Description
Harry Connick Jr – True Love A Celebration of Cole Porter – Double Vinyl Record
True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter is a studio album by American singer and musician Harry Connick Jr., released on October 25, 2019. This album is Connick’s tribute to the legendary American composer Cole Porter, whose work defined much of the Great American Songbook and shaped the sound of early 20th-century jazz, pop, and Broadway music. Known for his smooth vocal style and jazz expertise, Connick brings his own interpretation to some of Porter’s most beloved songs, combining traditional arrangements with his personal flair.
Harry Connick Jr. has long been known for his love of jazz and his talent as both a vocalist and pianist. True Love is a passion project that allowed Connick to pay homage to one of his musical idols. Cole Porter’s sophisticated melodies, clever wordplay, and timeless themes have made his work an enduring part of American culture, and Connick set out to capture the charm and wit of Porter’s songs while adding his own modern jazz stylings.
In producing this album, Connick not only provided vocals but also arranged and orchestrated the music, offering a fresh yet respectful take on Porter’s classics. Connick arranged and conducted the entire album, making it a very personal work that highlights both his musicality and his deep respect for Porter’s contributions to music.
Key Tracks
‘Anything Goes’ – Opening the album, Connick’s rendition of this lively classic captures Porter’s upbeat energy with swinging rhythms and vibrant orchestration. Connick’s playful interpretation reflects the original’s carefree spirit, setting the tone for the album.
‘I Love Paris’ – Connick brings a romantic, atmospheric quality to ‘I Love Paris,’ highlighting the beauty of Porter’s melody with lush strings and his smooth vocal delivery. The song’s nostalgic feel is heightened by Connick’s rich arrangement.
‘I Concentrate on You’ – A standout track, this song showcases Connick’s ability to convey deep emotion. His slow, tender phrasing emphasizes the song’s intimacy, backed by a restrained yet elegant orchestration.
‘All of You’ – Connick’s rendition of ‘All of You’ is both charming and flirtatious, capturing the clever lyricism and sophistication of Porter’s original. The arrangement adds a bit of modern jazz flair without losing the classic appeal.
‘True Love’ – The title track is one of the album’s emotional high points. Connick’s heartfelt performance brings warmth to the song, creating a timeless feel that reflects the purity of the lyrics. His arrangement captures the tender, romantic essence of the piece.
‘You Do Something to Me’ – With a lively beat and spirited orchestration, Connick’s version of this song captures the playfulness that Porter infused into his music. The track is upbeat and bright, highlighting Connick’s vocal and instrumental energy.
‘Just One of Those Things’ – Connick’s version of this classic is infused with a lively jazz swing, showcasing his skillful piano work and vocal phrasing. The arrangement brings out the song’s energy and sense of adventure.
‘Begin the Beguine’ – A slower, more introspective take, Connick’s interpretation of this iconic song is lush and haunting. The orchestration is rich and atmospheric, bringing out the depth of Porter’s composition.
Connick’s arrangements bring a fresh perspective to Porter’s work, blending big band jazz with classic orchestration. His vocal delivery is smooth and polished, capturing the emotional nuances of each song. His use of full orchestration, including lush strings and brass, adds grandeur and depth to the album while remaining true to Porter’s original compositions. Throughout the album, Connick’s skills as a pianist are also evident, adding a touch of improvisational jazz that enhances each track’s character.
Connick’s careful attention to arrangement and orchestration makes True Love feel like a cohesive, thoughtfully produced work. By conducting the orchestra himself, Connick takes on the role of a traditional bandleader, allowing him to shape the musical nuances and dynamics, and infusing his personal style into each piece. This meticulous approach pays homage to Porter while giving Connick the creative freedom to make the music feel modern and accessible.
True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter received positive reviews for Connick’s respectful yet innovative approach to Porter’s music. Critics praised his commitment to Porter’s legacy while adding a touch of contemporary jazz sophistication. Fans of both Porter and Connick found the album to be a successful blend of classic and modern, appealing to listeners who appreciate the artistry of both musicians.
The album reached #1 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart, a testament to Connick’s impact in the jazz world and the enduring popularity of Porter’s work. True Love is seen as a valuable addition to Connick’s discography and a fitting homage to one of his greatest influences. The album’s blend of rich orchestration, thoughtful interpretation, and Connick’s vocal charm ensures that True Love resonates with both new listeners and those familiar with Porter’s timeless catalog.
For Harry Connick Jr., True Love represents a return to his roots in jazz and traditional pop. It captures his growth as an artist and arranger while staying true to the classic sounds that have shaped his career. True Love stands as both a celebration of Porter’s genius and an affirmation of Connick’s versatility and passion for the Great American Songbook.
With True Love, Connick successfully bridges generations, offering a modern homage to Cole Porter that feels both fresh and reverent. This album serves as a testament to the lasting power of Porter’s music and Connick’s dedication to honoring the jazz and pop standards that continue to influence his work.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Anything Goes
I Love Paris
I Concentrate on You
All of You
Mind If I Make Love to You
Just One of Those Things
In the Still of the Night
Why Can’t You Behave
Begin the Beguine
You’d Be So Nice to Come Home to
True Love
You’re Sensational
You Do Something to Me
