A triumph!!

It is amazing that there are so many moments on this CD where Connie is still able to capture the sound of "that voice" from some forty years ago. Although tragedy has surrounded her life and she has struggled deeply with mental illness,(even losing her voice completely for a period of seven years)this recording
is a testament to struggle, a resulting survival, determination, and ultimate victory. Though pitches aren't always perfect, there are MANY instances where she nails notes that are amazingly reminiscent of her early sound. When this happens, the triumph is enough to bring you to tears.

All in all, this is a great example of what a "live" recording should be. Note for note it is not perfect, but in emotion and delivery it is raw and true. Connie is in consistent good voice and seems very comfortable on all her foreign language songs, especially "Mama" (with an ending that raises goose bumps), "Malaguena", and even "La Bamba!" "Al Di La" falls weak near the end but ultimately closes very very strong! "Maybe This Time" is near perfect, building to an amazing, solid belt. And the album's closer, "If I Never Sing Another Song" is eerily autobiographical, a heart breaking exploration of a singer's life beyond her glory days. That famous "tear in the voice" is here --and the accomplishment of that last note is deeply felt in emotion and execution.

This recording definitely introduces a different Connie; don't expect a replica of her old hits. But this disc takes its proper place in the catalogue of Connie Francis recordings. What an honor to be let into this part of her life, flaws and all.
The album's stirring opener says it all. "Let Me Try Again." And she does...with amazing success!

One of my "desert island" cds!

Dick Clark predicted that Connie was going to the #1 spot-and he was right!-not only in sales but in the hearts of music lovers the world over. Her live concerts are extra special due to the depth of emotion felt and expressed by both singer and audience. This disc is a wonderful "souvenir" of that event which I was fortunate to be a part of. No one there will ever forget Connie singing "Ma-Ma" (her mother was not the only one wiping away the tears). For a very special hour we were reminiscing about the drive-in movies, pizza stands, and summer vacations (writing love letters in the sand!). Then back to the reality of today's headlines with a powerful Exodus medley showing that her voice still has most of that magic. Now off to sunny Italy! (Is there a better female singer of this repertoire? I think not.) Connie's humerous monologue is a wonderful reminder of a time when the guys were trying to wipe that lipstick off their collars while their girlfriends were pleading "don't break the heart that loves you". The opening and closing numbers are a reminder that Connie has been to hell and come back with a strenth that she shares with all of us. The orchestra and harmony singers are wonderfully supportive and the enthusiastic applause rarely intrudes. This is a concert for the ages from a singer who moved from teenage fun through the Italian songbbook and can now bring everything together for one special night. Thankfully, it's all on this disc. Thank you Connie.

Still a star

I can only say that Connie did her best on this recording. Some of her songs are voice weak, others aren't like they used to be. Her voice is lacking the strengh, smoothness and the holding out of the notes.I know it must take a lot to stand before her fans and sing knowing that her voice is weak. Still she does the concert and gives all that she has to give, weak or strong.I would still attend one of her concerts because she is still the Connie that we know from many years again and love. She has been through a lot of sadness in her life but she sings to bring us joy and happiness, even if she is off key somewhat. But to me she is still a "STAR."