Judy Garland - Garland At The Grove (review)
Judy Garland - Garland At The Grove (DRG; 19107)
reviewed by Michael Macomber
Garland At The Grove – the phrase is pure magic. DRG’s reissue of Judy Garland’s amazing 1959 live LP adds 3 new tracks, the previously omitted “Day In - Day Out,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” and “Do It Again.” Garland’s renditions of all these songs are, not unexpectedly, exquisite. Johnny Mercer’s “Day In - Day Out” lyrics could not have a better friend than Garland. Her delivery is powerful, of course, but also affecting. Building and building, she winds up the song with a fabulous emotional crescendo. Her tender reading of “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” tugs at the heart gently. Every time she says baby, it’s like a loving caress. “Do It Again” is another shot of romance, swaying like a palm tree in a warm island breeze.
The original tracks from this LP are just as fantastic. The ironic nature of Garland singing “When You’re Smiling” is bound to elicit a tear from the hardest heart. The tragically truthful quality in her astounding voice is all over this song, as well as “When The Sun Comes Out,” and of course, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” “After You’ve Gone” takes the whole affair up tempo, for a jaunty and empowering arrangement. Defiantly, Garland plants her feet and declares her independence.
Freddy Martin’s Cocoanut Grove Orchestra soars throughout, providing first class accompaniment for a first class lady. Martin finds a new approach to an old tune with his super jazzy, Latin infused “Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart.” The rhythm section is a gas. Glorious strings and horns drive “Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody,” beautifully complimenting Garland’s swinging delivery. Even “Purple People Eater” is a kick, thanks to Martin’s mysterious and haunting opening. Garland is clearly having the time of her life with this tune, rockin’ along and loving the silly lyrics.
DRG is to be congratulated for presenting this incredible set of songs by the inimitable Ms. Garland in its entirety for the very first time. This is more than just a reissue — for Garland fans, this is manna from Heaven.
