"Bette Midler, sings the Rosemary Clooney
Songbook"
review by Ed Vincent
Barry Manilow is said to have had
a dream where he envisioned his working again with his old partner the
Devine Ms. M (Bette Midler). Both singers loved the idea and it would
take two great talents to see the project through with success. No
one can step into the shoes left by the one and only Rosemary Clooney,
but at the same time Bette Midler has her own fancy shoes and is one of
the best pop singers of this generation. The album is a nice tribute
to Rosemary Clooney, but is also a
fun recording to have in your
collection and would make a great Holiday gift for just about everyone.
COLUMBIA
RECORDS READY TO RELEASE
BETTEMIDLER SINGS THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY SONGBOOK
In Stores, Tuesday, September 30
Columbia Records will release Bette Midler
Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook on Tuesday, September 30.
The album reunites Bette Midler with her original
piano accompanist and musical director, Barry Manilow, who produced her
first two breakthrough albums. Divine Ms. M (1972) and Bette Midler (1973).
Produced by Barry Manilow and Robbie Buchanan, Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary
Clooney Songbook pays tribute to one of America's great women of traditional
pop and vocal jazz, recasting the brilliance of her material and
artistry in shimmering new hues for aficionados
of Ms. Clooney, who passed away on June 29, 2002, as well as for a new
generation of music fans.
"I have loved Rosemary Clooney for as long
as I can remember," wrote Bette Midler in her notes for the album. "She
possessed one of the great American voices of the last century, full of
warmth, sincerity and truth. Her intonation was impeccable, she never sang
a false note...she radiated intelligence and good humor, and boy, could
she swing!"
Ms. Midler's enthusiasm is echoed by Barry
Manilow: "When I was thinking about who could pay tribute to — and at the
same time, reinvent these splendid songs, which Rosemary [Clooney] first
introduced to the world - Bette was my first...and only choice!
We had a ball, just like the old days! Better
than the old days! I'm so thankful that she agreed to do it."
One of the world's best-loved and most versatile
entertainers, Bette Midler has garnered accolades in all quarters of show
business. She's earned four Grammy Awards including Song of the Year
(1989: "Wind Beneath My Wings", 1990: "From A Distance") and Record of
the Year (1989: "Wind Beneath My Wings"); two Academy Award nominations,
three Emmy Awards, one Tony Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and
nine American Comedy Awards. Her
SRO tours have placed historically in the Top 5 grossing concerts in a
calendar year. Ms. Midler has sold more than 14 million albums over
the course of her career and holds
24 gold, platinum and multi-platinum
certifications from the RIAA for her albums and singles.
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Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook
1. You'll Never Know
Arranged by Barry Manilow and Jorge Calandrelli
Conducted by Jorge Calandrelli
Piano: Randy Waldman
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1952
2. This Ole House
Arranged by Barry Manilow and Robbie Buchanan
Banjo: Herb Pedersen
Mandolin: Kenny Blackwell
Bass: Chuck Berghofer
Guitar: Dean Parks
Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1954
3. On A Slow Boat To China
(Duet with Barry Manilow)
Arranged
by Barry Manilow and Patrick Williams
Conducted
by Patrick Williams
Piano:
Steve Welch and Barry Manilow
Bass:
Chuck Berghofer
Guitar:
George Doering
Drums:
Gregg Field
Originally
recorded by Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby in 1958
4. Hey There
Arranged
by Barry Manilow and Jorge Calandrelli
Conducted
by Jorge Calandrelli
Piano:
Steve Welch
Bass:
Chuck Berghofer
Guitar:
George Doering
Drums:
Vinnie Colaiuta
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1954
5. Tenderly
Arranged by Barry Manilow and Jorge Calandrelli
Conducted by Jorge Calandrelli
Piano: Steve Welch
Bass: Chuck Berghofer
Guitar: George Doering
Drums: Gregg Field
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1951
6. Come On-A My House
Arranged by Ray Ellis and Robbie Buchanan
Conducted by Ray Ellis
Harpsichord: Randy Waldman
Keyboards/Bass: Robbie Buchanan
Guitar: Michael Thompson
Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta
Background Vocals: Beverly Staunton
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1951
7. Mambo Italiano
Arranged
by Barry Manilow and Robbie Buchanan
Piano/Keyboards/Drums:
Robbie Buchanan
Guitar:
Michael Thompson
Background
Vocals - Hans Stamer (baritone). Warren Stanyer
and David
Steele (tenors)
Originally
recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1954
8. Sisters (Duet with Linda
Ronstadt)
From
the Paramount Motion Picture "White Christmas"
Arranged
by Barry Manilow and Ray Ellis
Conducted
by Ray Ellis
Piano:
Randy Waldman
Bass:
Chuck Berghofer
Guitar:
George Doering
Drums:
Gregg Field
Originally recorded by Rosemary and Betty Clooney in 1954
9. Memories Of You
Arranged by Barry Manilow and Ray Ellis
Conducted by Ray Ellis
Piano: Steve Welch
Bass: Chuck Berghofer
Guitar: George Doering
Drums: Gregg Field
Background Vocals: David Steele and Warren Stanyer
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1955
10. In The Cool, Cool, Cool Of
The Evening
Arranged by Barry Manilow and Patrick Williams
Conducted by Patrick Williams
Piano: Steve Welch
Bass: Chuck Berghofer
Guitar: George Doering
Drums: Gregg Field
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1952
11. White Christmas
From
the Paramount Motion Picture "White Christmas"
Arranged
and Conducted by Robbie Buchanan
Piano,
Celesta: Robbie Buchanan
Originally
recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1954
Produced by Barry Manilow and Robbie Buchanan
Executive Producers: Jay Landers and Garry C. Kief
Associate Producers: Scott Erickson and Marc Hulett
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www.columbiarecords.com
Barry Manilow and Bette Midler pose with
a Rosemary Clooney Album.
Rosemary Clooney in her prime.
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