Barbra Streisand

[Mark Fox]

A full hour-long programme 'Jonathan Ross Meets Barbra Streisand'-also BBC RADIO 2 will feature the new album on various daily shows as'album of the week'

[mariana44]

I am mystified as to why Barbra Streisand's previous studio album---recorded shortly after her marriage to james Brolin, had hardly any publicity whatsoever.

It is called "A love like ours" and is a beautiful album--she sings great songs -like "Isn't it a pity" .."The music that makes me dance"---and my special favourite "Just one lifetime" -that I have never heard anywhere else, before or since--in fact, I cannot remember hearing any of those songs on the radio.

I am really looking foward to the new album.

[Mark Fox]

Staurday 3 October-8pm-10pm BBC RADIO 2
'THE WAY I AM'-Paul Gambaccini talks to Barbra about her new album.

[mariana44]

On my sky-plus already !!

[john]

Did anyone see Barbra with Jonathan Ross? I enjoyed the interview and thought she sang very well also.

[Lena & Harry Smith]

John, we rarely watch Jonathan Ross's programmes but did last night just to see Barbra Streisand.
She was probably aware of Ross's reputation and at first was quite hesitant with her answers to his flow of questions, and who could blame her, but he was on good behaviour and so her confidence grew.
She came over so well., and we thought she sang brilliantly even though she said that she hadn't sung for Ten months.
We really enjoyed the interview. She's a true star.

[mariana44]

Hoping to catch up with it today sometime.

There is a radio interview tonight with Paul Gambacini--radio 2 about 8.00.

[john]

Like yourselves Lena and Harry, I am not a big fan of Joanthan Ross and very rarely watch it unless there is someone I like on.

[jon]

Like everyone else, I am not a huge fan of Wossy but will watch his show if there is someone on I want to see. While I'm also not a Streisand fan as such, I did watch the programme and agree that Ross was generally on his best behaviour, but there were some slightly risque moments such as when he mentioned "Meet The Fockers", with the obvious double entendre.

I also agree that Streisand looked nervous at first but she became more relaxed as the interview went on, and she clearly likes Ross or she wouldn't have agreed to such a rare interview with him. I found it somewhat amusing when the audience burst into applause as she said that she and her husband had been married for 13 years - I guess that must be some kind of achievement these days - but maybe they misheard and thought she said 30 years.

[Terence Lee]

Mariana......I am curious. Do you like the new album?
I heard a few tracks at my friend's house. While the song choices were excellent, there are a few songs in which Barbra did not edit out her vocal imperfections. This is particularly evident in Smoke Gets In Your Eyes. I would have preferred some fast numbers in between the ballads. As it is, the album is rather lethargic. Great for relaxing at night but a bit depressing if you play it in the morning.

[mariana44]

Terence-I am still awaiting my copy--although a friend of mine suggested that some of the songs asre a bit on the slow side.
I am just going to chase up Amazon !!

[paul jh]

Anytime Diana Krall is involved, you can expect a late night snoozefest.

I simply don't understand why Barbra Streisand can't record an album of new pop songs in the style of Stoney End, The Way We Were, and Woman In Love. Perhaps no one writes songs like that anymore, but I think someone could find these songs for her. I loved her live medley of Sweet Inspiration and Where You Lead. Anyone remember that?

I see no point in her recording standards in a jazz style. Everyone has done that and it doesn't suit her voice in my opinion.

[Terence Lee]

Hi Paul

Yes.....I remember Sweet Inspiration/Where You Lead. I must have played the Live At The Forum album till I wore out all the grooves!
Lately her albums have not excited me much. The worst of them all was The Movie Album in which she sang mostly obscure songs in a boring way. Despite the meaningful lyrics, Barbra can't sell me her latest album but I did pick up her 2006 concert with Il Divo on blu-ray only to notice that her face & neck had been digitally wiped clean of wrinkles and all close-ups softened.

[Gray]

Hi Terence

I was also disapointed with the Movie Album, it was a real let-down.
I will wait for Marian's review of this new album before purchasing it!

Also, I think I am the only person slightly disapointed with her performance on Wossy's show.
I didn't like the arrangement of 'In The Wee Small Hours' (though I adore the song) and she was very rough on the top notes.
"Not singing for 10 months" doesn't wash with me.
Babs knew she had to sing live, so she should of prepared.

(Gosh I am harsh, aren't I?! Sorry!)

[Gray]

Can I add, I am a Steisand fan!
I loved her in Funny Girl - thought she gave a truly knock-out performance.