Polly Bergen Albums (2)
'My Heart Sings'
Release Date 4/16/1996
Tracks 12
Label Columbia Special Products
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
My Heart Sings pairs Polly Bergen with arranger Luther Henderson, who shakes up his signature orchestral approach via the addition of cool jazz horns and late-night accoutrements perfectly matched to Bergen's dusky vocals. It's a shame the material is so predictable -- standard "singer with strings" fare like "Sophisticated Lady," "When I Fall in Love," and "I'm in the Mood for Love" -- but the set's style and sophistication make up for covering such familiar ground; for that matter, Bergen is such a distinct performer that even the most well-tread lyrics seem refreshed, and the joy she brings to bubbly renditions of "Lucky Day" and "The Lady Is a Tramp" is infectious. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Polly Bergen's final Philips LP Act One-Sing, Too is also her most alluring. Arranger Jerry Fields channels inspiration from contemporary pop and jazz to create a hip, stylish atmosphere that perfectly complements her dusky voice. Fields introduces melancholy horns, vibes and other accents that underscore the session's after-hours atmosphere, while Bergen responds with a thoughtful performance that fully capitalizes on the world-weary sophistication of her distinctive approach. The material's a bit tame and predictable, but at least the forward-thinking arrangements compensate. And while it's inaccurate to suggest that Bergen reinvents chestnuts like "The Way You Look Tonight" and "As Time Goes By," she certainly approaches them from interesting angles. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
