The Pursuit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)He has a tremendous talent, no one can have doubts about that.
He was catapulted into spotlight after his 2003 debut "Twentysomething" marked him out as the poster child for the new age of Jazz. His second album received a much more muted response - behind the scenes he's been busy toiling away.
According to some critics, he "has released a string of increasingly poppy Jazz-influenced records. The Pursuit is a richer, more rounded creation. It reveals the influences of a man who is as at home making four-to-the-floor club tracks with his brother as knocking out jazz standards" - Rob Potter
In his latest release, "The Pursuit", a new-found confidence is clearly evident and fans will notice a slight veer away from the jazz sound he is famous for as he visits other genres.
The Cole Porter cover version that starts this album ("Just One Of Those Things" - recorded with the Count Basie orchestra at Tony Bennett's studio) may make you think that this jazz talent is in danger of playing it all a bit too predictable, but he soon shakes things up.
Later, the single "If I Ruled The World, a song memorably tackled by Tony Bennett and by the incomparable Regina Belle on her latest album Lazy Afternoon, becomes entirely Cullum's own.
In fact the track sounds sombre and almost funerary, and recalls Portishead, while "Music Is Through" has a house beat and "We Run Things" is just boldly experimental.
Some other tracks to look out for are the beautiful "Love Aint't Gonna Let You Down", and "Mixtape", featuring none other that the dulcet tones of Sophie Dahl as part of the backing vocal.
This album is a must for loyal lovers of Jamie Cullum's music, and for those who want to hear something genuinely surprising and original.
The special edition version of The Pursuit includes a bonus DVD with exclusive live and behind-the-scenes footage.
Twentysomething
Catching Tales
Pointless Nostalgic
The Essential Tony Bennett (Rm) (2CD)
Lazy Afternoon



Click Here to see more reviews about: The Pursuit

Deluxe two disc (CD/DVD) edition includes bonus DVD. 2009 album from the multi-talented British Jazz man, vocalist, pianist and songwriter. This album contains tracks spanning across the Pop, Hip Hop and Jazz genres, including the lead single 'I'm All Over It', an outstanding take on Rihanna's 'Don't Stop The Music' and the spectacular ballad 'Love Ain't Gonna Let You Down' as well as many more.Cullum mixes Jazz with melodic Pop and Rock into a crossover style that calls to mind such artists as Harry Connick, Jr., and Norah Jones.In that vein, Cullum will just as often cover a swinging Jazz standard as a modern Rock song, and his original compositions deftly move from earnest ballads to songs of sardonic wit.

Click here for more information about The Pursuit

Caught In The Act (CD + Region 2 DVD) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Reprise Records presents another winner in the circle of "American Standards" with Michael Bublé's latest release "Caught In The Act [Live]", with friends backing him in the Count Basie Band signature style...dynamic arrangements by John Clayton Jr., Don Costa, Jerry Hey, Bill Hollman, Jeremy Lubbock, Johnny Mandel, Billy May, Sammy Nestico, Bill Ross, Don Sebesky and Alan Chang music director and arranger...with performances of 8 songs on CD and 20 tracks on DVD, proves Michael is leading the pack in todays jazz interpretation of lyric and style.
Pop vocalist of the millennium is Michael Buble, the Vancouver crooner featuring an unforgettable youthful style that takes you back to the '40s, '50s and '60s...listening to every tune on this album brings back memories of Nat King Cole (one of my favorite singers of all time), Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Mel Torme as they were performing favorite hits of the day...Michael has the uncanny ability to nail each track making it his own.
Sit back and let's take a listen to the selections on this CD guaranteed winner:
1. FEELING GOOD (5:06)
2. SUMMER WIND (4:20)
3. HOME (3:52)
4. YOU AND I (3:48)
5. THE MORE I SEE YOU (4:03)
6. YOU'LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER LOVE LIKE MINE (with Laura Pausini) (3:42)
7. CAN'T BUY ME LOVE (2:29)
8. SMILE (3:46)
There are a few stand outs and highlights with "FEELING GOOD", wonderful arrangement by David Foster, as Buble sings the orchestrated brass gives off a James Bond flavor and you're waiting for your drink...shaken not stirred..."HOME", composed by Michael Buble, arranged by David Foster and Bill Ross is the most requested song from this album on the airwaves..."CAN'T BUY ME LOVE", jazzy arrangement by John Clayton Jr and David Foster, more than a toe-tapper, as Buble swings with a vengence..."THE MORE I SEE YOU", arranger John Clayton Jr. shows you why the late Billy May with Capitol Records was the greatest arranger for the label, Buble swings this one in the Sinatra style and you're loving every minute of it..."SONG FOR YOU", the great Leon Russell's hit, arranged by David Foster and Bill Ross with guest artist Chris Botti on trumpet is completely mesmerizing ..."YOU AND I", composer Stevie Wonder arranged by David Foster and Jeremy Lubbock brings a tear to your eye as Michael pours his heart out, along with heartfelt lyrics and brings it home, just listen quietly and see if you don't agree...entire album has soul...this track alone is worth the price of the album.
My wife and I were fortunate enough to see Michael in a St. Louis concert, met him back stage...might add this young man made a very positive impression on all who attended that night's show...he's a first class guy and has everything going for him...couldn't happen to a nicer person...it's like second nature with his natural ability to vocalize and be a crowd pleaser is pure magic...shows why Buble has the the stuff stars are made of...he's the hottest property in the genre of "American Standards" today...as Michael warns his band, "get ready it's about to start all over again"...climb aboard this musical merry-go-round, you'll never regret it...because Mikey is Back!!
Total Time: CD/DVD Set ~ Reprise / WEA 49444 ~ (11/22/2005)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Caught In The Act (CD + Region 2 DVD)

Sensational young crooner Michael Buble stars in his first "Great Performances" PBS special this holiday season: that and his August live performance at the Wiltern in Los Angeles will be seen and heard in this CD/DVD package. Now Buble takes yet another giant step in his meteoric career.

Click here for more information about Caught In The Act (CD + Region 2 DVD)

Call Me Irresponsible (Spec) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Though the ghosts of Frank Sinatra and Peter Allen still battle for his soul, in his new CD "Call Me Irresponsible" Michael Buble has finally found his own voice and personality. For those who doubt that his channeling Harry Connick Jr. channeling Frank Sinatra schtick is done, jump to his rendition of the Sinatra signature song "That's Life" and listen to his unaffected vocal amid the combination of both gospel choir and big band.
Looking for other sources of inspiration has led Buble to Billy Paul for "Me And Mrs. Jones" which is done in a more matter-of-fact manner than the hand-wringing original; to Jack Jones for the title cut "Call Me Irresponsible" which is more laid back than the original despite the big band arrangement; to Eric Clapton whose "Wonderful Tonight" becomes a lovely Latin love song with assistance from the great Ivan Lins; and to Willie Nelson whose "Always On My Mind" is a beautiful song which gets the beautiful voice it deserves. A wide variety of sources and styles that Michael masters and makes his own.
Two polished diamonds that cement the new identity are "Everything" in which all previous influences are absent and it is Michael Buble emerging as his own man and the tender and laid back "I'm Your Man."
Special mention must go to the arrangements which swing when they need to and modulate for the tender moments such as "Lost." The upbeat arrangements of "It Had Better Be Tonight" (which can only be described as big band Italian salsa) and "Comin' Home Baby" (with it's backing vocals from Boyz II Men) are just brilliant.
A must for fans and a step towards world dominance by this Canadian superhero, this is a wonderful leap forward for an artist who in the past has been weighed down by his influences. But as he warns us all with the CD opener, "The Best Is Yet To Come."

Click Here to see more reviews about: Call Me Irresponsible (Spec)

Melding the contemporary and the classic in ways only he can,Michael Buble has created his most complete studio effort yet. Ranging from"I've Got The World On a String" to "Me and Mrs. Jones," in addition to twonew songs co-written by Michael, Call Me Irresponsible makes this albumirresistible.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Click here for more information about Call Me Irresponsible (Spec)

Caught In The Act (2009) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Many opinions have been posted here on the release of this CAUGHT IN THE ACT blu ray. Why reissue something we have already seen? Why no new live material from Michael Buble? These can be valid questions but I also agree that they also have nothing to do with the quality of this item. I shall try to offer my perspective and hopefully it will help you decide whether you wish to purchase it.
First off, I in no way think Michael Buble is milking his fans. Blu ray is an amazing gift to film and video enthusiasts. A good blu ray transfer is miles above even the highest quality dvd in picture quality and audio presentation. Due to the brilliance of blu ray almost everything that sold well on dvd is being reissued on blu ray for it is such an improvement. I doulble dipped here and was thrilled when I heard it was coming on blu ray.
I have a high end blu ray player, a hd television and a high end receiver. An hd television is really a must to be able to fully appreciate blu ray. I found the picture quality stunning. Colors are crisp, flesh tones are amazing and the clarity crystal clear. When Michael is on stage you can see every line on his face, every drop of sweat. He appears as if he is in your room with you, as if you are actually at the concert. This is the reason for blu ray.
I must admit at first with the audio i had a problem finding the best level to play it at. I found the volume varied greatly from the audience clapping to Michael singing. I was surprised for DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 is an excellent source. But then I remembered my receiver had different audio settings for music recordings so I changed the audio to CONCERT and it greatly improved but when I changed it to JAZZ the sound bacame impeccable. The sound level between Michael and the orchestra was perfection and audience participation stayed at a greatly enjoyable steady level. He runs into the audience, uses lighting a lot in his show and the picture holds strong thru it all.
The performance most Michal Buble fans will already know. First off, the concert is 120 minutes and not the 90 minutes it says in the item description by Amazon. This is a stellar concert with a wide range of superb song selections. Michael Buble is in true form with his pure artistry in the forefront. I have seen him live twice and watching this brings me back again. The dvd never really did for me. Michael is an amazing performer. He puts so much into his stylings of his songs including his effective body movements and his camaraderie with the audience is a joy to watch. He is funny, energetic, sincere, humble and a true gentleman.
Bottom line, you know Michael Buble and you probably already know this concert. If you love the concert and have the equipment to enjoy blu ray at its finest I recommend double dipping here. When I watch it on my 37" hd tv I am mezmerized and have no complaints. I find this blu ray transfer a huge success.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Caught In The Act (2009)

This Blu Ray features sensational young crooner Michael Buble, with footage from his first 'Great Performances' PBS special, plus a live performance at the Wiltern in Los Angeles.

Get 30% OFF

Click here for more information about Caught In The Act (2009)

Michael Buble Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Michael Buble has a competent voice, an interesting style and a natural flair when it comes to singing pop classics, and his debut album, produced with the help of David Foster and Paul Anka, is a gem.
Listening to it, you'd never guess the album wasn't of the Rat Pack period. Buble, whose smooth voice is a delight, is only 25 years old, though.
With Rod Stewart and Robbie Williams doing albums that harken back to the era when Dino and the Chairman ruled the airwaves, it's good to see someone who's not just doing these songs as a sort of wink-wink throwback. Buble sings these songs because he prefers singing these songs, not because he had a pop rock career that fizzled.
Hopefully, with future albums, he'll stay within this genre and continue doing such fun, catchy work. It's good that someone like Michael Buble recognizes that the best music is the kind that can lead couples to dance.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Michael Buble

Producer David Foster (Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand,Whitney Houston) has a new discovery in the wake of a verysuccessful young find Josh Groban. Michael Buble(pronounced boo-blay) is a 25-year-old singing sensationwhose smooth voice & heartthrob style harks back to theswingin' greats of earlier decades, to the likes of Frank & Dean, but also speaks to a new generation's sensibility.2003 self-titled debut from Reprise/143.

Click here for more information about Michael Buble