Liza Minnelli - Liza With A "Z" (A Concert For Television) (LP) - VG+/VG+

"Liza With a 'Z': A Concert for Television" is a live album by the iconic performer Liza Minnelli, released in 1972. This album is a recording of Minnelli's television special, which was directed and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse. The special aired on NBC on March 31, 1972, and was a significant cultural event, showcasing Minnelli's extraordinary talent and charisma.

The album captures the energy and excitement of Minnelli's live performance, featuring a mix of Broadway hits, pop standards, and original songs. The concert was filmed at the Lyceum Theatre in New York City and is notable for its innovative use of television as a medium to bring a Broadway-style performance to a wider audience. The collaboration between Minnelli and Fosse was a match made in entertainment heaven, as both were at the peak of their creative powers.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Liza with a 'Z'," an original song written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, who were frequent collaborators with Minnelli. The song is a playful and catchy number that highlights Minnelli's unique persona and vocal prowess. Another highlight is her rendition of "Son of a Preacher Man," which showcases her ability to interpret contemporary pop songs with her distinctive style.

The album also includes a medley of songs from the musical "Cabaret," which Minnelli had starred in the film adaptation of, released the same year. Her performance of "Cabaret" and "Maybe This Time" are particularly noteworthy, as they demonstrate her powerful voice and emotional depth. These songs have become synonymous with Minnelli's career and are often considered definitive versions.

"Liza With a 'Z'" was well-received by critics and audiences alike. The television special won four Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Single Program – Variety or Musical, and Minnelli herself won the Emmy for Outstanding Single Performance by an Actress in a Variety or Music Program. The album was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female.

The cultural significance of "Liza With a 'Z'" lies in its representation of a pivotal moment in Minnelli's career. Coming off the success of "Cabaret," the special and album solidified her status as a major star in both the music and entertainment industries. It also marked a high point in the collaboration between Minnelli, Kander and Ebb, and Fosse, who were all instrumental in shaping the landscape of musical theater and film during that era.

In terms of critical reception, the album was praised for its vibrant and dynamic production, as well as Minnelli's electrifying performance. Critics noted her ability to connect with the audience through the television screen, a testament to her exceptional stage presence and charisma. The album remains a beloved classic among fans of musical theater and Liza Minnelli's work.

Overall, "Liza With a 'Z': A Concert for Television" is a testament to Liza Minnelli's extraordinary talent and her ability to captivate audiences with her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence. The album and the accompanying television special continue to be celebrated as iconic moments in the history of musical entertainment.