Sunday, February 24, 2002
Clooney compilation: A woman's picks
By Janelle Gelfand
The Cincinnati Enquirer
No matter what Rosemary Clooney sings, it sounds autobiographical.
She has lived her life through these songs, whether it's the spirited “Ya Got Class” from her second picture, Here Come the Girls with Bob Hope, or wistful sambas inspired by a trip she took to Brazil in 1968.
Here are a few of my favorite things for the perfect Rosemary Clooney album.
1. “White Christmas” — Although she's forever linked to the 1954 movie, she didn't record a Christmas album until 1996. Here, it's sung with a genuine yearning and a gentle, big band swing.
2. “Brazil” — The tune which opens and closes her Brazil album begins intimately against John Pizzarelli's guitar, before going upbeat. I love the importance she gives to the words, “we kissed.”
3. “Corcovado” — The joys of this Antonio Carlos Jobim tune are found in her matchless enunciation — and the gorgeous combo led by John Oddo, with a pretty flute solo by Steve Kujala.
4. “Boy From Ipanema” — Ms. Clooney shares this swaying Jobim classic with Diana Krall; though they have different styles, it's fun to hear these two generations together. Ms. Krall inserts one of Tony Pastor's signature songs, “I'm Confessing That I Love You,” into her piano interlude. “Only a few of us know that,” says Ms. Clooney.
5. “Peach Tree Street” (with Frank Sinatra) — Frank and 21-year-old Rosemary — it's an irresistible combination. There's palpable electricity as they flirt and stroll “with my baby on my arm.”
6. “Sophisticated Lady” — Rosemary (in Los Angeles) dubbed her sensuous vocals over the track recorded by Duke Ellington and his orchestra (in New York). While she was going through a hard pregnancy, Billy Strayhorn would bring her breakfast in bed and then coach her on the music.
7. “How Will I Remember You” — Her voice soars poignantly against the lush sounds of Nelson Riddle's orchestra. You can almost see these two lovers (singer and bandleader were having an affair) making eyes at each other.
8. “Do You Miss New York?” — Sophisticated and world wise, she doesn't miss the irony in this Dave Frishberg song.
9. “Route 66” — With dead-on intonation, Ms. Clooney makes tracks in this hip classic.
10. “As Time Goes By” — Recorded early into her jazz career (1977) the gem immortalized in Casablanca is given an upbeat swing, marked by impeccable intonation and stunning instrumentals.
11. “Ya got Class” — You can hear Bob Hope laughing while Ms. Clooney sings in this duet from Where the Girls Are. It's just a great Hollywood tune.
12. “Sentimental Journey” — Recorded live at the Rosemary Clooney Music Festival in Maysville with Big Kahuna and the Copa Cat Pack, it's got a big sound and she takes it slow and sentimental.
13. “Sisters” — Two perfectly matched voices sing with tongue-in-cheek humor. Years later, Ms. Clooney said she couldn't remember which voice is hers, and which belongs to her sister Betty.
14. “Come On-a My House” — Even though she never liked this tune, her voice smiles through the William Saroyan text, against a thumping beat and improbable harpsichord accompaniment.
15. “The Secret of Life” — A reflective Rosemary looks back in this James Taylor tune on 70, her 70th birthday album.
Singing legend Rosemary Clooney dies
Special Enquirer Tribute to Rosemary Clooney
(First published Feb. 24, 2002)
Clooney compilation: A woman's picks
