 Album Review ~ Gramophone 1971 Perry Como spends much of his time these days on golf courses and maintaining his Florida sun tan, and who can blame him after a long and distinguished career as one of the consistently best pop balladeers of international television and recording fame? However, "Perry Como In Person" caught him in the act at the International Hotel, Las Vegas, last June, during one of his now rare cabaret seasons, and all the Como magic of yore is still evident, enhanced by his refreshing personality. The latter asserts itself in a deliciously witty point number "If I Could Read Your Mind" in which Mr. Como speculates on exactly what the audience is thinking about him, his age, his morals, his publicity and the authenticity of his hairline. Musically the LP is a feast, with courses of vintage flavour such as "Prisoner of Love", "When You Were Sweet Sixteen" and "Without a Song" mingled with a good Italian dish like "Oh Marenariello" and new song recipes in the shape of "Everybody's Talking" and "Didn't We?" Perhaps the most charming and touching item of the album is "Father of Girls" in which Mr. Como depicts all the paternal joy and anxiety of having such offspring. He is excellently supported by orchestra conducted by Nick Perito , and the LP bears the distinguished hallmark of the complete professional entertainer from beginning to end. THE GRAMOPHONE 1971 |
