Rating:
Genre:
Vocal Music
Release Date: 05/20/2003
Coming off a successful series of performances at the legendary
Cafe Carlyle in New York City in 2000, Broadway mainstay
Christine Andreas showcased her impeccable vocal abilities on
The Carlyle Set. At once bringing to mind the showstopping style of
Barbra Streisand, the swinging energy of
Ella Fitzgerald, and the cool melancholy of
June Christy,
Andreas' talent is as intimate as it is epic. Taking on an elegant and stylishly urbane mix of
jazz standards from the American Songbook,
Andreas has the type of voice -- clarion, soaringly emotive, goddess-like -- that reminds one why these songs were written in the first place. She digs into a classy version of the '60s
ballad "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life," makes the most of a bittersweet
"In a Sentimental Mood," and goes for the jugular with a sweetly heartbreaking
"Alfie." In short, she sings the heck out of everything.
The Carlyle Set also benefits from a stellar backing ensemble, including reedman
"Blue Lou" Marini, bassist
Dick Sarpola, drummer
Ray Marchica, and pianist
Lee Musiker, whose cinematic string arrangements performed on synthesizer never sound thin.
~Matt Collar, All Music Guide
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