Crystal Gayle Albums (23)
'A Crystal Christmas'
Release Date 7/25/2006
Tracks 10
Label Laserlight
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What The Critics Say
The reissue of the soundtrack from Francis Ford Coppola's One From the Heart in early 2004 reminded listeners of Crystal Gayle's considerable gifts as an interpretive singer in the American standard tradition. While Tom Waits wrote the songs, he scripted them in part to fill a narrative idea by Coppola, and in part for the inimitable voice of Gayle. She topped the crossover charts in the 1970s, and has been largely regarded as a legend rather than a still vital performer despite the fact that she has expanded her vocal and stylistic palette. If there were any justice, this set of Hoagy Carmichael tunes would recast Gayle's reputation from that of a country singer to that of a consummate jazz and pop standards torchbearer. Heart & Soul offers proof in the pudding that Gayle has become one of the truly great American singers. In the grain of her voice lies the entire history of American popular song. This set was recorded in Nashville with a core band, but it also features full string, reed, and brass sections in places -- such as on the elegant "One Morning in May" and on the heartbreakingly lush "Lazy River." Elsewhere, as on "Lazybones" and "Ole Buttermilk Sky," the swing's the thing and is painted in different colors. On the former, the saxophone of Jay Patten and muted trumpet of George Tidwell ease the rhythm along. On the latter, fiddle boss Buddy Spicher, guitarist Mike Loudermilk, and Joey Miskulin's accordion establish that the swang's the thang. Gayle's reading of "Georgia on My Mind" is both reverential and revelatory. She recasts the tune in its original light and is added by the piano fills of Charles Cochran and the gorgeous saxophone lines of Jay Patten. Willie Nelson joins Gayle on "Two Sleepy People" as does a string quartet, and while Nelson's vocal isn't what it once was, it's still plenty effective contrasted against Gayle's. The album's final track, "Can't Get Indiana Off My Mind," which Carmichael wrote with Robert DeLeon, is the perfect fusion of rural American song tropes and the more sophisticated melodic sensibilities that Carmichael reveled in. This is a gorgeous set, one that reaffirms Gayle's artistry to be sure, but also one that offers the first really new hearing of Carmichael in at least a decade. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
While it's true that Crystal Gayle has never stopped recording, she has virtually disappeared from the public eye. One of the most gifted singers ever to come out of country music, Gayle successfully crossed over into the mainstream because of her signature phrasing and sophisticated material. In fact, since the 1970s, she has transcended all categories and genres, except for the one belonging to "singer." All My Tomorrows is her first album proper since 2000. The album is a collection of American pop songs that are not only well-known, but also deeply loved. To tackle a song like "Cry Me A River" in 2003 without a hint of nostalgia is a brazen act, to deliver one of its most defining reads is the work of an artist, and that happens here. Likewise, few people would ever associate Gayle with Ray Charles, but she does a stellar, jazzed-up version of ""Hallelujah I Love Him (sic) So." Her voice is big and round and wraps itself tightly around and within the lyric. Accompanied by a muted trumpet, big double bass, bongos, a drum kit, and, of course, a piano, her band has a tough, lean, club feel to it that brings the joy back into the song. Other tracks, such as "Sentimental Journey," "I'm Beginning To See The Light," and "It Had To Be You," transcend their many covers and become pillars of great American songcraft once more in Gayle's capable, still stunning voice. One may have to search a bit to find this one in stores, but it can be purchased on-line, and it's well worth the search. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
'Crystal Gayle Christmas'
Release Date 8/20/2002
Tracks 10
Label Direct Source
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What The Critics Say
Crystal Gayle combines her soothing, rich vocals with the songwriting talents of Steve Ivey and Denny Jiosa to snuggle listeners of all ages in warm, down blankets on the laps of their mothers. In My Arms offers both lyrical and intrumental cuts accented by mellow percussion, accordion, and the wistful flügelhorn. Lullabies such as "Crystal Moon" and "The Last Ray of Sunshine" provide a welcome and relaxing respite from the Barney & Friends bombardment that has infiltrated children's music. You won't find dancing purple dinosaurs here, but what you will find is comfort and peace...whether you are three or 103. ~ Rick Cohoon, All Music Guide
'Sings the Heart & Soul of Hoagy Carmichael'
Release Date 10/19/1999
Tracks 15
Label Intersound
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'Mountain Christmas'
Release Date 10/1/1996
Tracks 11
Label Intersound
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'We Must Believe in Magic'
Release Date 7/26/1994
Tracks 10
Label Razor & Tie
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