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Livingston & Evans Songbook: Michael Feinstein
Michael Feinstein
Livingston & Evans Songbook: Michael Feinstein
Genres: Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
 
  •  Track Listings (23) - Disc #1

The title of this album, "The Livingston and Evans Songbook featuring Michael Feinstein," underscores that this collection is more about loving musicology and artistic proselytizing than about career self-aggrandizement. T...  more »

     
   
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CD Details

All Artists: Michael Feinstein
Title: Livingston & Evans Songbook: Michael Feinstein
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 1
Label: Feinery
Release Date: 10/8/2002
Genres: Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
Style: Vocal Pop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 013431310129

Synopsis

Amazon.com
The title of this album, "The Livingston and Evans Songbook featuring Michael Feinstein," underscores that this collection is more about loving musicology and artistic proselytizing than about career self-aggrandizement. The 23 tracks here span decades (the '50s and '60s) in which the film musical often seemed on the ropes, yet those years were always brightened by the songwriting efforts of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Feinstein's loving renditions here span stage, screen, and pop radio. They include evergreens ("Mona Lisa," "Buttons and Bows," "Silver Bells," "Whatever Will Be, Will Be"), less familiar gems ("All the Time," "How Much Will I Love You"), and rarities ("Henriette" from an unproduced musical, the unused title track for The Mating Season). The effervescent Livingston himself plays piano on many of the recordings. He chimes in on a loopy medley of the Bonanza and Mr. Ed" TV themes and sprightly takes of "You're So Right for Me," "Ya' Got Class," "Buttons and Bows," and "Wish Me a Rainbow." Melissa Manchester turns in a smoky rendition of "Never Let Me Go," and a previously unreleased demo of "Anywhere but Here" features Rosemary Clooney and Jose Ferrer. A warm, upbeat delight from first track to last. --Jerry McCulley

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CD Reviews

One of Michael's best!
Pat Mooney | 10/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Michael Feinstein's songbooks have all been enjoyable and this one is one of the best. A wonderful mix of 23 different songs, including "To Each His Own", "Que Sera, Sera", "Tammy", "Silver Bells", "Mona Lisa", "Button and Bows" and "His Own Little Island". Michael sings many songs with the wonderful Jay Livingston, including "Ya Got Class" and the themes from "Bonanza" and "Mr. Ed". Melissa Manchester performs a great version of "Never Let Me Go".
A bonus is the song "Anywhere But Here" recorded in 1958 by Rosemary Clooney, Jose Ferrer, Eileen Wilson and Ray Kellogg.Also included is an interview with Ray Evans and Jay Livingston. A wonderful album that you won't be sorry you bought!"
Another triumph for Michael Feinstein
Marilyn | Toronto, Canada | 10/15/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This collection of songs is different from his other albums in his Songbook series. This one if more fun. He doesn't do just the recognized songs but things like the themes from Bonanza and Mr. Ed; how unusual for a singer of romantic ballads.Michael has the amazing ability to make a theme song sound wonderful; he is truly an exceptionally talented person. You've done it again Michael and I can hardly wait to see what you do next or as the Gershwin song says, "Oh do it again"!!!"
Great songs, great songwriters, great singer
John Legrand | Harrisburg, Pa. | 11/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first time I visited my daughter in her house near Pittsburgh, her husband told me that the house next door was once the home of Jay Livingston. "Who's that?" I asked. I think the answer was, "He wrote 'Silver Bells.'" I knew that song (is there anyone who doesn't?) and then discovered this recording and a whole lot of great music that Mr. Livingston and Ray Evans created over several decades.



I like Michael's rendition of many of them, breathing new life into some old chestnuts like "Mona Lisa."



But I especially value the piano-playing and singing of Mr. Livingston! What a thrill to hear this legendary musician toward the end of his life. He sounds like he was having a great deal of fun. Thanks to Michael for capturing those wonderful moments.



Oh, by the way, it was my honor to participate in the dedication of a Pennsylvania state historical marker commemorating Jay Livingston in his hometown several years ago. I get a charge out of seeing it every time I visit that town!

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