Chita Rivera - And Now I Swing
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Artist: Chita Rivera Title: And Now I Swing Label: YELLOW UPC: 705105664736 Price: $13.98 |
Chita Rivera - And Now I Swing Track Listing
1 - And Now I Swing
Chita Rivera - And Now I Swing Reviews
Average Rating: 3.5
Rating: 5
This is a wonderful mixture of things we have heard Chita sing and things we have not. Her unmistakable unique and wonderful voice is in great shape and she sounds fantastic. I particularly liked CAROUSEL.
Rating: 4
Chita Rivera has entertained us for quite a while now; and she continues to display great talent. Her latest album, unfortunately, has a misstep or two along the way; this CD could benefit from a polishing job although most of the songs are performed quite well
"I Won't Dance/Let Me Sing" certainly has a creative arrangement, all right; but it just doesn't feel right--there are so many rapid tempo changes that the number feels not unlike a roller coaster--that is, a roller coaster that stops and starts in fits. It's too bad, too, because Chita's voice itself is very good. "Nowadays," which comes from the musical "Chicago," has Chita squarely in the spotlight; the music fits Chita's singing perfectly as she carries this tune to make it shine.
In addition, "Where Am I Going" from "Sweet Charity" has a fine arrangement for the piano, bass and more; Chita sings this with panache and I'm very impressed. This time around the complex tempo and key changes really work wonders for this tune; and that's grand. "Sweet Happy Life/Mas Que Nada" has a splendid Latin flavor and Chita makes this number take flight! The lush musical arrangement complements Chita's vocals faultlessly. "Love and Love Alone" from "The Visit" stuns me with its natural beauty; and Chita's sophisticated phrasing enhances this number even more!
"Carousel" comes from "Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris;" Chita aces this as effortlessly as if it were mere breathing--but of course we know that it really wasn't all that easy. Chita's talent carries her through. The piano arrangement is nicely done and "Carousel" is a major highlight of this album. I like how this number builds momentum, too. "Not Exactly Paris" starts with a beautiful but very brief piano intro; and Chita sings this faultlessly. Chita's character recalls a love affair from long ago; and this theme with the actual words and music gives this a most romantic flavor.
"I Don't Remember You" is the second misstep on this album. I just don't care for the way Chita delivers this song. Her singing is practically staccato (well, throughout most of this number) and the music doesn't fit well with her vocals, either. Sigh. "More Than You Know," thankfully, reverts to showcasing Chita in a wonderful light--and how's about that violin? The violin and the other instruments help make "More Than You Know" a fine ballad that gets a fine interpretation from Chita Rivera.
"Circle of Friends" by Carol Hall boasts a gorgeous piano arrangement and Chita sings this with great sensitivity. The bass, guitar and cello round out the musical accompaniment as Chita sings this to perfection--and beyond! The CD ends with Chita Rivera performing "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" from the show "New Faces." "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" is exquisite and it leaves me wanting more!
Chita gave us an album that is mostly pretty good--but it's not quite great. "I Won't Dance" and "I Don't Remember You" just don't make the grade; and that's too bad. Nevertheless, diehard fans of Chita Rivera will want this for their collections.
Rating: 1
It may not be the worst CD of the year, but it's way up there. (The worst? Carol Channing's "For Heaven's Sake," a mangled mess of gospel tunes that is the closest thing to a trip to hell and back.) Chita is not a singer, but a dancer, first and foremost. Always was. Always will be. Yes she sang, and sang well, in such hit shows as "West Side Story," "Bye Bye Birdie," "Chicago" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman." But that was then. She has grown old and tired, and it shows in her voice. Let's face it: She was not the first Hispanic to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama last August because she could hit high notes. The CD is an embarrassing reminder that age is not kind; even the usually generous New York Times dubbed her voice "harsh and ravaged." It's apparent and disturbing on all the cuts, but especially "I Don't Remember You" and "Carousel," on which she sounds like some crazed crack fiend trying to hit notes that may or not exist. The CD's first cut is "I Won't Dance/Let Me Sing." Our reply: Yes! No!
Rating: 2
I have loved Chita Rivera since I saw her onstage in the chorus of "Guys and Dolls" way back in 1953 and then watched her triumph in one show after another starting with "West Side Story." Her voice has deteriorated a bit, but she is still a happening to listen to. She never made a lot of recordings other than her shows, but I admire her spunk and visions of her dancing creep into my head and I hold those memories dear to my heart.
Rating: 5
This is a delightful CD of an American treasure. Chita is one of the last of the Broadway legends.
"Last Row at Shea…But that's O.K.! The time had come…Billy Joel's first of his last plays at Shea Stadium. Me, my hubby Ron, brother-in-law Allen and his lady-friend Yuko we were ready to be wowed by the Piano Man himself. After months of waiting, we we..."