Toledo Blade – Dec. 4, 2005
CD reviews
BETTE MIDLER SINGS THE PEGGY LEE SONGBOOK
Bette Midler (Columbia)
Confidence never seems to be in short supply for the multitalented Bette Midler. It certainly isn’t on this album, on which she breezes through a great collection of Peggy Lee covers. Midler’s backed by a fabulous orchestra and gets a good assist on a duet from Barry Manilow, the album’s producer. The sultry Midler quickly dispels any fears that she is an unlikely match to cover the more subdued Lee, instead showing that she is a brilliant fit. The project works because of Midler’s insight and skills: She provides the right touch of sass and spark to make this something other than a routine tribute album.
– TOM HENRY
