Search - Mary Cleere Haran :: There's A Small Hotel: Live At The Algonquin

Miss Haran is definately witty!

Aaron B. | u.s.a. | 04/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mary Cleere Haran is one of those classy caberet singers that has the special gift of SWING(which most cabaret singers aren't nessicarily gifted with, the only other one I can think of, off hand is the gifted Wesla Whitfield), here on this live cd recorded at the historical Oak Room she sings a variety of swing and jazz standards and lost gems mostly from the 20's thru 40's, the opener is a real gem which includes the rare verse on "Let's Do It", then the charming Miss Haran talks about wit, she also sings a hauntingly beautiful "A Fine Romance" and great renditions of "There's A Small Hotel", "I Concentarate On You" and perhaphs the finest recorded version ever of "Waters Of March." One doesn't mind Haran's informitive and witty remarks between each song, she's truly a classy cabaret swinger blessed with a gorgeous voice. Definately worth picking up(also get her latest "Crazy Rhythm"). All of Haran's cd's are consistant in quality for she only uses the finest jazzman to back her up, and she loves the standards and forgotten gems too(& she often sings the verses to many standards). Buy this one!"

S'Wonderful

crossman02@aol.com | 04/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We had a wonderful evening listening to Ms. Haran perform in New York a few years ago. This live recording captures her charm and wit, which is at the core of her art. We loved her stories about growing up Catholic in San Francisco. Its an excellent live recording of her cabaret act. Thank you, Mary."

Haran defines Oak Room elegence with a warm voice

crossman02@aol.com | Long Island, New York | 08/02/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Haran hits a home run with this live album. She invites the everyday person into the exclusive world of the Algonquin's Oak Room where she makes all feel welcome. She combines superb music selection with a keen wit, so missed among today's performers. Haran has chosen her back-up musicians well, and they only help complement the warm, umber voice of Haran. Her stories regarding the pieces and their writers both entertain and inform. Additionally, the diversity of the pieces (everything from Jobim's very Latin-sounding Waters of March to Dorothy Field's "provocative" Let's Do It) represents Haran's ability as a singer of American Popular Standards, showtunes, jazz stand-bys and world rythyms. The end of the album features Haran paying homage to Tony Bennett, the successor to the late Frank Sinatra as guardian of the old-school crooners, who is in the audience. Mr. Bennett's voice can barely be heard thanking Haran for her praise and at this, Haran appears very ! nervous, making her seem to the listener as one of us, not an upity cabaret singer. This is a superb way to tie in the vintage tunes (Bennett) to the young, energetic singer (Haran). Good job, Mary!"