Where Did They Go?

Chronique

Where Did They Go (1971) marked an interesting transition for Peggy Lee, as her three-decade association with Capitol Records was just about to expire after one final LP the following year. Continuing the trend of her then-most recent efforts, Lee's repertoire consists primarily of newer numbers lifted from the pop charts and occasionally from the stage and/or screen. For these ten tunes the artist was certainly in good care, as the arrangements were split between formidable conductor/arrangers and Los Angeles session stalwarts Don Sebesky and Al Capp, with an equally impressive team of producer Snuff Garrett and engineer Phil Ramone. Opening the platter is the moody title track, "Where Did They Go?" The compact string score adopts a Baroque feel that is well suited to her moody and introspective delivery. Lee's association with the work of Burt Bacharach and Hal David continues with one of the pair's more obscure entries, "My Rock and Foundation." The addition of corny backing singers sonically dates what would have otherwise been a fairly substantial deep cut. The stately harpsichord on Lee's interpretation of Kris Kristofferson's "Help Me Make It Through the Night," on the other hand, is suitable for framing just as it is. The stately harpsichord and compact presentation make it a bona fide "sleeper classic" worthy of revisiting for inclined parties. Of the remaining selections, the Addrisi Brothers' "Goodbye Again" and the absolutely stunning "I Was Born in Love with You" almost make up for the appalling reading of George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord." The latter would be perfect fodder for one of those novelty compilations of famous established and revered musicians who debase themselves (and their craft) by attempting to sing rock & roll.
© Lindsay Planer /TiVo