Search - Liza Minnelli :: Liza's Back

You Go, Liza!

Craig R. May | Massillon, OH United States | 01/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First off, I feel I must admit that I am a very devoted fan of Liza Minnelli--have been for years--so my comments are not without bias. When I received this album as a Christmas present this year, I was thrilled--I had wanted it since I knew it had come out. I listened to it for the first time on Thursday, January 2nd., and it did something to me that I don't think I will ever forget.Without going into a whole lot of detail, let's just say that I needed, desperately, a pick-me-up at the time I listened to the disc. I also needed to cry, something I don't do easily most of the time. Both of my needs were fulfilled.There is just something about a performer like Liza and her mother, too...how they just won't quit, no matter how much they've been through. And when you know how much Liza has been through in the last several years, and then you hear that roaring applause for her at the beginning...it just gets you, as it got me.The tears really started to flow when, prior to the "Crying" songs, Liza spoke of how she's accepted the fact that sometimes she needs to cry, and that that's okay. I felt like she was saying that to me. And so I sat there in my little apartment with my Scottie dog on my lap, and I bawled for an hour while "Liza's Back" played.I wouldn't say there is one song I disliked on here...on the contrary, it is as though Liza deliberately set out to do songs that she knew I would like, that were my favorites.Liza's voice is not what it once was. We all know that. How could it be? Even without all the surgeries, illnesses, etc., that she has endured, simple aging would have changed it. But people who carp about this fact are missing the point. It's like that old adage, "It's not what you say, but how you say it." And Liza says everything very well, indeed. In fact, this album reminds me quite a bit of Judy Garland's final concert in Copenhagen--the voice was shaky at times, but the will to impress--even astound--was still there. Hopefully, though, this concert will be only the beginning of a whole new era for Liza.As I have said, I loved every single song on here, from the new opener, through the "Crying" medley; the "Gypsy" songs, and especially anything by Kander and Ebb--if you listen closely, you can hear the melody of K&E's "Funny Honey", from "Chicago", in "Don't Smoke In Bed." My all-time favorite song, though, is "Maybe This Time", and when Liza launched into that, I wept especially hard--by the time she reached that thundering conclusion--I was crying and applauding at the same time.So there it is. I guess this just shows how individual all humans are. Some people wouldn't listen to this if you paid them. Others would be indifferent to the fact that Liza has had a comeback at all. But in my case, the fact that Liza has new hope has resulted in my having new hope. Maybe you, too, can find such hope by listening to this album. Whether you have been a long-standing fan of Ms. Minnelli, or are just starting out, I highly recommend this."

Liza is Back and The World Does Go Round!

W. Denver | New Jersey | 11/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was one of the privileged who saw this incredible and historic performance at the Beacon Theater. I was there twice on June 3 and June 8 one of the 2 nights this powerful and superb CD was recorded. From the moment Liza hit the stage and declared in song she was back the audience felt it heard it and knew it and song after song Liza brought us to our feet standing in applause. Don't Smoke in Bed was amazing. Neverland was incredible at the end with mike in hand Liza walk towards the audience and grabbed the mike stand with her other hand and started to sing the final verse to Over the Rainbow. That moment in the audience was electric. I think the performance and recording of But the World Goes Round is fierce. You can feel and hear Liza declare in song that it does! I have to say there are a few songs missing from the concert but I am grateful this show is preserved on this CD and the quality is excellent. I have to add one thing that is missing from the June 8th closing. The standing ovation went on for 30 minutes and 20 minutes into it Liza returned to the stage grabbed the mike and sang an additional verse to I'll Be Seeing You! She told the audience she will never forget this and neither will I."

Simply SPECTACULAR!

rayray1979 | Cleveland, OH United States | 11/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was at the June 1, 2002 performance of this show. It was my first time seeing Liza live, and am I glad it was! I have never seen a performer so loved by her audience, and so THRILLED to be in front of them. Liza is simply amazing, and this CD shows just how much of a survivor she is. Of course, her voice is not what it was 20 years ago, but who wants that? People change as they age, and Liza certainly has vocally. Now, her vocals contain a knowing sense to each and every word she sings, which makes each song all the more powerful. The definitive versions of "Cabaret," "New York, New York," and "But the World Goes Round" are on this CD. "Rose's Turn" is fabulous, as is "What Did I Have." "Never Never Land/Over the Rainbow" is very touching. You will NOT be disappointed in this CD."