Bette Midler has always struck me as being a singer out of her time. She reminds me of a torch singer from the 1940s. I wouldn’t go as far to say that she puts me in a mind of Rosemary Clooney, but I can definitely see her in that time frame. She now turns her talent to a Christmas album.
She tackles a bevy of classic Christmas tunes, including “Merry Christmas,” “Cool Yule,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “Mele Kalikimaka,” (a personal favorite but I still like Der Bingle’s better), and “White Christmas.” She also duets with Johnny “Mr. Christmas” Mathis on “Winter Wonderland/Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” There’s also a newly arranged version of her hit “From a Distance” that’s been decorated with lyrics appropriate to the holiday season.
She contributes a New Year’s song called “What are you Doing New Year’s Eve?” (You were expecting Auld Lang Syne I bet). Of all the Christmas CDs that came across the old reviewing desk, Mrs. Midler’s was the only one that had a version of “White Christmas.” I was expecting them all to try their hands at it (it’s the most done Christmas song ever!) but only Bette attempted it (and wonderfully I might add).
She does add a new introduction in her own style. Her duet with Johnny Mathis is worth the purchase price alone (“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” was done on the other albums I guess). Not only is she an actress, she’s a fine songstress and you’ll enjoy getting this CD. It will put you in the holiday spirit, in a jazzy, 1940s torch singer sort’ve way.
‘Cool Yule’ is now available at Amazon . Visit the music database for more information and a complete track listing.
JamesDec 18th, 2006 - 18:29:29
A great lead song by a great singer. You might want to check out what I believe is the original song by the original group at:
http://www.acoustix.com/ax_coolyule.htm
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