I had seen the special, "Fever", on PBS. At that time, I taped it. But, through a foolish error - and the fact that I had not placed a label on the tape, I taped over it. I was thrilled to be able to find it, for sale, at Amazon.com.
This is a piece of artistic history that every Peggy Lee fan should have. It is a must!
Every clip makes one remember that this is one of the sexiest and most accomplished artists of our time - or any other time. Her rendition of "Lover" makes ones blood boil with yearning and desire; "Fever" pulses with a sensuality that no other singer will ever deliver. "The Shining Sea" evokes memories of a love that is branded on the heart, forever. And, the often forgotten "Here's to You" is an anthem to love and peace, everywhere.
A Beautiful Peggy Lee Showcase
This recently released DVD is made by EMI/Capitol, and as Peggy's principal record label after her Decca days, their access to material is therefore superb. In a very tasteful collage with interesting narrators spanning most of her career, we have many of her very best songs plus a few surprises for me. Much is in stereo, and the image quality is satisfyingly good considering a lot came from NTSC TV programs. I never forgave the 1st edition of the New Grove Dictionary of Jazz for not rating Peggy as a jazz singer. Her musicality, phrasing, timing, improvisation displayed on this disc confirm otherwise. We are also reminded how consummate a guitarist husband Nº1, Dave Barbour really was. The one big disappointment is that coming as it does from Capitol Studios, there is not a single frame from one of the two best ever live female vocalist jazz concerts on record, her "Beauty and the Beast" album with George Shearing. [BTW the other is the Complete Ella in Berlin Concert.] A must have for all Peggy fans. The bonus tracks are nice.
The Magic of Miss Peggy Lee
This is a wonderful DVD for old fans and new ones alike. Included are many early music videos for songs including "Manana," "What More Can A Woman Do?", "I Don't Know Enough About You," "Lover," and more; what appears to be an old live performance with the Benny Goodman Orchestra of "Why Don't You Do Right"; a late 1950's performance of "Fever"; a duet between Peggy Lee and Judy Garland of "I Love Being Here With You" (with special lyrics) and much more. As the other reviewer noted, there are tantalizing glimpses of other goodies such as a view of Peggy on stage with Ella Fitzgerald.
What comes through the most (aside from her awesome musical talent), in home movies, interviews, and the wonderful Person To Person segment, is the warmth and endearing quietness (maybe even shyness) of this very public star.
It left me happy and yet wanting more, satisfied and still asking "Is That All There Is?"
Peggy Lee was in her mid-sixties when this 1984 concert was taped in Atlantic City. But the toll taken by time wasn't of major consequence to a singer whose delivery always relied much more on subtlety, restraint, and a sultry vibe than the unbridled power of, say, Celine Dion. Here she performs hits from her long career, from "Why Don't You Do Right" ('43) to "Is That All There Is" ('69), as well as a variety of popular chestnuts ("As Time Goes By," "When You're Smiling"). There are no frills in this show; backed by an excellent jazz quintet and a symphony orchestra, Lee says a few words, then simply moves on to the next tune. OK, so perhaps she neither looks nor sounds her best. But this music--melancholy and nostalgic, swinging but utterly relaxed--is sung with heart and from... More Info about this DVD Director(s): Gary Halvorson DVD Release Date: Released the 25 February 2003 Usually ships within 24 hours
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She's probably best known these days as actor George Clooney's aunt, but way back in the day, Rosemary Clooney (who died in 2002) was hot stuff, a pop singer with mild jazz leanings and more than a few hits. Rosemary Clooney: Singing at Her Best showcases her rich, lovely voice, and with some 17 songs (including one medley) crammed into just 40 minutes, there's plenty to choose from here, even if it's almost totally bereft of those hits. What we get in these various vintage clips (all in black & white, many apparently from Clooney's own '50s TV show) is a singer who was very much of her time: smiling, perky, perfectly coiffed, wearing an array of bows, lacy collars, and chaste gowns--i.e., appealing, wholesome as all get out, and strictly squaresville. Song-wise, there are some... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Rosemary Clooney DVD Release Date: Released the 06 April 2004 Usually ships within 24 hours
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