THE SPECIAL MAGIC OF CONNIE

UK

MGM SELECT 2353 099

The special magic of Connie Francis has long been acclaimed by record buyers and music lovers all over the world. Whether singing in English, Italian, German, Spanish, French, Yiddish or...Japanese, the result has been the same — an immediate rapport between the petite American songstress and her audience. So much so, that countless awards have been bestowed upon her such as: Italy's Most Beloved American-Italian singer; Japan's Favourite American singer; four times winner of Britain's New Musical Express Best World Female Singer poll; Canada's Expo '70 Entertainer of the Century award...

To list them all would require a volume in itself, but the international appeal that led to the citations and trophies has been captured on this album. Not only do the selections provide a musical travelogue, but they were recorded in Connie's favourite recording locations in London, New York, Rome, Milan and Nashville!

America, the birthplace of many a musical form, provides a varied assortment. Connie displays a not-too-often heard swinging ability on the powerful "Swanee" opener, "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" and "Ma, He's Making Eyes At Me!'

In marked contrast is the knowing "You're Nobody Till' Somebody Loves You" presented in shuffle rhythm, while two of the U.S.A’s most romantic evergreens "Anniversary Waltz" and "Apple Blossom Time" are handled in warm, caressing tones. In wistful manner Connie performs the Oscar-winning "Moon River" and the Hoagy Carmichael classic "Stardust; seemingly oblivious to the fact that the latter is one of the world's most oft-recorded items: such is the freshness of her interpretation. From the same session comes the German-sung opening "Mack the Knife" and the late Edith Piaf’s French success "Milord!”

The Spanish speaking countries are in evidence with "Cuando Caliente El Sol" sung both in Spanish and English. This London-recorded 'all-timer’, too, gains new lease of life with Connie's expert handling. London was also the recording venue for the Hebrew "Tzena Tzena Tzena" and the standard "Garden In The Rain!'

International favourites in every sense, these songs are given new meaning and expression by Connie Francis, the world's most successful female recording artist. But then, this is her unique talent and artistry...the Special Magic that IS Connie Francis.

Ron Roberts