Reflect on the Hits of Burt Bacharach & Hal David/Velvet Voices and Bold Brass by Anita Kerr, Kerr, Anita (CD, Dec-2004, Collectors' Choice Music)

Anita Kerr, in these two albums in particular, showed a genius in arranging not seen since Pete Ruggolo with the Four Freshmen. The program choice is sheer joy; the a capella treatment of Bacharach/Davids "A House is Not a Home" is outstanding. On the Velvet Voices..., "God Bless the Child" stands out for tight harmonies blending with the 4 voices of the quartet to form an audible single line. The simple fact on this CC "twofer" there isn't really even ONE bad cut.
This is music that doesn't insult your intelligence with predictable harmonies and lyrics from an elevator. It is, by turn, warm, relaxing, exciting, innovative, creative, and to the ear what yellow roses are to the nose; it is meant to be shared with a special someone at a special time. While reserving the possiblity that someone could disagree with me, this is music that makes members of both genders feel like they won something; they just can't quite remember in exactly what sort of competition they were engaging. A must for everyone with hope in their heart.