Notes From Bette

I have loved Rosemary Clooney for as long as I can remember. She possessed one of the great American voices of the last century, full of warmth, sincerity and truth. Her intonation was impeccable, she never sang a false note… she radiated intelligence and good humour, and boy, could she swing!

When Barry approached me (“I had this dream!”) about recording an album of Rosemary’s standards, I was excited, but apprehensive. I wanted to be respectful, but I felt we had to find something new to say as well, and in these (mostly) new arrangements… I believe we have. To work with Ray Ellis, Jorge Calandrelli and Pat Williams, with a magnificent orchestra, live on the Sony Pictures scoring stage, was a dream come true. Robbie Buchanan, with his tremendous musicianship, was a rock for us all, and especially for me. Thank you Robbie for your enormous contribution… and to Scott Erickson for making it so painless.

I want to thank Linda Ronstadt for our duet on “Sisters”. I know she loved Rosie as much as I did, and I’m honoured to have her on this recording.

But I want you all to know that my greatest debt is to Barry Manilow… this record is his. It was his idea, his inspiration, and my great good fortune to work with him again after all these years. What a wonderful time I had, Barry. Thanks for pushing all my old buttons, so rusty from disuse, and reminding me why I started doing this in the first place. You’re still the best! Now, if I could… Just… Get… You… On… That… Slow… Boat… To… China…

Love,

Bette

Notes From Barry Manilow

I’ve been mesmerised by Bette’s talent since the day we first met. Right from the start, I knew she was one of those rare artists who possessed the ability to locate the heart of a song… and touch the heart of the listener. She literally inhabited the material. In the years since those golden times, through all her many accomplishments… as an actress, recording artist and stage performer… her gift to communicate… and even go beyond the intentions of the songwriter, is just part of what makes her so brilliant. Rosemary Clooney also had this gift. When I was thinking about who could pay tribute to- and at the same time, reinvent these splendid songs, which Rosemary first introduced to the world- Bette was my first… and only choice! We had a ball, just like the old days! Better than the old days! I’m so thankful that she agreed to do it.

Special Thanks to Robbie Buchanan, Jay Landers, Garry Kief, Don Ienner, Marc Hulett, Scott Erickson, Bill Schnee and all of my talented co-arranger friends and musicians.

Love,

Barry