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Debby Boone
- Reflections of Rosemary
(Concord Records)
Released: April, 2005
A disc jockey friend of mine used to have a feature on his program called
"Hits From Hell." It included songs like "Torn Between Two Lovers," by
Mary McGregor; Bobby Goldsboro's "Honey," and...
...oh, you're way ahead of me, aren't you?
So. I was cruising iTunes one night, and ran across a brand new offering
by Debby Boone. What the heck. 12 bucks, and I'd have the fuel for a
really blistering review.
Truth is, it's really very good. The album is a tribute to Ms. Boone's
mother-in-law, Rosemary Clooney. This is via her marriage and four
children with Gabriel Ferrer, Ms. Clooney's son by Mel Ferrer. Yes, I
know. It was done by Bette Midler a couple of years back. This one
features tunes that had some meaning to the family, and offers some of Ms.
Clooney's not-so-big hits.
Now. What I expected was an unemotional interpretation of some of these
standards, with very straightforward arrangements. Think Kathie Lee
Gifford, or just about any "Miss America" performance. I have not followed
Ms. Boone's career much since 1977.
Truth is, she's matured nicely as a performer, through many years of
Contemporary Christian music, and theatre.
The disc holds together remarkably well. The arrangements (by John Oddo)
are far from standard outings. Most are playful, delightfully complex, and
while this is hardly a groundbreaking performance, Ms. Boone is clearly in
control, and the arrangements frame her fine voice nicely.
An
article in the Miami Herald about this album (and Ms. Boone's tour) has
her recalling
that the only criticism that Ms. Clooney ever offered was of her
perception of Ms. Boone's
insecurity. Good call. There's nothing for Ms. Boone to be
insecure about.
This is a solid offering from a fine performer. If you like straight-ahead
performances of the standards, and I do - it's a worthy addition to your
vocal jazz collection. If you're buying it by the track at iTunes, try
"Mood Indigo" and "Blue Skies" first.
You'll like 'em, and I think you'll end up with the whole album.
 
Two and one-half Microphones (out of four) - Doug Boynton
(04/28/05) |
