The Rare Monro
Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 9:55 pm
There has been a lot of anticipation about this release. It has been a long time in the making and has been a labour of love for Michele Monro.
I am happy to report that this is one of the most exciting releases I have heard for a very long time. We were promised a bunmper package of mnuch sought after material - and Ms Monro has delivered: and then some.
There are so many highlights in evidence here. Most of the 70s ballads that make up the first CD are distinguished (as we have come to expect) with wonderful arrangements and superb production values. It is literally a case of one delicious surprise after another.
If CD1 finds Monro in reflective mood ('I've So Much To Be Thankful For' is particularly outstanding) the restored material form CD2 is an undiluted joy from start to finish. And should ever anyone need convincing of Monro's instinctive gift for swing there is ample evidence of it here. Again, it would be disingenuous to nominate just one track, but the Monro/Riddle treatment of 'Strike Up The Band' showcases Monro at his finger-snappin' best: it is full of the brio, wit and an urban chic that some had previously regarded as being the sole preserve of the Hoboken baritone.
Of course, what is audible throughout this whopping package (56 tracks in all) is a singer of immense gifts. On the ballads the unaffected warmth of Matt's interpretations are also masterclasses in how to treat a lyric with tact, intelligence and impeccable taste. On the swingers, he shows how he could play around the beat in ways that eclipse the efforts of some of his more celebrated American peers. This package reaffirms what most discerning listeners have known for years: that Matt Monro was a singer of genius.
Although I recommend that every track be savoured, I would especially draw Monrophiles to the following: 'All Of A Sudden' (the English version of 'Todo Passara'), 'Let Me Choise Life', 'Love Song' (some beautiful signature modulations), 'I've So Much To Be Thankful For' (a wistful and haunting ballad that really deserved to be included in the pantheon of Matt's superhits). I would reccomend all of the swingers from CD two.
As I say there are also unexpected surprises, such as a spinetingling rendition of an otherwise obscure ballad called 'During The Night.'
This is a record release of the very first rank and is another welcome addition to the catalogue of this towering performer. As the man said, we do, indeed, have so much to be thankful for.
I am happy to report that this is one of the most exciting releases I have heard for a very long time. We were promised a bunmper package of mnuch sought after material - and Ms Monro has delivered: and then some.
There are so many highlights in evidence here. Most of the 70s ballads that make up the first CD are distinguished (as we have come to expect) with wonderful arrangements and superb production values. It is literally a case of one delicious surprise after another.
If CD1 finds Monro in reflective mood ('I've So Much To Be Thankful For' is particularly outstanding) the restored material form CD2 is an undiluted joy from start to finish. And should ever anyone need convincing of Monro's instinctive gift for swing there is ample evidence of it here. Again, it would be disingenuous to nominate just one track, but the Monro/Riddle treatment of 'Strike Up The Band' showcases Monro at his finger-snappin' best: it is full of the brio, wit and an urban chic that some had previously regarded as being the sole preserve of the Hoboken baritone.
Of course, what is audible throughout this whopping package (56 tracks in all) is a singer of immense gifts. On the ballads the unaffected warmth of Matt's interpretations are also masterclasses in how to treat a lyric with tact, intelligence and impeccable taste. On the swingers, he shows how he could play around the beat in ways that eclipse the efforts of some of his more celebrated American peers. This package reaffirms what most discerning listeners have known for years: that Matt Monro was a singer of genius.
Although I recommend that every track be savoured, I would especially draw Monrophiles to the following: 'All Of A Sudden' (the English version of 'Todo Passara'), 'Let Me Choise Life', 'Love Song' (some beautiful signature modulations), 'I've So Much To Be Thankful For' (a wistful and haunting ballad that really deserved to be included in the pantheon of Matt's superhits). I would reccomend all of the swingers from CD two.
As I say there are also unexpected surprises, such as a spinetingling rendition of an otherwise obscure ballad called 'During The Night.'
This is a record release of the very first rank and is another welcome addition to the catalogue of this towering performer. As the man said, we do, indeed, have so much to be thankful for.
