Peggy Lee - SugarNSpice (15 tracks) +Album Reviews

The Sweet and Spicy sound of the legendary Peg

Paul A. Tassone | Glenwood, NSW , Australia | 01/29/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The reissue of Peggy Lee's 1962 album "Sugar 'N Spice" on CD is a welcome addition as it is among the best of her work for Capitol Records. Despite the tacky cover photgraphs and that terrible wig, the contents are pure and fine Peggy Lee at her best. Where some of Peggy's albums in the 1960's included much forgettable contemporary material that hasn't stood the test of time too well, this album features a program of songs that range from contemporary show tunes ("I Beleive In You" and "The Sweetest Sounds"), an excursion into the blues ("See, See Rider") and the great American song book ("When The Sun Comes Out" and "I've Got The World On A String") plus a few lesser known numbers for good measure. Peggy is in fine voice and brings her sweet feminine tones to her ballads and her salty, seductive sounds to the more uptempo material. The backings are by Benny Carter and feature a compact orchestra with an emphasis on brass. Of interest here, too, for those familiar with Peggy's appearance on "The Judy Garland Show" is Peggy's solo treatment of the novelty "Big Bad Bill" which is a comic highlight. All in all, this is a fine album that should delight the Peg-o-philes among us as well as those who admire this legend to a lesser degree. As a starting point with Peggy Lee, it should be remembered that none of the Lee signature tunes are found on this collection but it does give ample evidence of the lady at her best. This issue also includes three bonus tracks not on the original album."

One of her best

KSG | New York, NY United States | 07/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love Peggy Lee. I remember as a child in the 70's seeing her on the Johnny Carson Show and wondering to myself, who is this kook with the turbans and matching matte jersey gowns that slurred her words so much? In the 60's she slurred a little less and made brilliant swinging recordings like this one. She has such a sly, sexy delivery. The arrangements are so sharp and don't suffer from the Nelson Riddle/Frank Devol bombast that ruin so many recordings from this period. Now if I could just locate some more of these 1960-70 gems, I would be in heaven."

Fine album by the incomparable Peggy Lee

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 03/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sugar 'n' Spice is an excellent CD of Peggy Lee's beautiful artistry. Peggy sounds great on this album and the sound quality is excellent. Some people may not like the artwork because of that wig she's wearing but I think the artwork is just fine.

"Ain't That Love" starts the CD with a huge number--this number has an early `60s Latin flavor to it and Peggy never sounded better! Peggy handles the tempo and key changes effortlessly and I really like "Ain't That Love." "The Best Is Yet To Come" slows down the tempo and the brass is really grand on this tune; Peggy sings this with panache and she never misses a beat! Moreover, there's also "I Believe In You;" this awesome ballad about a true love features Peggy's vocals squarely in the spotlight and "I Believe In You" proves Peggy was one of the best beyond a doubt!

"See See Rider" gets a fine treatment from Peggy as she sings this passionately; her excellent diction bolsters her performance all the more. The brass and percussion carry the bulk of the melody and the lush musical arrangement proves to be a great accompaniment for Peggy's singing of "See See Rider."

"Teach Me Tonight" also gets an early `60s somewhat Latin flavor and this is great music for dancing! Peggy sings this so beautifully; it all comes off as a very pretty tune. "Tell All The World About You" uses the brass to great advantage; and listen for "The Sweetest Sounds." Peggy delivers this classic vocal with grace, style and all her heart and soul. She delivers "The Sweetest Sounds" perfectly.

"I've Got The World On A String" is a fabulous Harold Arlen number that Peggy handles very well even though it's usually at its best when a man sings it. Peggy's voice truly comes across as a fine musical instrument on "I've Got The World On A String;" and I love it!

"I'll Be Around" is another romantic number that Peggy aces; and the piano arrangement is very elegant although the horns are in the forefront of the arrangement. Peggy performs "I'll Be Around" without a superfluous note. The album ends very nicely with Peggy performing "Amazing;" this love song shines like pure gold when Peggy sings it so sweetly.

Overall, Peggy Lee fans can't afford to skip this CD. Peggy sings some pretty incredible songs beyond perfection and this leaves no doubt about her exceptional vocal talents. I also recommend this album for people who like classic pop vocals.

"

And Everything Nice

Matthew G. Sherwin | 02/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This wonderful album by Peg, along with three songs recorded for but not included in the L.P., is terrific. The biggest revelation from the notes are that this album and the superlative "Mink Jazz" actually are the same album basically, with the songs later divided into the two collections. Two of Peg's very best--you'll love this new release and be sure to get "Mink Jazz" if you don't have it..it has bonus tracks too."

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