Engelbert Humperdinck: Engelbert Live

Rating:
Summary: 28 years after "Release Me", and as good as ever
Review: Engelbert Humperdinck in this live performance from the Forum in Los Angeles in 1995, has the same amazing vocal range, breath control and smooth sound he had in the late '60s and '70s when he had his own television show, and pop hits like "Release Me" and the romantic ballads that made him a superstar, in fact he is quoted in the liner notes as saying "time gives you more experience, and I sing with more depth now because I draw on that experience whenever possible".

This is a terrific concert, and a lot of the credit goes to the fabulous arranger/musical director Bebu Silvetti, who has done so much marvelous work with top Latin music stars like Luis Miguel and Rocio Durcal. He weaves his magic here with lush arrangements and superb musicianship, and in the section that takes place in a recording studio ("Smoke Gets in Your Eyes") and the duo with Engelbert and Bebu on piano ("The Shadow of Your Smile"), one can tell that these two men have a rapport and admiration of each others' skills and talent.

Engelbert is also backed by an wonderful trio of singers, and one of them, Michaela, gets to show how well she can sing solo with a stupendous "Malagueña", and she also sings a duet with Engelbert ("When I Fall in Love").
In "Quando, Quando, Quando", he really lets loose, dancing as well as singing. He looks good in the first half in black with a silver waistcoat, and in the second half in a purple flounced shirt. The final two numbers are extraordinary..."Unchained Melody" is fantastic, and his "Ave Maria" encore sublime.
Total running time is 2 hours.

The DVD extras include a long interview that takes place in Engelbert's home in England, a great old house on 25 acres of land, with many gardens designed by his wife; he tells stories of his life, which is quite fascinating, and a combination of hard work, fate, and God's blessings.
There is also a "photo gallery" with a few photos, most of them seen in the interview section.
Song list:
"Love is a Many Splendored Thing"
"Can't Take My Eyes Off of You"
"Stranger in Paradise"
"Por el Amor de Una Mujer" ("I Knew That We Have Loved Before")
"Nothin' a Little Love Won't Cure"
"Portofino"
"(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay"
"Release Me"
"The Shadow of Your Smile"
"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"
"I Apologize"
"Too Young"
"Secret Love"
"Malagueña"
"No Other Love"
"When I Fall in Love"
"Quando, Quando, Quando"
"After the Lovin'"
"Such a Night"
"Yours" ("Quiereme Mucho")
"Unchained Melody"
"Ave Maria"


Rating:
Summary: Supurb.
Review: Simply put, .... this is a great DVD.
It's a beautiful concert, recorded magnificently, both visually and audibly.
This is Englebert with a full and stunning orchestra. It's a wonderful concert with many many songs of differing styles and rhythms. But mainly he falls on the ballads that we all love to hear. His voice is in fine form, he has some nicely placed dancers to enhance certain moods and the orchestration is rich and mature.
This is just lovely.
Then to cap things off, there is a one on one walk through his house and garden. We listen in on an interview with him at his home, as if we are in the room with Englebert. It's a great DVD one that I am sure any romantic will enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Engelbert Humperdinck Live
Review: What an entertainer! By far, the best I have ever seen. Engelbert not only delivers his outstanding signature of song, but his excellence in showmanship. Delightful, humorous and romantic all in his "total package" delivery. A must for everyone....even if you are not a fan. I guarantee you will be after seeing this.

Rating:
Summary: Engelbert Humperdinck Live
Review: What an entertainer! By far, the best I have ever seen. Engelbert not only delivers his outstanding signature of song, but his excellence in showmanship. Delightful, humorous and romantic all in his "total package" delivery. A must for everyone....even if you are not a fan. I guarantee you will be after seeing this.

Rating:
Summary: The Greatest Voice of a Lifetime
Review: You know, I never met him, I only have all of his music and wish everyone else did too. Somtimes you have to trust strangers and their opinions about certain things,for example Engebert's vocal superiority. The guy is the absolute Greatest and this DVD will prove to all that this stranger can be trusted. Buy it.
Someday it will creep into your mind and then you will wish that you could sing. He makes the world want to sing. But try to sing with him and then you will know I mean. You can't because you would rather listen to that big burgundy voice.

Edward J Gibbons
Liyyje silver NJ 07739