Gary Williams - The Best of Abbey Road - In Tune Magazine review

Fans of Gary’s will probably already have these recordings which were made at the famous studios between 2004 and 2008. However, the 18 selections included here make for perfect listening and are a spotlight on a great voice. You will hear not only big orchestral backings but the more intimate settings for which many know Gary already. The albums from which the songs come are “Alone Together”; “In the Lounge with Gary Williams” & “Swingin’ on Broadway” and I would recommend these to anyone who enjoys a song sung as it should be. Gary can have the lightest of touches with a song as well as a more robust approach when it is needed. The arrangements bring out the best from the song the musicians and the singer.

I found the songs on this album reflective, uplifting and encouraging for a variety of reasons. I still think we do not hear enough of this kind of music on the radio or television and so something like this is a real shot in the arm. Who could ever forget Vincent Youmans “More Than You Know” or Cole Porter’s “You’re Sensational”; Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Surrey with the Fringe on Top”; the Gershwin’s “Isn’t it a Pity” and these are only 4 reasons why you should buy this album. The 57 minutes it takes to play this CD go by too quickly but then we can always press the play button again and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Don’t miss this album and yes it does go onto my Top 10 of 2010.

Fans of Gary’s will probably already have these recordings which were made at the famous studios between 2004 and 2008. However, the 18 selections included here make for perfect listening and are a spotlight on a great voice. You will hear not only big orchestral backings but the more intimate settings for which many know Gary already. The albums from which the songs come are “Alone Together”; “In the Lounge with Gary Williams” & “Swingin’ on Broadway” and I would recommend these to anyone who enjoys a song sung as it should be. Gary can have the lightest of touches with a song as well as a more robust approach when it is needed. The arrangements bring out the best from the song the musicians and the singer.

I found the songs on this album reflective, uplifting and encouraging for a variety of reasons. I still think we do not hear enough of this kind of music on the radio or television and so something like this is a real shot in the arm. Who could ever forget Vincent Youmans “More Than You Know” or Cole Porter’s “You’re Sensational”; Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Surrey with the Fringe on Top”; the Gershwin’s “Isn’t it a Pity” and these are only 4 reasons why you should buy this album. The 57 minutes it takes to play this CD go by too quickly but then we can always press the play button again and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Don’t miss this album and yes it does go onto my Top 10 of 2010.

Clive Fuller. June 2010