Side B:
Sleevenote
by John Franz
For a girl at the age of 21 to have conquered London, Monte Carlo, Stockholm, New York, Las Vegas, Hollywood and Sydney is a very great achievement. This Shirley Bassey can truthfully claim to have done. Born in Cardiff in 1937 the daughter of a West Indian seaman, this dynamic artist has never stopped adding fresh laurels to her crown since her first appearance in the West End where, to use an overworked phrase she "stopped the show." This she has been doing ever since in all the famous places at which she appeared. Listening to this record one is not hard put to find the answer for here is an artist who apparently manages to give thrilling performances on literally all types of numbers; for example, just compare the forcefulness and intensity with which she treats 'As I Love You' with the completely cute treatment she gives to 'Kiss me, honey honey, kiss me'.
Further examples of her versatility are to be found in her EP 'Shirley Bassey at the Cafe de Paris' (BBE 12113) which was recorded during a live performance at that famous venue, whilst fans of the blues are granted a real treat with her magnificient LP 'Born To Sing The Blues' (BBR 8130).