Night-club, cabaret act caught live in San Francisco - it actually preceded famous later studio recording of "The Barbra Streisand Album" that stormed the charts and introduced the world to young newcomer. If you think that studio album presents diamond in rough, think again - in front of audience Streisand is even more intense than in studio, the difference between fast comedy numbers and theatrical ballads even more pronounced, exciting but somehow exhausting roller coaster of emotions that audience welcomed with applause, inspiring her to get louder, more dramatical, campier and over the top.
For some reason "Columbia records" decided not to release this live recording and decided for more polished studio album instead - those familiar with her highly successful "The Barbra Streisand Album" would find differences interesting and enlightening : repertoire is more or less the same but she "acts" more and yes, she swings very hard on fast numbers like "Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now". Certain songs like Harold Arlen's "Like A Straw In The Wind" were already in her repertoire and even though "Columbia records" didn't want it on debut album, she would record it later anyway.
Enthusiasts and fans knew and discussed about this aborted album even though is still a mystery to wider audience - Streisand herself never forgot about it and included Leonard Bernstein's "I Hate Music" in her career retrospective "Just For The Record". Very interesting document, specially if listener already knows studio version.
1 comment:
It seems there are two versions of this recording out there. One with the songs and applause and one that also includes all the banter from Barbra and audience laughs. Harder to find!
This is a wonderful listen! Certainly can recommend it!
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