Is there any cooler big band guy working today than Harry Connick, Jr.? From the release of his first album with Columbia records in 1987 until now, he has reenergized classic songs and looked great doing it. I grew up listening to his music occasionally; my mom is a fan of his.
The first Harry Connick, Jr., album I remember really liking, though, was 1999's Come By Me. The rollicking title track is simply marvelous, a joyful slice of love. His take on "There's No Business like Show Business" is a great homage to 1950-something Broadway--the perfect laid-back show tune. Other tracks are well-done, also, but the real standout track is "Cry Me a River."
No, kids, not the Justin Timberlake song of the same name but different lyrics, although that is a really great piece of pop music. Rather, Connick's song is a cover of the standard performed by such musical luminaries as Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Merle Haggard (yes, you read that correctly, and, for the record, he did a pretty good job), and others. But the Connick version is in a class of its own and could not be more personalized if he tried.
Because Connick's "Cry Me a River" sounds like a New Orleans funeral march, in the best possible way: it signals the singer's determination to end the toxic relationship. Moreover, it reflects Connick's roots--he was born and raised in NOLA. His interpretation of that city's musical heritage is heartbreaking, yet empowering, and so Louisiana. If only more songs had the flair and clear commitment to a sound that this one has!
Buy through Amazon for $0.99.
-Cate-
The first Harry Connick, Jr., album I remember really liking, though, was 1999's Come By Me. The rollicking title track is simply marvelous, a joyful slice of love. His take on "There's No Business like Show Business" is a great homage to 1950-something Broadway--the perfect laid-back show tune. Other tracks are well-done, also, but the real standout track is "Cry Me a River."
No, kids, not the Justin Timberlake song of the same name but different lyrics, although that is a really great piece of pop music. Rather, Connick's song is a cover of the standard performed by such musical luminaries as Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Merle Haggard (yes, you read that correctly, and, for the record, he did a pretty good job), and others. But the Connick version is in a class of its own and could not be more personalized if he tried.
Because Connick's "Cry Me a River" sounds like a New Orleans funeral march, in the best possible way: it signals the singer's determination to end the toxic relationship. Moreover, it reflects Connick's roots--he was born and raised in NOLA. His interpretation of that city's musical heritage is heartbreaking, yet empowering, and so Louisiana. If only more songs had the flair and clear commitment to a sound that this one has!
Buy through Amazon for $0.99.
-Cate-
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