Life More Simply: Harry Connick Jr Your Songs Review & Giveaway

Harry Connick Jr's new album Your Songs was just released to the public on September 22. I was given the opportunity to review this CD and also to offer you the opportunity to win your own copy!

Having myself taught piano lessons for 8 years, drum lessons for 6 years, and numerous random instruments throughout time, I obviously lay much importance on incorporating music into my family's daily life. Combining this love with much musical education, I am also a thorough critic when listening to new music. :-)

Harry Connick Jr's Your Songs CD has taken familiar songs but put a new spin on them by arranging them to be orchestrated in a "big band era" sort of way. I best describe it as background or dinner music--it's easy listening, flowing, and melodic. You'll find yourself put at ease with the major key signatures and smooth male vocals (that would be Harry--who names their kid "Harry?" is that his real name?!), but also engaged from time to time as you realize that you know the song he's singing. One thing that really made me respect this album was that Harry arranged all of the pieces for the orchestra himself as well as performed on it. I like it when musicians have the technical knowledge to do such things! You'll find these classic hits on Your Songs:

All The Way (Frank Sinatra)
Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)
And I Love Her (The Beatles)
(They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)
Besame Mucho
The Way You Look Tonight
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)
Your Song (Elton John)
Some Enchanted Evening
And I Love You So (Don McLean)
Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)
Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

So the big question: do I recommend this album? I must say that yes, I do. The music is well designed and things work together smoothly. It's a type of music that you either must be in the mood for or that must have the right occasion (this will be the CD I pull out for a dinner party or housewarming event), but you'll be enjoying the nostalgic qualities of it each time you listen!

Win It! To gain your initial entry into this contest, I want to know what your favorite genre of music is. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry along with an email address!Contest ends Friday, October 16, 2009 at 0730 hours, EST.

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Be Blessed,