Lazy Afternoon

I have a fair number of Barbra's cd's (15 or so) - her classic and gorgeous "Lazy Afternoon", from 1975, isstill my favorite. When I had the 8-track(!!) back in the 70's, I played this thing to death and still think it'sawesome, beautiful, and brilliantly done. The opening title track is, ALONE, worth the price, but there areso many other great tunes included, as well. Composer, singer/songwriter, musician, and arranger RupertHolmes produced "Lazy Afternoon", along with Jeffrey Lesser, and he contributed four of his own songs onthe recording, one of which, "By The Way", was written with Barbra when she was working out some keysfor arrangements on a piano. Streisand came up with the actual melody for this emotional & extraordinarypiece. Barbra had a copy of Rupert's 1974 album, "Widescreen" on Epic Records, and was a great admirerof his songwriting skills on it. She asked him if she could record two songs from it, which included "LettersThat Cross In The Mail", and the incredible title track, "Widescreen". This particular piece was most unusualas it had a deep, emotional effect on Streisand - she asked Holmes to write new lyrics for it, which he did.Streisand also loved his poignant tune, "My Father's Song", which was included on "Lazy Afternoon", as well.She and Rupert would go on to collaborate on several more of her albums, including "A Star Is Born", "JustFor The Record", and "Superman". On "Lazy Afternoon", Holmes was also the arranger and conductor on it.The one tune on "Lazy" I can do without is the brief and disco-flavored "Shake Me, Wake Me", which was anearlier hit covered by The Four Tops - in 1975, the disco scene was in early motion and "Shake Me" was evenreleased by Columbia as an extended 12" dance single. It was the only time she ever did this and happenedso early on in the disco-dance era that commercial 12" singles were not even being produced yet. "I NeverHad It So Good" (Paul Williams/Roger Nichols) follows "Shake Me" and brings the recording back into focuswith its fine lyrics and gentle tone. Streisand heard "You And I" by Stevie Wonder, loved it, and includedit on "Lazy" with a heartfelt performance. Babs really digs into the classic torch "Moanin' Low", originallywritten in 1929, and updated here with a jazzy big band and orchestra with great arrangements by Holmes.The most fragile and sensitive piece on the record, "A Child Is Born", follows this and is a brilliant duo withjust Barbra singing the tender lyrics by Marilyn/Alan Bergman and Holmes on acoustic piano - magnificent,timeless, and hauntingly beautiful. It was originally written by legendary jazz composer/musician Dave Gru-sin for Streisand's 1972 film "Up The Sandbox", but was never used in the the movie when released. A fullyorchestrated version of "Child" was recorded by Barbra and Holmes, but is still in the vaults. Streisand feltthe gentle duo version of the piece was more appropriate for the theme and lyrics. The great classical pian-ist, Glenn Gould, called "A Child Is Born" his favorite Streisand song. As often occurs, there are several othertunes, as well, that were recorded for "Lazy Afternoon" that have still not been released yet - these includeanother Rupert Holmes song called "Everything", and an Ed Kleban piece called "Better" which features anarrangement by Holmes. Hopefully, these will all see the light of day in the near future. Barbra Streisandonce called "Lazy Afternoon" her own personal favorite album of the many she has done over the years andbecause of its overall excellence and stellar production, it's easy to see why. It was a great success whenreleased by Columbia in 1975, charting at #12 on the Billboard 200, and certified gold by the RIAA in April1976. Featured soloists on the recording included David Foster on electric piano, legendary jazz guitar andstudio players Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, and Jay Graydon, along with the marvelous jazz trumpeter ChuckFindley. Beautifully recorded, arranged, and produced with Barbra's incredible vocals leading the way, "LazyAfternoon" is, indeed, a timeless classic by one of the greatest and talented artists of our time. In reflectingback on the "Lazy" recording sessions, Rupert Holmes commented about Barbra, "She is the easiest person toproduce, the easiest just as long as you allow her to do what she feels is her best work. For instance, shewill cut a track and you say, 'Great.' Then she will say, 'I think I can get it better.' 'Are you sure? Becauseyou can't get it better.' Then she will say, 'I'll do it once more.' And it does get better. In the end you looklike a genius simply for nodding your head...Once she asked me to rearrange a number, which I thought wasa good arrangement. It was a drag, but she wanted it TO WORK better, and in the end it did. I was gratefulto her for making me demand more of myself, what she demands of herself.""Lazy Afternoon" album numbers:Debut Chart Date: 11-1-75No. Weeks on Billboard 200 Albums Chart: 20Peak Chart Position: #12Gold: 4/14/76Gold: 500,000 units shipped"Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over)" white label d.j. 12" dance singlereleased by Columbia w/4:55 minute stereo "Disco Version" mix on oneside and a mono mix on the other side. VERY rare and expensive now.

Bab's 1975 album Lazy Afternoon a classic featuring the arrangements and playing of one" British, David Goldstein (Rupert Holmes" to the Westchester County NY village of Nyack on the Hudson, was instrumental in helping Barbra create this classic , her handling of the Title plus the rousing big band treatment of Moanin' Low. Using Rupert ,who several years before gave us, Timothy in 1971( about cannibalism, now making his in roads that would lead to his further success in 1979's Partners in Crime(Pina Colada Song, and Him. Along with Peter Matz and a young Canadian pianist, David Foster help create the modern techno sounds you hear throughout the album. And you can hear again her stretching her musical talents and using premier 70's musicians and composers.

For Barbra Streisand fans, this is a gem of a recording. It's a bit laid-back in my opinion but her voice and the production is amazing. Add this to your Barbra collection.

I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT THIS WAS A PERSONAL, FROM THE HEART LP. I BELIEVE IT MORE THAN EVER NOW. SOMEHOW AFTER LISTENING TO THIS CD, YOU FEEL YOU KNOW ALITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THE SINGER...SHE'S OPENING UP. WHEN THE LP CAME OUT I WORE IT OUT. "BY THE WAY" THANK YOU BARBRA STREISAND.

not a big fan of all the songs but her voice is at the pinnacle of her career

Bought this for Stevie Wonder's Song,You and I.Moanin Low andLazy AfternoonThis is one of ms.Streisand's what i would say is her experimental albums.

This Cd Finds Barbra Streisand In Glorious Voice! The Painted Beauty Of The Title Track Is Beyond Words. Every Song On This Cd Is Stunningly Sung,My Personal Favorites Are: "By The Way"-The Lyric & Melody Are Perfect For One Another. "I Never Had It So Good"- One Of Barbra's Best!!! "Letters That Cross In The Mail"- Should Have Been One Of Her Greatest Hits, The Lyric Is Sweeping, Moving & Breathtaking All At Once!! She Will Never Be Replaced As The Greatest Singer Of Our Or Any Time!!! A National Treasure!!

Item as described. Thank you.

Excellent tunes and vocals by Streisand.

Good Cd

Eines ihrer schönsten Alben. Mit viel Hingabe und Gefühl bietet sie ein abwechslungsreiches Album nicht nur den faulen( chilligen) Nachmittag an.

bel disco della Streisand anni 70

good