Thank you so much, Mike, for sharing your thoughts. Like yourself, I was also introduced to the Bassey Magic in the early 70's; the so-called golden years in the recording business.

The most talented and promising artists had proper managements with creative producers and arrangers that took care of them. Those were the days. Some of those artists like Streisand or Johnny Mathis are still working with the same production team as in the beginning of their outstanding careers.
Also Shirley Bassey in that period was so good pampered with great potential around her that took care of that incredible talent of hers, not only men like Noel Rogers, Johnny Harris, Martin Rushent, Arthur Greenslade, but also her personal manager during the early 70''s: husband Sergio Novak, who was of underestimated value for her international career and he protected her from the sharks that automatically appear around successful artists.

Feel so privileged, just like you, to have seen her many times on stage. The best of memories.

In later years when Shirley Bassey's artistic career became more and more that of a live performer than a recording artist, the need for a real caring recording management faded away. She survived years without them. Due to the fact that the music industry was changing in the 80's and 90's, she could fully concentrate on her live performances by then and they were still considered as happenings and were always sold out.

But fortunately, recording wise, it all turned out for the best in the end. The album The Performance is a monument of its own. Such a well deserved production, done with care and esteem, specially produced by people who cared for the outstanding talented performer that she is. Artistically this is her best album, in my opinion.
And also the I Owe It All To You album was warmly welcomed by me. The project was also done with the right energy and with the best intentions.

Looking indeed forward to the release of the CD box upcoming April! Cannot wait!

Best Regards,
Erick