Search - Natalie Cole - Ask a Woman Who Knows on DVD

"bonus tracks on this classic DVD ~ Natalie Cole"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 02/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Take some great singing, a big band and talent from one of todays best jazz vocalist Natalie Cole...and you have "Ask a Woman Who Knows", a collection of classic jazz, with todays best and greats in the field of live entertainment. This DVD is reminicent of the "Unforgettable" outing, as Natalie reunites with producer Tommy LiPuma. Some very treasured tunes that are not heard frequently with arrangements by Rob Mounsey, Alan Broadbent and John Clayton. The result is lush-velvet strings and blends of brass echoing the tempo and mood of the tune.Some stand outs come to mind ~ "SO MANY STARS", from the pens of Sergio Mendes/Alan & Marilyn Bergman leap from the page, with a haunting performance by Natalie that leaves you wanting more ~ "SOON", this George Gershwin standard was a favorite of mine back when Jacklie Gleason and Bobby Hackett blazed a trail of hit albums in the '50s, but when Natalie sinks her teeth into this one, you've heard the best from todays best ~ "I'M GLAD THERE IS YOU", another favorite from my days of listening to Johnny Mathis, the arrangement on this CD lends to atmospheric blends with Roy Hargrove on flugelhorn ~ "BETTER THAN ANYTHING", joined by Diana Krall, Natalie and Krall give their fans a rare lyrical treat ~ "MY BABY JUST CARE FOR ME", not only is this a classic song, but a classic performance by a classy gal.This is just like being there with 18 tracks performed live in London...mixed in 5.1 and Stereo, simply outstanding...also includes two bonus tracks "MORE THAN YOU'LL EVER KNOW and "I'M BEGINNING TO SEE THE LIGHT". Exclusive interview with Natalie Cole that have many insights into her life and performances, gotta love it!Total Time: 90 mins ~ Hip-O/Universal 440-065-564-9 ~ (2003)"

...with someone who knows ~

Steven W. Brown | Vacaville, California | 05/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is good for a relaxing evening of jazz oriented sounds and the pleasant views of Ms. Cole, her guest, and musicians. The entire DVD seems to be geared towards those of us who value peace, relative quiet, and a meditative experience. I love Natalie for doing this concert. It's where I go when I want to escape to paradise...with someone who "knows.""

She's still got it!

Danniray99 | Expatriate in Germany | 10/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the look of this wonderful concert, it's hard to believe that Natalie Cole is a 50-something diva who gleefully aped Aretha Franklin and Nancy Wilson in the 1970's. Looking beautiful and at least fifteen or twenty years younger, Natalie Cole gives a low-key but stellar performance here. This concert features mostly a set of wisely-chosen show tunes from "Ask a Woman who knows," her latest album of standards following the tradition of "Unforgettable." I actually caught the "Unforgettable" show at Radio City Music Hall in NYC, where Cole gave one of the best concerts that I have ever seen. This show is similar in that Cole gives the same kind of no-frills performance, focusing squarely on the music and the business of showing off her terrific jazz chops! A major highlight of "Ask a Woman" is the appearance of Diana Krall, who makes does a marvelous version of Gershwin's "S'Wonderful" and her own excellent bossa nova take on Frank Sinatra's "I've Got You Under My Skin". Equally fine is her "Route 66" duet with Cole. To the discerning ear, Cole's voice may seem a bit more nasal than in her younger days, but she has lost none of her vocal range or elasticity; she sings with the same gusto and strength as she did back in the day. On stage, Cole has a very warm and relaxed stage presence. She gives a near letter-perfect performance--even rocking the house near the end with her first big hit "This Will Be." Other highlights include her swaying bossa nova interpretation of Michael Frank's "Tell me All About it" and the swinging standards "Let's Face the Music and Dance" and "Beginning to see the Light." The only false note in the concert is her version of "Calling You," a much-covered (by everyone from Cole to Patti Austin to Barbara Streisand) song from the 1988 movie "Baghdad Cafe." Cole seems out of her depth on "Calling You" (the original version remains the very best). Nevertheless, her pedigree speaks for itself and she rightfully claims it. Indeed, there is nothing left for Cole to prove. "Ask a Woman who Knows" is hugely entertaining!"