :: Live at the Americana

London Live Has Hits and Misses

Darryl Geddes | Syracuse, NY | 03/29/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"By the time of this album, London was in her late-thirties and while still glamorous, the breathy, come-hither voice that propelled her to stardom in the 1950s was wearing thin. Was she still playing the sultry siren or was her voice feeling the strains of age? This is an uneven outing, but London does a superb Blackbird with only a bass accompaniment. The frenetic Trolley Song and Gotta Move are so-so as they find London overshadowed by a male chorus. But she regains her footing on By Myself and My Baby Just Cares for Me. This is not the disc to buy as your introduction to London. Total time is 37 minutes."

Strange things are happening

cary o'dell | 04/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was always a strange album. It's hard to envision what is going on from what is heard. Why and who is this vocal group that suddenly breaks out in song with the likes of "The Trolley Song" at inappopriate moments (a phenomenon which found itself as a Saturday Night Live skit staple years later). Why does Julie sound oh, about five miles from the audience? Why does the song selection and order make no sense? And why does Julie sound like she is trying her darnndest to sound sexy and seductive but there's not the slighest feeling of her feeling sexy or seductive? Actually, she sounds like she'd rather be anywhere else at the moment. Still, this is Julie London--persuasive, intimate, original, and it is the only recording of Julie live (though I always felt parts of this album were tinkered with in the studio and never believed for a moment "Julie At Home" was recorded at her home, unless her home was sound-proofed, the phones never rang and no traffic passed by or planes went overhead). Though a big question mark, this album is intriguing, reveals new facets with each listening and you can't hear an artist like this anymore. There aren't any. Musicians loved her and she kept Liberty Records alive and well for many years. She is much missed."

Julie comes to life

brian pearce | 11/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On her studio albums from the mid to late 60s Julie London's voice sounds a little tired and is not helped by too much of the wrong type of reverb. Here in concert, however, she sparkles. The band and the backing vocalists are tight and bright and Julie's understanding of each song and joy of singing are apparent. I won't pretend she is in the same league as Billie Holiday, but like Billie, Julie's appeal is not the quality of her voice but the feeling, phrasing and musicality of her performance. This concert displays all those qualities and, though short for a CD ( 37 minutes ), there is no filler and every second swings. Highly recommended for Julie fans and a great introduction for anyone wondering what all the fuss is about.

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