Bobby Darin - truly one of the smoothest singers the US has ever produced, and there's nothing that showcases this pop-cabaret style like his tenure at Capitol. A singer of great versatility, he swings effortlesly on this album, having great technique and even greater rhythmic feel.
Call Me Irresponsible, something of a standard really, is my favourite. Darin's vocals make you fall in love with his irresponsible, unreliable, unpredictable charm. Accompanied by finger clickin' good Richard Wess big-band sounds. Wow. Whatta man.
from From Hello Dolly To Goodbye Charlie (Capitol T2194) available on CD - Oh! Look At Me Now / From Hello Dolly To Goodbye Charlie (Capitol)
Recorded live, this cut is what the formaer Catwoman of TV's Batman is all about . The band is at its psuedo-striphouse best and Miss Kitt purrs through the lyrics with tongue firmly in cheek. "I'll be eating pheasant while you're dining with the peasants, dunking do-nuts in a diner without me!" Guess the poor dude knows he ain't gettin' none tonight.
from In Person at the Plaza (GNP Crescendo GNP 2008), available on CD
If Burt Bacharach would produce a hawain cabaret/ukulele band under the supervision of David Lynch with songs written by aliens and Paul Mcartney they could come close to the music of John Southworth. Confused ? well, but canadian popster Southworth defies description. And it´s not just orginality for orginalitys sake. Southworth is just as interested in crafting a fine melody. Maybe his whiny voice is offputting for some but i find it all the more charming. Girl on the moon is taken from his marvelous debut album (which he sadly hasn´t topped yet although the new Yosemite comes close) Mars, pennsylvania and i believe you can find it for just 1 dollar on amazon. So, what are you waiting for ?
Blossom bounces her way thru this happy song about perfect love that has arrived just at the moment the end of the rope had been reached. She sings with a sense of joy and relief and you can't help but feel that things are going to be better going forward. Blossom's years of cabaret performing have given her a perfect piano playing style that accompanies her voice to a perfect fit. Kudos to Verve for dusting off this great recording, shining it up and putting out in a deluxe CD package!!
from Blossom Dearie Sings Comden and Green (Verve MGV 2109 / MGVS 6050 (stereo)), available on CD
Gavin Friday (formerly of The Virgin Prunes) has created an excellent 'Lounge' or 'Cabaret' sound with this song (and the accompanying album).
This song is very sensual full of unique large sounds and passionate lyrics.
Excellent song AND album for a romantic night.
The former Virgin Prunes member, Gavin Friday, recorded his first solo album in 1989, "Each Man Kills The Thing He Loves". After leaving the Prunes in 1986, he abandoned the music business to paint for a year and a half, returning to the fray after teaming up with pianist Maurice Roycroft (whom Friday renamed the Man Seezer). This debut album, "Each Man Kills the Thing He Loves", found him making unexpected moves into a sort of modern-day cabaret style, albeit with all the Bowie-isms of his vocal delivery intact. And this song, "Tell Tale Heart", is near to country sounds and also could come right from Nick Cave "Your Funeral My Trial".
from Each Man Kills The Thing He Loves, available on CD