Bette Midler - Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook (2005)

Synopsis: It shouldn't be a surprise that Barry Manilow and Bette Midler have become a successful team: both are entertainers in the grand tradition, and both share a penchant for jazzy production numbers... It shouldn't be a surprise that Barry Manilow and Bette Midler have become a successful team: both are entertainers in the grand tradition, and both share a penchant for jazzy production numbers that blend equal parts Broadway, Vegas, and Top 40. Like their 2003 collaboration BETTE MIDLER SINGS THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY SONGBOOK, THE PEGGY LEE SONGBOOK is a good deal of fun, with strong musical direction and production from Manilow. The set opener, "Fever," is delivered with plenty of swagger, and Lee's other signature tune, "Is That All There Is," gets a faithful rendering. Manilow's full arrangements complement Midler's brawny, yet nuanced performances, which shine on slinky tunes like "Big Spender" and smooth ballads like "Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe." This DualDisc presents the CD version of BETTE MIDLER SINGS THE PEGGY LEE SONGBOOK on one side and a DVD version with surround-sound mix and bonus video material on the other. [More]