Shirley Bassey - A Singer For All Time

Check out her track After The Rain on the album titled "The Performance"  - an incredible singer that I didn't really appreciate much  until recently - her ability to communicate a song is stunning, her pitch, phrasing and dynamics will stand the test of time.  You might have to wade through a bunch of razzle-dazzle show-biz arrangements to find the good stuff but it's worth the effort.  Who could ever forget her famous renditions of 3 James Bond themes?   And her album of "remixes" Get The Party Started is a refreshing twist - her singing style really fits well blended into a more contemporary instrumental concept that is laid in place of the original orchestrations - it is a perfect match for her and I wish somebody would do more of these.    She is in her mid 70's now, living in Monaco, looking back at a very impressive performance and recording career.    And look at these dazzling photographic portraits of her - some of the early ones are by legendary photographer Harry Hammond.