Black Coffee

Black Coffee

Category: (Music)

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Editorial Reviews

During the early '50s, Peggy Lee rode high on the strength of her own taste into stardom - she was a glamorous beacon whose sultry voice gave her performances a shimmering eroticism. Black Coffee may be the greatest album of her genuine "concept albums." Originally recorded in 1953, Lee turned Black Coffee into a jazz project - something no other mainstream pop singer had done up to that point. It was so successful that three years later, Decca asked her to expand it into the newer 12" format. Many years later, she named this album as her own favorite. The songs in this collection reveal Peggy Lee at her most captivating. Here she displays a versatility which matches her wonderful vitality, emphasizing the quality of her voice as well as the music.

Customer Reviews

If it's not Black Coff! It's not good Coffee!

Reviewed by MRTJSOMERVILLE, 2009-11-08

If you like jazz and Peggy Lee, then this album is a typical of good quality music, including many well known standards. I cannot enough. Thanks Amazon with the purchase, as it was extremely difficult to buy the same music CD in Australia. Regards Mr Terry Somerville, GAWLER EAST, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

Peggy Lee shows why she's one of the top jazz singers.

Reviewed by Ronald Polverari Sr., 2009-01-21

I've been a Peggy Lee fan my whole life.Her career covered movies,singing with the Benny Goodman band,radio,t.v.and making records.I always considered her a fine pop singer until I came across her collection of songs on "Black Coffee".Recorded with two different jazz combos,Miss Lee
shows herself to be an excellent jazz singer whose timing and phrasing
is akin to Sinatra's skill in these areas.The collection of songs on "Black Coffee"is a combination of the familiar to not so familiar,but
all are beautifully done,with Miss Lee in complete control.In an interview
much later in her life,she acknowledged"Black Coffee"as one of her favorite works.I heartily agree!

stunning, elegant album from the incomparable Peggy Lee

Reviewed by Matthew G. Sherwin, 2008-03-19

Black Coffee is an incredibly fine CD by the incomparable Peggy Lee. Peggy's voice never sounded better; and she masterfully handles these songs with panache. The quality of the sound is rather good; and I love that artwork!

The album starts with the title track, "Black Coffee." This jazzy little tune shines brighter than gold when Peggy sings it with passion, heart and soul. I'm very impressed with the horn arrangement in the background while Peggy sings this perfectly. I predict that you will enjoy "Black Coffee" very much. Listen also for "I've Got You Under My Skin." This second number has a faster tempo that is also rather jazzy--and elegant. Peggy bats this straight out of the ballpark and she changes tempo and keys effortlessly. "I've Got You Under My Skin" is a very romantic classic jazz vocal that really lets Peggy show off her remarkable singing abilities!

"My Heart belongs To Daddy" was always one of my favorite songs; and here Peggy doesn't let us down! Peggy delivers this with style and her delivery of this song is enhanced even further by her excellent diction and timing. She never misses a beat, either! "It Ain't Necessarily So" slows down the pace a bit but Peggy never stops sounding like she was born to sing this type of number! "It Ain't Necessarily So" shines bright when Peggy sings it. "A Woman Alone With The Blues" sounds like the tune you might hear in an elegant lounge or nightclub; Peggy infuses this with so much emotion and she's able to use her voice to convey every subtle nuance of the lyrics.

"When The World Was Young" puts Peggy right into the spotlight--where she always belonged. The piano arrangement is quite pretty; and I also like "Love Me Or Leave Me." This fine jazzy number gets the royal treatment from Peggy who sings this like a true chanteuse. The album ends with Peggy performing "There's A Small Hotel;" this song is about Peggy's character dreaming of her honeymoon with her sweetheart after their wedding.

Black Coffee is an excellent album for fans of Peggy Lee; and people who love classic jazz vocals will not be disappointed. This is also an excellent starter CD for people just coming to know the true greatness of Peggy Lee's artistry.

SPLENDID!

Reviewed by Jane Jenerette, 2008-02-18

I had forgotten how wonderful Peggy Lee's voice and timing were. After seeing "Bernard and Doris" on HBO and hearing her songs, I just had to find her again. Her voice is as smooth as silk on this album that sounds as if it were recorded just yesterday. If you don't have it, it is a must have for those who love Peggy Lee!

Black Coffee CD by Peggy Lee

Reviewed by R. Mack, 2007-08-14

Excellent CD. Peggy Lee in top form. Bought it for my husband who's a huge Peggy Lee fan. The songs are timeless and her voice is at its silkiest. Very jazzy and bluesy music, which we like a lot.