Search - Ethel Merman :: Cocktail Hour: Ethel Merman

Satisfactory, but not great

Matthew G. Fick | SINKING SPRING, PA United States | 01/03/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Overall, this set is a little disappointing. This "Cocktail Hour" series has a look similar to the "UltraLounge" series as they both use the retro-lounge theme to package old classics from the 40's, 50's, and 60's. Sadly, they are not the same or even comparable. These songs have not been remastered or otherwise enhanced as the Ultralounge ones have. As a result, the sound quality is mediocre. Frankly, I expected more. If you're going to create a series of this scope and depth (the "Cocktail" catalog is quite extensive), why not clean the sound up a little? The sheer power of Ms. Merman's voice carries these CDs. Another problem is the liner notes, or lack thereof. There is nothing: no history of Ms. Merman's career, her life, or even the recording history. Also her famous "There's No Business Like Show Business" is not included in this collection. I give it 3 out of 5 stars becuase it is a good introduction to Ethel Merman's talent and repertoire. But if you're looking for high quality recordings, look elsewhere."

Missed opportunity

Tom Illgen | Napa, CA USA | 09/25/2001

(1 out of 5 stars)

"The great Ethel Merman recorded many of these songs several times. Her legacy of recordings is a gem in the history of the American musical theater. Unfortunately, there isn't a word of annotation with this set, rendering it fairly useless to any person with an interest in the dates, locations, personnel, etc. A shame. I purchased several of these "Cocktail Hour" sets at the same time. The Merman was the only one I opened. The others will be returned."