Search - Johnny Hartman :: Unforgettable

My First Encounter

zipcat29 | Baton Rouge, LA United States | 02/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not even being a moviegoer, I heard this album at the heiught of the Madison County Bridge hoopla period. It was playing over the PA system at the CD store. I had to ask "who is that" so I could buy the tracks, and that's how I became a fan. There is some better stuff, but you certainly can't go wrong with picking this one as your first. It give you the flavor you need. And you cannot go wring with this one. In fact its a really great album."

Underrated, But Undoubtedly Unforgettable

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 01/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Yet the kind of long-term success that Hartman ultimately achieved - much to his dismay - was not the kind that could be measured on charts. When once asked by an interviewer about the kind of material he liked to sing, he answered; 'all standards - not fly-by-night songs.' Although he never achieved mass popularity in all of his 60 years, he might be glad to know that his own output has had the same kind of staying power." ~ Will Friedwald ~



I totally agree with Will Friedwald's Liner Notes about Johnny Hartman. Yes, he did not attain the kind of popularity that Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Tony Bennett achieved, but as far as vocal artistry is concerned, Johnny Hartman absolutely had a remarkable one. I was very impressed with his deep-as-an-ocean voice the first time I heard his amazing album with John Coltrane, John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman.



This wonderful album, "Unforgettable" is such a pleasurable listen from start to finish. Be it uptempo numbers such as "Almost Like Being In Love," "Isn't It Romantic" and "That Old Black Magic" or slow ballads like "Unforgettable," "Fools Rush In" and "The Very Thought of You," the singer with a cool voice can interpret each song like a soft caress with timeless appeal and guaranteed appreciation from the listeners. His engaging light swing takes on "The More I See You" and "Our Love Is Here To Stay" are such delights and two of the best tracks.



So what made this so special and irresistible? For obvious reasons, which include Johnny Hartman's profound and powerful voice that cuddles the lyrics and gives them exceptional readings; a set of beautiful standards; outstanding arrangements and orchestrations of Gerald Wilson and Oliver Nelson; and great teamwork from the finest musicians such as Ray Brown (bass), Herb Ellis (guitar), Plas Johnson (tenor sax), Mike Melvoin (piano), Stan Levy and Shelly Manne (drums), from among many others.



Johnny Hartman died in 1983 but he left behind his wonderful music - the kind that has timeless charms and can be enjoyed now and forever. With my heartfelt recommendation.

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