De-Lovely [Digipak] (CD - 2004)

Recording information: Air Lyndhurst, London, England; Avatar Studios, New York, NY.

Arrangers: Stephen Endelman; Gilbert Goldstein; Sonny Kompanek.

Director Irwin Winkler's 2004 film DE-LOVELY cleverly depicts Broadway songwriting icon Cole Porter looking back on his life as if it were a theatrical production. Given Kevin Kline's extensive background in musical theater, Winkler's decision to cast him as Porter proved to be inspired, and Kline is wonderful throughout the soundtrack. Mix in an eclectic array of musicians and what you have is a project that works as an effective bridge between generations. Where else will you find Sheryl Crow luxuriating in a bossa nova-arranged "Begin the Beguine," neo-soul songbird Vivian Green making like Ella Fitzgerald on "Love for Sale," or Porter himself having a grand old time warbling his own "You're the Top?" Other noteworthy performances include Englishmen Robbie Williams taking a slightly foppish romp through "It's De-Lovely," Elvis Costello giving a vaudevillian turn to "Let's Misbehave," and Natalie Cole pouring herself into a lush reading of "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye." minimize