Elisabeth Welch - This Thing Called Love

This Thing Called Love was made in 1989 when Welch was 81. Although her voice is not as powerful as it once was, it hasn't lost those mannerisms associated with great cabaret singing. If anything, they are more dramatic. There's the slight quiver in the voice which enhances the unabashed romantic sentimentality of delivery to tug at the heartstrings as evidenced by "When Your Lover Has Gone" and "Long Before I Knew You." But, with pathos, there's also a bittersweet humor in cabaret as illustrated by "Boy, What Love Has Done to Me." And what she does with Noel Coward's "I'll Follow My Secret Heart" should be considered the standard interpretation of this song. After 15 cuts, it doesn't seem possible that Welch could have any feeling left to give. But the last cut, "Give Me Something to Remember You By," oozes out the last drop of feeling from a very emotional, but sophisticated and entertaining session. The sole play list entry which seems misplaced is Henry Mancini's "Moon River" which may be the perfect example of the difference between the poignant and the maudlin. Throughout, Welch's respect for and understanding of the lyrics are eminently apparent. Jonathan Cohen's piano dominates the accompaniment. The drums and bass are barely audible. Martin Firth's saxophone gets a play on "One Life to Live." This album is a reminder of what may be becoming a lost art form.

- Dave Nathan, All Music Guide