Las Vegas welcomes Caterina Valente and the critics flip!

“Something new and exciting has been added to this entertainment mecca, Miss Valente makes her Las Vegas debut a personal triumph…” John Scott – L.A. Times

“A mighty package of talent…” Robert Salmaggi – Herald Tribune

“Valente is a performer of brilliance and style” Billboard

“Caterina Valente, the most exciting personality to warm up the Strip” Duke – Daily Variety

“… a rousing song stylist of unique appeal with special style and personality.” Variety

“… in our book she wins top honours, always inventive, always surprising and  always entertaining.” Cash Box

“ – a rousing breed of girl performers who, like Caterina, not only attract crowds but also hold them so enthralled that they almost quit worrying about the tab…” LIFE

“…she’s a brilliant achievement in sight and sound.” Frank Farrell – N.Y. World Telegram

“…She’s a WOW ” Donald Warman – Las Vegas Review-Journal

CATERINA VALENTE’S CONQUEST OF LAS VEGAS

The official bootleg recording of the very first appearance of Valente at the legendary “Desert Inn.”

On April 14th, 1964, Valente held the following telegram in her hand:

“Dear Caterina, I hope that you conquer Las Vegas as you are the only one who deserves to! Elvis.”

Caterina was on for 40 minutes and she sang 13 numbers to absolute capacity audience including Ed Sullivan and Danny Kaye and bowed off to what could only be called an ovation.

“A new star shines over Las Vegas,Caterina Valente celebrates a personal triumph! ”

That was the enthusiastic headline of the “Los Angeles Times,” after opening night.

She sang standouts like “Till” in Italian, “Malaguena/The Breeze and I” (in Spanish and English) and “Mack the Knife” in its original German.

Her fresh approach to oft-heard numbers is a vocal treat. She’s not the usual singer with the stereotyped way with a song—such numbers as “Moon River” accompanying herself on guitar “Falling in Love” and “The Party’s Over” had her listeners applauding as if they had never heard them before.

In addition to the Vegas concert, the CD contains four bonus tracks.

It is known, that during the breaks for television or studio recordings, Caterina would often grab her guitar and perform requests for colleagues and collaborators such as “It might as well be spring,” “Insensatez” and “Teu olhar triste”, as published on this CD. This clearly shows why Valente is known the world over as one of the great bossa nova artists.

Eric van Aro, found these historical musical jewels in the lavish audio archive of his mother Caterina and produced this CD release.!