At Last
Vocalist and songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway wants to help the world fall in love. On her new Telarc release, At Last, she casts a spell that’s likely to help her cause. Callaway calls this collection “love songs for grownups,” because it offers an introspective look at the long road on her way to love that has led her to the fulfillment she has found today. At Last is a mix of jazz standards, versatile pop songs and a couple original tunes, each woven together to create a narrative that is perhaps as cinematic as it is musical.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars I LOVE this album
I loved “SLOW” and “BLUES IN THE NIGHT” so I figured this would be another winner. Ann Hampton Callaway has managed to make every song on this album unique and musically enchanting. Her voice rings true with every word and every note. Just when I think I need to hear “Landslide” for the fifth or sixth time, I remember that I’m going to want to do the same thing on all the songs to follow. Her rendition of “On my Way to You’ is a masterpiece and literally leaves me breathless. AT LAST will be my Valentine’s Day gift to special people in my life, my birthday gift to others, and a Christmas gift to many when December arrives. Buy the CD and then be prepared to spend some quality time with one of America’s most talented singer/songwriters.
5 Stars Must Have Music
It is truly exciting when an artist you love takes their music to the next level. I have loved Ann Hampton Callaway’s many beautiful releases but “At Last” surprised me with new musical heights and musical depths. Her voice sounds more rich and expressive than ever. And there is a sense of inspired genius informing her song choices, arrangements and lyric readings for this concept album of “grown up” love songs. Backed by a team of extraordinary musicians, she ignites new life in songs as diverse as Joni Mitchell’s breezy “Carey” to the sensual “Lazy Afternoon” to the Arlen classic “Over the Rainbow.” I always look forward to the originals she includes on her recordings and the two selected “Finding Beauty” and “Save a Place For Me” are gorgeous additions that sit well with Cole Porter and Stevie Nicks. I hope the President and First Lady hear Callaway’s passionate “At Last”. The love song they chose for their historic Inauguration has probably never received such an unbridled and soaring interpretation. For music lovers and lovers everywhere, this is must have music to stir the embers of love and hope in these challenging times.
5 Stars “Love songs for grownups” indeed…another victory for a gifted vocalist.
Ann’s follow-up to 1996’s Blues in the Night is one more jewel in her dazzling collection of albums.
The first Ann Hampton Callaway album I purchased was Slow, and I was pleasantly surprised by two things. First, Ann is refreshingly free of the diva-lounge singer-coquette baggage that weighs down so many potentially talented female vocalists. It’s just Ann, her voice, and a well-chosen selection of songs. She doesn’t hide behind an image. She didn’t need to create an “identity” because her true identity, the heart and soul that comes through like a brilliant lighthouse beacon in her music, is much more powerful than anything that could be “created.”
While I am not a big fan of labels, I’d have to agree…Ann excels in performing “love songs for adults.” On the “Slow” album, one of the many highlights was her duet with sister Liz on Van Morrison’s “Moondance.” On “At Last,” she travels similar terrain with Stevie Nicks / Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” and Joni Mitchell’s “Carey.”
The message behind that? Good music is good music. The person who is unable to appreciate Cole Porter and Fleetwood Mac in one sitting is probably the same person who is not ready for Ann, and that would be a genuine shame.
This album is warm, heartfelt, and…in February 2009, when so many people are afraid and uncertain about what tomorrow might bring…a welcome affirmation that love and beauty are like the cream that rises, unfailingly, to the top of life. Thank you Ann.
5 Stars A music CD collection of “love songs for grownups”
Vocalist and songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway presents At Last, a music CD collection of “love songs for grownups”. Performances of beloved jazz standards and pop culture songs as well as a few original tunes blended into a seamless whole. Bringing the music to life along with Callaway are pianist Ted Rosenthal, bassist Jay Leonhart, and drummer Victor Lewis, and various guest musicians. A joy to listen to, “At Last” also makes a romantic Valentine’s Day gift. The tracks are What Is This Thing Called Love? (4:44), Comes Love (4:57), Carey (4:46), At Last (5:30), Spain (6:35), Lazy Afternoon (6:19), Landslide (4:59), Save A Place For Me (5:23), Over the Rainbow (6:03), Finding Beauty (4:55), and On My Way To You (4:36).
5 Stars Loved this!
I’ll keep this short and sweet: At Last is a must have for music lovers. Each one of AHC’s cd’s is fabulous, and I wondered if she could keep up the pace. Well, she has not disappointed! I’ve been listening to At Last constantly for the last few days and find myself with a different favorite song each time. For me, that’s the hallmark of a great cd. I usually don’t write reviews but this one has grabbed me and I wanted to share my thoughts. Give At Last to a loved one and you’ll make them veeeeeeerrrrrrry happy!
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