Rosemary Clooney: Seventieth Birthday Celebration

John Sharpe

Contributor

Recent articles (115 total)

Published: July 1, 1998

This compilation pays tribute to Clooney, who celebrated her 70th. birthday on May 23 of this year, and includes some of her best work for the Concord label. Since this fine, jazz-based vocalist, has recorded 24 albums for the label, this 19 song collection represents just a smidgen of her remarkably consistent output. Clooney has always been drawn to the works of America's great pop composers and this CD includes some classic tunes by Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, Cole Porter and the Gershwin brothers. She is heard in a variety of settings that range all the way from the roar of Woody Herman's big band to the quiet of her duet with outstanding Canadian guitarist, Ed Bickert. The CD does include two brand new selections. Rosemary opens the set with the wistful James Taylor composition Secret of Life and closes the show in company with Linda Ronstadt and k.d. lang on one of Rosie's "signature songs" (Our) Love Is Here To Stay. Through the years her voice has remained virtually unchanged and for those unfamiliar with her artistry, this collection should lead you to a further exploration of her work.