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Some of my most treasured memories of the year I spent in Vegas are of sitting in the Allegro Lounge at the Bellagio, listening to George Bugatti and
his excellent backup band. Mr. Bugatti has released a CD allowing myself, and his other fans who may have discovered his talent previously in New York or
Beverly Hills, to relive those good times.
I remember thinking when I first heard George, why is this guy here instead of doing concerts? He has a great crooner's voice, in my opinion bettered by noone now living, and is a very talented pianist. Listening to this CD, I wonder even more so.
George sang the heart-rending ballad "I Miss Your Love" as part of the first set that I ever heard him perform. Trying to drown a torch at the time, I was hooked immediately. It's an incredible song, written and arranged as well as a song could be, and interpreted to equal perfection by the performer. George pays tribute on stage to Tony Bennet and others for helping him learn to "really get inside a song." He's obviously a great student.
My other personal favorites are "Sunday in New York," "All my Tomorrows," "The Best of Everything," and "Fly me to the Moon. Heart of Mine was never previously released in its entirety; 45 seconds of it as performed by Sinatra appear in an old film.
Another special treat is the duet with his wife Mary, The Usual Place. She is a talented performer in her own right; I recall her joining her husband on stage during the Holidays from some duets as well as solos. She even did a kick-ass performance of "Sweet Dreams are Made of This."
The only disappointment is Singing in the Rain, and only because it wasn't the version I was expecting. There is a first verse that was cut from the movie; Gene Kelly taught George this verse. George sings the complete song live but not on this CD; I can only imagine there must have been some copyright or other legal entanglements.
I cannot recommend this CD highly enough to fans of the American Pop Standard; and I urge you to see his performance the next time you're in Vegas.
I checked the George Bugatti Web site, and he is no longer at the Bellagio. He will be at The Sands in Atlantic City in July so catch his act there if you get the chance.
Please click here to order from Amazon.
Read my earlier review of George's The Steve Allen Songbook
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Last updated 30 April 2001