14 pop gems from the "Great American Songbook"

Jimmy Webb who viewed Burt Bacharach as his role model, one of the main architects of the US-pop sounds of the 1960s. Titles like "MacArthur Park", "Wichita Lineman," "Up Up and Away," "Galveston," "All I Know" or "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" earned him eight "Grammy Awards". Infinity is the list of performers of his pop classics that have been to world success: Among them were and still are stars like Glen Campbell, Richard Harris, Donna Summer, The Fifth Dimension, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, The Supremes, Elvis Presley, Art Garfunkel , The Three Degrees, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Cher, REM or Isaac Hayes. Pop-mate Billy Joel's verdict: "One of the most innovative and musically productive and most competent songwriter of our generation."

The Webb once discovered and sponsored by the US rock'n'roll musician and record producer Johnny Rivers also composed movie soundtracks ("Doc", 1971 or "The Last Unicorn", 1982) and also as a singer since he was in 1993 by Linda Ronstadt co-produced debut album ("Suspending Disbelief") a large following. The "Rolling Stone" says admiringly: "There are few singers who coarseness and splendor so skillfully combine as Jimmy Webb ... his voice is like an old Mustang on the way through a dangerous, but often beautiful scenery."

Now the 66 year old singer / songwriter-legend from Oklahoma has made its own extensive song material. On his new studio album, he presents some of the finest musical treasures of his longtime creative modern sound. The perfect newly produced versions of some hits and lesser-known songs of successful pop composer is supported by many well-known stars. You can hear haunting duets including with the bitischen vocal sensation Rumer (theme song "Still Within The Sound Of My Voice"), Joe Cocker, Carly Simon, Amy Grant, Kris Kristofferson, Art Garfunkel or Beach Boy Brian Wilson with a grandiose almost seven and a half minute version of the 45-year anniversary of the pop anthem "MacArthur Park".

A total of 14 pop gems from Webbs extensive contribution to the "Great American Songbook". Always recognize the "signature" of the guest stars - sometimes there are country sounds (Lyle Lovett), Blues (Joe Cocker) or just beautiful pop melodies. The quiet ballads and mid-tempo songs are just the right mix for this season to dream the fire. "In an age where other singers lose their voice ... is Mr. Webb still in top form," says the New York Times ". Not without reason, in my opinion!