Product Description
Practically BRAND NEW condition, no scratches, includes the original Cd, case, and paperwork, First Class shipped w/ delivery confirmation, ask me for my complete CD List file! :)
'Gently' is everything the title suggests, this cd finds Liza in a more mellow setting which I prefer, Liza's voice is deeper and her tones are rich, just listening the low note on the beautiful 'You Stepped Out Of A Dream', and her two duets with Johnny Mathis 'Chances Are' & Donna Summer 'Does He love You?' are other hightlights on this wonderful set, I recommend this cd for those who want some mellow music in the background and to all the Liza fans because I think these are the best vocals from her in the later years.
"Gently" represents the Liza that almost was and sadly will never be. The opening notes signal something familiar and yet shockingly new. She is in glorious - and husky - voice. Quiet, reflective and real, Minnelli does all of these tunes justice. And she packs a wallop on her duet with Donna Summer. Other highlights include a sorrowful "Never let me go", an even more haunting "In the wee small hours of the morning" and a fun-filled "Some cats know". There is no "Cabaret" "New York New York" belting here and the result is delightful. That Liza never followed up this gem with more is a shame.
I only bought this album when I heard the duet "Does He Love You?" in the documentAry of Imelda Marcos. The duet is very well engineered and spontaneous, Donna Summer's and Liza's voice are of different technique but oddly they complement each other very well. I do prefer Liza's voice though because it's unique and tremulous. Donna sings in a very pedestrian manner, in contrast to one impertinent reviewer saying Donna's voice is better! No!
The other songs here are very easy to listen to, specially during a soiree or a candle light supper with friends!!!
3 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Gently is exactly what this cd represents, Liza turns to the 40's for inspiration, when I listen to her vocal on this record I think of Billie Holiday and Mabel Mercer. Gently is everything that Liza is! listen to the vocally skilled composition of "Embraceable You" and appreciate the husky throat she displays. I merely think that Billie Holiday would be proud to hear this inspirational cd, There's some fine moments on this album like the duet with Johnny Mathis on "Chances Are" vocally the two is perfectly suited for each other. Another duet is with Donna Summer on "Does He Love You", and what's this nonsense about Donna outsinging Liza May? I don't think so! Donna's vocal has stayed the same for twenty years while Liza's vocal has matured along side her age. Summer is obviously a gifted singer, but Liza simply outsings her, her vibrator is not wobbly and her huskiness is as seductive as it can get. And come on Donna Summer? she's merely a part of the late 70's disco area? I mean! she had a couple of hits during the 70's and 80's but Liza has managed to keep up her success for over 40 years now. Enough said the duet with Donna is clearly better than the Barbra/Celine duet "Tell Him" their voices sound way too much alike. Back to the main point, Gently is artisticly wonderful, "In the wee small hour..." is splendid! and "It Had To Be You" is mastered perfectly. As said, it's very difficult to be a Liza fan! as a previous reviewer pointed out ! There is no complete compilation that covers Liza hole career, I mean why is it so hard to find a Greatest Hits collection with "New York New York" and "Cabaret" on the same disc?. A different pace of music and a different path of inspiration, artisticly perfected and vocally mastered. Liza.
2 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
Decent covers but not her best effort, October 29, 2002
Great song selection but the album's concept seems a bit disjointed. There were a few treats for the audiophile, though. She sings a duet with Johnny Mathis which opens the disc. Great opener.
A huge surprise and decent remake is her duet with Donna Summer on "Does He Love You." Actually, the remake of this originally country songs is quite good, giving it new life. You almost fell the passion within both singers and the struggle betweeen the two of them.
The Donna Summer duet was the only reason for my buying this CD and I don't regret it at all.
I would suggest that you buy this CD with reservations.
When I first played "Gently," I said,"Big Mistake Bob." But after playing the record a couple of times,I fell in love with the CD .Its a different side of Liza.Usually Liza belts out every song,but Gently is more quiet,and Jazzy. The only song that doesn't belong on this tape is "Does he love you," with Donna Summer.They were trying to get some radio play. Billboard gave it a nice review,but it never got played."Some Cats know" is fantastic.When Liza was promoting the record,she always sang this one."Close you eyes" is the greatest song from the CD.Liza really gets into this one,and almost explodes with excitment."Never Let me go," really breaks your heart.About holding on to your one true love.Liza was making a comeback ."Gently was getting wonderfull reviews,and charted in Billboard.If I was only to have three Liza Minnelli records,this would be one of them,along with Results" and" Liza Live at the Winter Garden." Also,I think Liza should have a Box Set collection,like all the other artist .This Set would be a huge hit.
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based on 15 reviews.
