FILM NOIR

FILM NOIR is and Enhanced CD containing both a full audio program as well as multimedia computer files. Personnel: Carly Simon (vocals); Van Dyke Parks, Torrie Zito, Arif Mardin (conductor); Jimmy Webb (vocals, piano, organ, conductor); John Travolta (vocals); Jeff Pevar (guitar, mandolin); Peter Calo (guitar); Richard Locker (cello); Dominick Cortese (accordion); Michael Kosarin, Russ Kassoff (piano); Teese Gohl (keyboards); David Finck (acoustic bass); Zev Katz (bass); Billy Ward, Shawn Pelton (drums); Ben Taylor, Mindy Jostyn, Jill Dell'Abate, Kevin DiSimone, Al Dana, Kevin Osborne, Lenny Roberts, Darryl Tookes (background vocals). Includes liner notes by Martin Scorsese. FILM NOIR was nominated for a 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance. "Laura" was nominated for a 1998 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement With Accompanying Vocal(s). Simon teams up with 60's pop guru Jimmy Webb, who fills the producers chair on this collection of sultry standards, torch songs and jazz ballads. The dark, post-war cinematic genre of the disc's title is the inspiration for this disc, and Simon's deep alto resonates with authority on such gems as Cole Porter's "Every Time we Say Goodbye," and Johnny Mercer's beautiful "Laura." And while, at first blush, Simon might not be the first singer you'd associate with this type of music, she does indeed pull it all off with aplomb. Webb also contributes many of the string arrangements, and piano accompaniment. All in all, Simon and Webb maintain a proper measure of respect for the material while also managing to add a little something new. "You Won't Forget Me" is a real highlight, a short but incredibly sweet ballad. If the music of those old black and white classics is your thing, this disc is a must-have.