On this ambitious release, Connick mostly puts aside his piano and focuses on composing and singing, backed by big band and Nelson Riddle-esque orchestra. Comparisons to Sinatra were inevitable, and while Connick isn't quite in that league, it's still good stuff. Connick was 23 at the time and sounds (and writes) much older than that - you can tell he's been at this since he was young (first public performance at age 5, first recording at 10). This was Connick's most successful non-Christmas album, going double platinum, but I still prefer She.
Here's a nice take on this album: Popdose Flashback by Robin Monica Alexander.
And here's Harry guest starring as Woody's cousin on Cheers, singing a song from this album: "A Diminished Rebecca with a Suspended Cliff" (1992).
Press of the time:
- Entertainment Weekly: "all charm and no substance"
- Billboard: "as de-lovely as ever"
- Stereo Review: "his talent still lags behind the hype"
Tracks: Of the 12 tracks here, only two are standards, both well done: A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square (with a wonderful, tasteful tenor solo by Branford Marsalis) and Cole Porter's It's Alright With Me. Of the 10 original compositions, I like We Are In Love and Forever For Now. I usually skip Drifting and Just A Boy.
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Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None. I should take the wife to see Connick. I'd enjoy the music and she'd be content just to look at him.
Previously revisited for the blog:
She (1994)
When My Heart Finds Christmas (1993)
Music from the Motion Picture When Harry Met Sally (1989)
20 (1988)
Lord knows I love me some Connick but his judging gig on American Idol is placing him a little lower in my own judgemental eyes, just like Keith Urban last year. Both men are ridiculously talented and yes, easy on the eyes.
ReplyDeleteWhat if it turns out he's a master mentor that transcends the Coke sponsored judges table? I'll have to read about it because I have managed to avoid Idol all these years so there's no need to start watching now.
Whatever happened to the days when musicians just made music? No commercials, no clothing or Vodka lines? Th eonly time you even saw one was on the cover of their album or in concert. I remember the days they used to be "souled out" rather than "sold out". Now hand me my cane and help me off this soapbox, sonny.
I appreciate what you say about the commercialization of artists, but... I don't begrudge anyone the opportunity to part fools with their money as long as they're not harming anyone. Artists don't make nearly as much money on recordings as they used to. Granted, Harry doesn't need a gig on Idol to finance an album (I'd imagine anyway) so if he's cashing in for cash, so be it. He might just as easily be doing it because it's fun and it exposes him to a generation who wouldn't otherwise know who he is.
ReplyDeleteLike I said though... I hear you. As an example of an artist that made me want to barf for so blatantly selling-out... I remember buying a Celine Dion CD years ago with a big fucking Chrysler logo on the inside of the jewel case, and it came with a sample of her fragrance. Distasteful is not the word. Because Ms.Dion needs more money like she needs twerking lessons.
No doubt the Idol gig is a HUGE paycheck and a higher profile for sure and I hope Harry enjoys it. Not holding a grudge against anyone for getting paid - what kind of nasty person feels that way? - its mostly about my feelings towards Idol and its ilk, the other talent show competitions. Talent rises and is recognized, maybe not in an artist's lifetime but eventually. Latest evidence points to grit as being an even bigger factor in determing success than talent.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I am a big fan of The Sing-Off. The only aspect of that show I don't care for is when the judges perform.
As both a music and a numbers guy, I take a keen interest into what recording artists make and how they make it, especially compared to five or ten years ago. Read interview with Eurythmic Dave Stewart, who stated he makes 92% less from music than he did just a decade ago.
Maybe my underlying issue with it all is the simple sanctity of sitting in judgement which I hold in the highest regard. Or is my issue art versus commerce, the neverending conflict of compromise?
It's a conflict indeed. Artist's cannot continue their art if they cannot afford to live, and truthfully most artists want to be popular/recognized whether or not it's for wealth.
ReplyDeleteHere's to grit! And true talent! : )
I haven't watched AI since 2008, but I read this article after HC, Jr's mentoring appearance last May:
ReplyDeleteWhy Harry Connick Jr. Couldn't Sit Idle During 'Idol'
That's almost enough to make me watch this season. Almost. Still can't stand J-Lo and she's repellent enough to keep me away.
Great article though the parent site spooked me a little.
DeleteNot knowing about his previous appearance as a mentor, I am pretty proud of myself for supposing he would make a good one. The fact that the wannabes ignored all of his advice shows the kind of "artists" they are.
I did read that Randy Jackson was slip-sliding into the mentor's chair (after chosen mentor and pop god Dr. Luke had a conflict of interest) for the upcoming season. Heaven help us all, dawg.
(Cannot comment on my purely physical atraction to Ms. Lopez as the wife might be reading.)