Search - Liza Minnelli :: Complete Capitol Collection

Liza! Liza!

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 07/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After I heard this two CD set, I said to myself, "Oh come on, who could ask for anything more from Liza's years at Capitol Records? What a punch this packs!"



Indeed, this two CD set, so ably produced by Scott Schechter, noted Liza Minnelli and Judy Garland historian, is a treasure for Liza's fans. It marks the first time that Liza's record albums Liza! Liza!, It Amazes Me and There Is A Time are on CD together as albums without being cut up or the tracks being shuffled around. This two CD set also is far superior to the single CD The Capitol Years by Liza simply because it's actually COMPREHENSIVE!!!



These songs are wonderfully performed by one of the greatest talents ever known, Liza Minnelli. Her voice is rich, vibrant and exhilarating at every turn. The quality of the sound is excellent and the songs offer up beautiful musical arrangements.



I love the sensitivity with which Liza delivers "Try to Remember;" and her performance of "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out" is very well done. There is the lesser known, older song "M'Lord" that she sings really well; and the CD ends with the classic and humorous "Say Liza (Liza With a 'Z')."



The liner notes boast an essay by Scott Schechter and the package design is tastefully done.



Liza fans will find this collection irresistible and an absolute must-have for their collections.



I also highly recommend this two CD set for fans of quality pop vocals. It's an excellent retrospective of Liza's work in the studio during the years she worked at Capitol Records. Viva Liza!

"

It's the music not the packaging that really matters...

Paul A. Tassone | Glenwood, NSW , Australia | 08/01/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The prospect of having all of Liza Minnelli's studio recordings for the Capitol label is irresistible. Ms Minnelli recorded for the label for 4 years starting in 1963, resulting in three stunning albums, various singles and a number of unreleased tracks. All these have been collected for this 2 CD set.



Let's begin with what's good about this set...and there is an abundance of wonderful features to it. The best, of course, is hearing the legendary Liza May at the very outset of her career and experiencing firsthand the promise she exhibited as a teenager. From the 17 year old at the outset of her tenure with the label, Liza's growth as a singer is charted through these 55 tracks that deliver some very accomplished singing from one so young. Even at this very tender age, there was a maturity and earthy elegance about Liza's singing and choice of material that belies her youth. Her exuberance is infectious and the effortless way in which she uses her voice, especially in the upper range on softly floated notes is astounding. It's easy to see why four decades later she is the revered entertainer that she is.



It's also wonderful to have the three albums (Liza! Liza!/It Amazes Me!/There Is A Time) in their entirety at last on CD with the tracks sequenced as they were on the original vinyl lps. Add to this the many fine tracks that were conceived and released as singles and here is a set that demands repeated listening. The singles, which have been out of print since originally released, include some real gems. For example, there are four songs from the score of Liza's Broadway debut "Flora The Red Menace" which were arranged in a very contemporary 1960's style allowing them to exist outside the context of the show. "I'm Not Laughing" and "Imprevu", are just two examples of quality songs that deserve to heard again.



Then, there are nine tracks that are released here for the first time:



Walk Right In/Why Do You Do Me Like You Do

My Little Corner Of The World

We'll Be Together

The Many Faces Of Love

My Age

Everybody Loves My Baby

Marriage Is For Old Folks

Come On And Baby Me

Say Liza



All the above are excellent performances from Liza and we should all be grateful that at last we get to hear them.



Finally, the remastering of these performances is excellent and makes even the familiar album tracks seem fresh and new. For instance, there is a hand clap during "The Travelin' Life" that I've never heard before though it's one of my favourite Liza cuts and one I listen to often.



What's not to like about the set? Not much but for Liza-files like me there are some things that irk: The packaging includes replicas of the three original album covers although the artwork of "There Is A Time", featured on the back of the CD jewel case, is not seen in full. Also, the rear album sleeves are not duplicated nor are the original liner notes included. Then, there is little discographical information and what is included is hard to follow. The essay is hardly enlightening leaving more questions than it answers. For example, "There Is A Time" is a concept album of French or French influenced songs though this is not hinted at in the section of the essay concerning this release nor is the obvious comparison with Streisand's French album "Je mapelle Barbra" released the same year mentioned. Also, why did Liza leave Capitol Records in 1966 and move A&M? You won't find out by reading the essay here. Finally, why call the collection "The Complete Capitol Collection" when clearly nothing from "Judy Garland And Liza Minnelli At The London Palladium", the 1965 live Capitol album is included? Surely, "The Complete Capitol Studio Recordings" would have been more appropriate and correct.



The packaging flaws aside, in the end it's the music that really matters and what music it is. My advice: if you love Liza grab this set. It's an essential part of any Liza-files collection. If you want to know what all the fuss about Liza Minnelli is about, this is a good place to start.

"

Young and Swell-egant Liza!

Longtime Liza Fan | New York | 08/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kudos to Scott Schechter for all the blood, sweat, tears and years of devotion to this latest Liza treasure..."The Complete Capitol Collection." Brilliant!



There are so many gems here, but having listened to the previously released albums over and over, I was particularly intrigued by the never-released material, and especially "At My Age," which showcases Liza's vocal control and vibrant vibrato. How on earth did this beautiful song not make the cut originally?



The liner notes must be the longest I've ever read...beautifully written with stunning Liza images. Who could ask for more?



Now I wonder when Capitol will release the on-the-shelf restored, re-mastered "Judy and Liza at the Palladium" two-cd set. Come on, Capitol, release it already. You missed the 40th Anniversary (November, 2004) boat...please don't make us wait any longer.



Thanks so much, Scott. What's next...the A&M catalog (w/all the goodies that were never released), the complete Winter Garden Columbia release, with all the songs in proper sequence.



More, please!



Here's to your continued good health and success and congrats on your recent Germany and Greece concerts, Liza May!



If you love Liza, you'll cherish this amazing DRG release featuring a young legend in waiting.



Enjoy!"