Michael Bublé

Caught In The Act

143 Records/Reprise Records  49444-2

           Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer this Christmas? Look no further. Crooner Michael Bublé (pronounced Boo-BLAY) has just released for the holidays a CD/DVD combo package that will make anyone's Christmas on your gift-giving list "merry and bright." 

Aptly entitled Caught In The Act (143 Records/Reprise Records), the CD/DVD set was recorded live from a concert this past August at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. Bublé's charisma shines brightly in this concert as he stars in his first Great Performances PBS Special this holiday season.

The CD features eight tracks including Bublé's blockbuster hit, Home, from his multi-platinum album, It's Time, which was released in February.

The DVD opens with an overture of music from an astonishing number of young, accomplished musicians and the visuals of Art Deco shadows from the gorgeous Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. 

Bublé starts off with the electrifying Feeling Good and it's obvious he is feeling it all and it is all so good he is about to burst. His infectious charm allows him to  immediately connect with his audience. In addition, his interpretation of material, his phrasing and hipness make this DVD all the more special. Bublé even goes into the audience, gets mobbed and loves it. His guests, Laura Pausini for You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine, Josh Groban and Chris Botti (DVD bonus) for Song for You are magnanimously talented and gracious.

This is a wonderful, feel good concert. Check your local PBS listings for Bublé's Great Performances concert special. In the Redding, CA, area, his special is scheduled to air on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 9:30 p.m. on KIXE-TV, Channel 9.

At age 29, Bublé is a superb song stylist and consummate entertainer.

Track selections: CD - Feeling Good, Summer Wind, Home, You And I, The More I See You, You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine (duet with Laura Pausini), Can't Buy Love, Smile.

DVD - Feeling Good, Sway, Try A Little Tenderness, Fever, Come Fly With Me, Moondance, You Don't Know Me, That's All, For Once In My Life,  You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine (duet with Laura Pausini), This Love, I've Got You Under My Skin, Home, The More I See You, Save The Last Dance For Me, How Sweet It Is, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Song For You (featuring Chris Botti).

- Stephen Fratallone/Jazz Connection Magazine

Rating:  *****

*****