"Helmut Lotti takes on the big ones from the 1940s and 1950s, with "The Crooners" CD and DVD and adds 12 of his own songs, eqaully -- if not better -- than those the old crooners made famous. His rendition of "Moon River" is every bit as good as Andy Williams sang it, better in my opinion. The mini-movies of "Catarina" and other Perry Como songs are delightful with scenes shot in Tuscany, Italy. Is there any song Helmut can't sing better than the original? I don't think so. He gives all songs an emotional quality not heard the first time around and that is why millions adore him. Don't miss "The Crooners"!"
The third in a treo of great performances
James F. Martin | 01/27/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Helmut Lotti adds yet a third great DVD/CD to his discography making it a treo for fans and collectors. His *Pop Classics in Symphony*, the best of the best, followed by the wonderful *From Russia With Love* now includes *The Crooners* showcasiing his wonderful voice and entertainment genius. Not just a retread of Crooner songs, but for many, it will be an introduction to the beautiful songs from the 1940s through the 1970s we listened to on plastic discs and the radio. Bonus video filmed in the gorgeous Tuscan part of Italy as background for Perry Como's songs adds greatly to this DVD. And Helmut has written twelve songs to go with the old ones eqaully delightful. One segment was filmed in Helmut's magnificent new home in Belgium where you will see his platinum and gold awards on the walls. The audience is icing on this delicious cake set in a 1930s-style New York Crooners' Club. Don't miss it."
DVD Movie: Helmut Lotti ~ The Crooners
SiouxCityBoy | Missouri, USA | 03/03/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Crooner is a name given to a male singer who specializes in a certain soft, even intimate way of interpreting mostly romantic songs and ballads. In "Helmut Lotti The Crooners," Helmut demonstrates the versatility of his magnificent vocal talents as he sings some of the world's most romantic ballads. Backed by The Golden Symphonic Orchestra, Helmut pulls out all of the stops as he interprets songs from the great era of crooning. The program opens in a New York City nightclub setting, circa 1957. During the opening number, "Just a Gigolo," the onscreen sepia-tone image slowly morphs to full-color. Throughout the show, the setting changes from the nightclub to on-location spots that compliment the music being performed. In the song, "What a Wonderful World," Lotti is in a field of sunflowers filled with sunshine and in "Caterina" and "Mandolins in the Moonlight" Helmut is in a small European village. In "Helmut Lotti The Crooners" Helmut also excels as a sensitive composer and author. Original compositions such as "Take it with a Smile" and "How Could I Ever Forget You" sound like they may have well been written during the heyday of crooning. Joining Helmut on stage in a duet is international singing sensation Haley Westenra whose, "voice of an angel" complements Lotti's crooner style as they sing an original song, "There is a Sparkle in Your Eyes." Also with Lotti on stage is Isabelle Adam singing "True Love," a song which became famous by Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly. Helmut Lotti: The Crooners is not only Helmut's monument to an artistic genre, it is also another milestone of timeless romantic music which has become a significant part of his musical repertoire."
Great tunes
Arthur C. Bourassa | 09/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Crooners
This is the best music DVD this year. Helmut Lotti is absolutely the best vocalist in the world."
Helmut At His Very Best
Brian Wrangham | Ottawa, Ontario Canada | 12/23/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have shown this DVD to many friends over the years and all of them have found it to be a marvelous concert. Helmut really delivers an exemplary performance, without resorting to any gimmicks - an example of real talent and appreciation of the songs he sings. The program creates a wonderful sense of nostalgia - Helmut achieved the same effect in my opinion with his Elvis Presley concert which appeared on DVD several years ago. Technically the disc is good but not exceptional - that is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. The picture is a little soft and the sound mix is unremarkable - however the performance itself helps to compensate for these shortcomings."