Search - Ray Conniff :: Hollywood in Rhythm / Rhapsody in Rhythm

Two great instrumental albums on one CD!

05/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 2-on-1 disc features two of Ray Conniff's best instrumental albums. Both were previously issued on their own CDs in 1988 but were deleted a few years ago.Recorded in 1958, HOLLYWOOD IN RHYTHM never sounded right on Lp. There was something wrong with the mix and the chorus was barely audible. Thirty years later the correct mix was finally released on CD and fans could finally hear the album the way it was supposed to sound. Fortunately, that same mix was used on this reissue.The album starts with a brassy arrangement of Love Is A Many Splendored Thing which Conniff still performs at concerts. The sound is a bit harsh and it really isn't his best work. The rest of the album is terrific, particularly Easy To Love, Cheek To Cheek, My Heart Stood Still, and Love Letters.RHAPSODY IN RHYTHM from 1962 is one of the few Ray Conniff albums featuring strings and he did a wonderful job. It is Conniff's favorite album and he considers Malaguena his best arrangement. Listen to Moonlight And Roses, Love Walked In and Kiss Of Fire and you'll wish Ray had recorded more albums with strings.The CD itself includes the original liner notes and record dates but not the back cover photos from the Lps. As with many Collectables reissues, the pairing is a bit odd but still acceptable given the quality of the albums."

Oldies but Goodies

Smallchief | 12/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ray Conniff was recalled to me recently when I heard his music playing at a thatched-roof bar in a small town in backwoods Mexico. The bartender told me Ray Conniff was very popular in Latin America and, after a beer or two, I decided to re-acquire some Conniff music.



Well, Conniff hasn't lost his appeal. This CD consists of two albums from the 1960s. Hollywood in Rhythm is typical Conniff with massed horns, an infectious shuffle beat, and a wordless chorus. The style is unmistakable. Rhapsody in Rhythm is one of the few albums Conniff made with strings and it has a classical, Latin feeling. All, in all I prefer the typical Conniff of Hollywood in Rhythm -- although his version of "Malaguena" on Rhapsody is one of his all time best. It'll make you want to hop up on a table and click your castanets.



Forty years along many of the songs are still irresistible. "Love is a Many Splendored Thing" is indeed splendored as are other standards such as "Cheek to Cheek" and "It Might as Well be Spring" and "Love Walked In." There's hardly a weak song among the 24 here. Ray Conniff's music and unique arrangements hold up well.



Smallchief"