Carol Channing Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
Carol Channing's reputation was built upon her turns in comic stage performances. And Jazz Baby is exactly what you would expect from a swinging, jazz album starring the distinctive voice of Hello Dolly! The collection includes songs from some of her most famous Broadway musicals, including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Thoroughly Modern Millie. The title track announces Channing's personal connection to these songs: "(I'm) full of jazz and harmony, 'cause I'm a jazz baby." The upbeat Tin Pan Alley song is perhaps the most obvious choice for the set's title and creates a personal mood for the entire album. Channing's voice never sheds its outrageous comic sound, but exhibits a sultry, sexiness throughout that most would not expect (or be prepared for). Jazz Baby is the kind of album that may only get an occasional play, but is worthy of many multiple listens. While Channing is no Ella Fitzgerald or Doris Day, her affection for the music is undeniable on this enjoyable album. "Ma (He's Makin' Eyes at Me)," the title track, and "Doin' the Old Yahoo Step" are the standout swing tracks, while "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," "You're the Cream in My Coffee," and "Button Up Your Overcoat" are the best ballads. Strong versions of "Bye, Bye Baby," "Baby Won't You Please Come Home," "Ain't Misbehavin'," and "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" are also lots of fun. Fans of Judy Garland (especially late career) and Ethel Merman who are willing to experiment will treasure Jazz Baby for its nostalgia and sweetness. It is not a greatest-hits album by any means. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is the most represented show, but it is also one of her longest-running. That notwithstanding, Jazz Baby is essential and a hit! ~ JT Griffith, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The liner notes to this album twice refer to the principals as "this unlikely duo," and it's hard to argue that a pairing of Broadway star Carol Channing and country star Webb Pierce is exactly that. It becomes no less unlikely as you listen to the album, which finds Channing on Music Row, but not Pierce on the Great White Way. Pierce country hits "I Ain't Never," "Back Street Affair," and "Fool, Fool, Fool" are reprised with Channing chiming in, but Pierce never attempts "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" or "Hello, Dolly!," which hardly seems fair. Channing's exuberant, cracked alto turns out to be a reasonable-enough vehicle for country music, especially because she throws herself into it with her customary enthusiasm. If the experiment must be judged a failure, it's more because of the mediocrity of the material and the complete lack of chemistry between the two singers than because Channing can't make the transition to country. She's willing, but Pierce is phoning in his part, and the songs don't really exploit the possibilities of the pairing. Chalk the partnership up to being a strange idea executed without as much zaniness as it deserved. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
'Carol Channing Entertains'
Release Date 1/1/1965
Tracks 12
Label Command
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Carol Channing's Entertains, released in 1965, is out of print. Fans of the Broadway star will want to track down this LP for such classics as "I'll Die Happy," "Dear Hearts & Gentle People," "Making Whoopee," and "Ain't Misbehavin'." Those looking for an introduction would obviously have an easier and more fruitful time starting with Those Wonderful Years or Hello, Dolly! 30th Anniversary Cast Recording. A good record for the initiated and converted, however. ~ JT Griffith, All Music Guide
