Mister D: I would just have to respectfully disagree with Mr. Wynn on the only “misstep” remark, since that is one of my favorite performances on the CD! 🙂
Nashville City Paper
By Ron Wynn
November 18, 2005
Bette Midler has reunited with Barry Manilow on Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook (Columbia), and this renewed partnership works very well. Manilow’s production is restrained, with arrangements perfectly suited for Midler’s voice. Midler doesn’t try to match Lee’s interpretations or tone, instead retaining the spirit of “Fever” and “Is That All There Is” though her own quirky tricks and persona. The two also offer a good rendition of “I Love Being Here With You.”
Her only misstep comes in the rather leaden version of “Alright, Okay, You Win,” although even Lee fell far short of Joe Williams’ definitive performance with the Count Basie band. Still, for those unaware of the charm and special sound of Peggy Lee, Bette Midler’s provided a nice reminder with Sings The Peggy Lee Songbook.
