No comments about Broadway's Best.

1 comments about She Put a Spell on Me: Kim Nalley Sings Nina Simone.

1. Kim Nalley interprets Nina so well. The voice, the musicians... what a smooth and fulfilling trip listening to this CD. This is my first taste of Ms. Nalley, but not my last. I look forward to catching her live in the near future.

3 comments about Songs of Inspiration.

1. I originally purchased this CD for one song, In the Garden. It's a song that my grandmother would sing all of the time and by far is my favorite hymn (I sure because it brings back such wonderful memories of her). She loved to sign along to the song with Jim Nabors! His voice is great on this CD. The songs are done very well and they showcase a great American voice.
   
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2. I found the CD to contain just the right mix of old hymns with other songs which I enjoy. The CD was a gift for a 93-year old shut-in.



3. The great tenor voice of Jim Nabors is superbly done in this CD.It's highly reccommended!!

5 comments about Manhattan Transfer Live.

1. Others here have mentioned the poor and distorted sound quality of this CD. It sounds like everything is overmodulated - with the VU meters always in the red zone. It's very stark and obvious whenever (often) it subverts the Transfer's amazing and beautiful work, but otherwise (seldom) it's tolerable listening in the car, not loud, but faster than 40 mph. It's a pity because this live recording documents the Transfer in their ascendency and at UK venues, where they were most adored, so the group's confident joy in what they were doing is obvious. Just another reminder thirty years on that not much is well done anymore, except for the steak you order medium-rare.



2. What a great album! One of my most favorite ones from brilliant Manhattan Transfer guys. I bought a second CD for a friend of mine while listening to this album on the iPod. Simply brilliant...



3. This is not a review but a thank you to those who (unfortunately) bought the CD and discovered the horrible sound. I have, as many others have, waited for years for this album to appear on CD. It's one of my and my wife's favorite lps; certainly a superior live recording. I jumped with joy when I saw the CD, but when more than ONE person mentioned the horrid sound, that ended any desire to buy it. Time to set up the old turntable and burn my own disc! My heart goes out to you who purchased it!



4. This is a fantastic album, but the sound has been destroyed in the process of making the CD. It sounds for all the world like an amateur dub of a worn LP, with a bad electrical connection somewhere in the audio chain.
   
   I checked previous LPs of this album, and they all sound FAR superior to this CD made by Wounded Bird Records.
   
   Checking the Wounded Bird website turns up a prominent disclaimer that all their CDs are properly licensed. I guess they have to say it, because you'd never know it from the quality of their product.
   
   This is a real shame because this is, like I said, a fantastic album. But I'd be far better off making my own CD of it using my own LP.



5. The Manhattan Transfer has an uncanny ability to outdo their studio recordings in live concert performance, a testament to the fact that their success cannot be credited to anything other that pure musical acumen. This fabulous album is no exception. It offers a wide variety stylings and genres, and every note is 100% perfection. THAT CAT IS HIGH, SNOOTY LITTLE CUTIE, and FOUR BROTHERS showcase them in fine form working the jazz and standard song circuit, their specialty. Get this album...you'll play it out like me!

5 comments about Timeless: The Classics.

1. Long before Michael McDonald did his classic Motown and soul covers, Michael Bolton did two collections of classic songs. This was co-produced by super producer David Foster and includes covers of songs by The Four Tops (Reach Out I'll Be There, with some of the band's members in the background), The Bee Gees (To Love Somebody), Sam Cooke (You Send Me, Bring It On Home To Me), The Beatles (Yesterday) and much more.
   Plus he gets support from California sessison players like Dean Parks, Michael Thompson, John "JR" Robinson, Neil Stubenhaus, Michael Landau and Nathan East.



2. If you've never heard any of Bolton's work, I don't recommend this being the first thing you listen to by him. But if you enjoy his music, this album is great for the collection. "To Love Somebody" was the highlight of the album, and his rendition of "Drift Away" was magnificent. And all in between was great. Great for Boltheads, but I recommend getting introduced to his other work before nabbing this one.



3. Some time ago, I bought this album, having heard "To love somebody" on the radio. Just that song makes the whole album worthy. This album is not a masterpiece, of course, neither so bad as said. The best songs are: "Since I fell for you", "To love somebody", "Hold on, I'm coming" and "Drift away". Perhaps the only weak work on the album is "Yesterday". Overall, an album that deserves to be rediscovered, and I think it was too much underrated.
   Finally, I must say that I liked much more this album than the volume II, which was rated higher...



4. Michael Bolton does for classic soul what The Boston Strangler did for door to door salesmen.
   
   Just because he somehow manages to sell X-million units of his ridiculous bellowing and caterwauling, his ego inflates even more to the point he thinks it gives him a license to massacre and devastate some of the most revered soul/R&B classics of all time.
   
   If only there were laws against such aberrant behaviors. Whoever signed this idiot should be banished from this planet, along with Mr. Bolton altogether.



5. "Drift away" is powerful in this new rendition. It's hard to get a voice Like Michael... Just for this song alone, I will buy this album... I am actually re-buying this album since I can't find my old one... and I will never ever find other performances that can top 'Hold On, I'm Coming" and "Konck On Wood." Pop songs don't get better than this.... guilty pleasures indeed!!! The best album from Michael Bolton....

3 comments about The Only Other Broadway CD You'll Ever Need.

1. that needs to come out there are still some great songs expecially by Andrew Lloyd Webber that need to be in this collection i was very happy to see that Evita finally made it in this collection of CDs. But CATS??? Where is that?



2. While the first disc of this series contains the show-stoppers you would expect from an album titled "The Only Broadway CD You'll Ever Need," its sequel delivers the songs that live in your gut. Most of these selections are on any B'way lover's list of defining moments in theatre. While I was somewhat repulsed by the placement of the over-sweet "My Favorite Things" right after Bernstein's poignant "Make Our Garden Grow," the witty liner notes by Bill Rosenfield and the first-rate recordings make this a must-own CD.



3. I hoped when the first album came out with the title "The Only Broadway CD You'll Ever Need" that RCA was joking. This new title convinces me they were. As collections of Broadway-iana go, this is pretty good, mixing as it does the classics (i.e., songs from musicals that really had melodies in them) such as "Finian's Rainbow" and "Damn Yankees" with more recent efforts that feature chord progressions and all sorts of let's-rival-Hollywood effects that cannot be seen on recordings any way (e.g.,"Phantom"). Quite some time ago, RCA had a lovely set of 10 or so CDs devoted to Broadway shows in which the selections were gathered under some theme, usually not very successfully; so all this CD does is sort of update the older series which I have and still use in my seminars on American music. But for any collection that does not have the full versions, this album is a very nice substitute. Warning: several of these selections are from revival performances which were on RCA label while the orginal cast recordings were not. Also the "Call Me Madam" selection is from a studio recording with Dinah Shore who had to replace Ethel Merman who was under contract with Decca at the time!

2 comments about Pretty Music -- Prima Style, Vols. 1-2.

1. Louis Prima is primarily known today for his nightclub act with his wife Keely Smith, and Sam Butera and his Witnesses. Of course Louis Prima fans love to "jump, jive, and wail" to favorites like I've Got You Under My Skin, and That Old Black Magic. However Louis Prima does have a gentler side, and yes believe it or not, he did make "beautiful music".This CD, a collection of songs from two albums from the early 1960's presents Louis' lilting trumpet in a lush orchestral setting with cascading strings, and vocal chorus. Louis had a hit with a cover version of the Bert Kaempfert standard, Wonderland By Night, which is presented here along with other well known standards. Although Louis' playing range is limited in comparison with his jazz contemporaries, (no high notes or creative improvisation here folks) he does have a unique style and surprisingly strong feel for what has become known as lounge music. If you are only interested in the loud and manic Louis, you will not find him in this CD. On the other hand, if you are more open minded and broad in your musical tastes, and have an appreciation of "pretty music", then this CD will please you. You won't be able to jive, but you can sure foxtrot.



2. This recent re-issue by Jasmine Records is not your typical Prima recording. Orginally released as a two part series, "Pretty Music Prima Style, Volume 1" seems to be more in the "Prima Style." He adds a touch of his personality to it, rather than the drab "Wonderland By Night: Pretty Music Prima Style Volume 2." Though neither really stand out on high, there are some great cuts on both albums. From the first, "My Luanne" (co-written with then wife Keely Smith for their daughter) is quite touching and definitely "pretty." Another Prima composition "A Sunday Kind of Love" (which is better on Sam Butera's "Tribute to Louis Prima Vol. 2") also does well. The songs are intricately developed, but the major downside is that Sam and the Witnesses are absent from these recordings, and violins and electric organs just don't cut it with Prima. And where, exactly, is Keely??? "Wonderland By Night" is more or less a Bert Kaempfurt cover from 1961, but somehow, Prima's version reached number 18 on the charts. Other songs of worth on this album are "You and the Night and the Music." What really makes these recordings drag is the lack of vocals on both LP's from Prima or Smith. "Wonderland By Night" has some background crooners, but nothing major. The question that lingers in your mind after listening to this CD is: "Is this really Prima at all? And if it is, what was he thinking?"

5 comments about Tap Your Troubles Away - The Words and Music of Jerry Herman (Historic All-Star Tribute).

1. IF YOU NEVER BUY ANOTHER " SHOW BIZ " CD IN YOUR LIFE , THEN PLEASE BUY THIS ONE.THE VOICES AND PERFORMANCES OUT CLASS ,AND OUT SING ,ALL YOUVE EVER HEARD BEFORE.THESE ARTISTS ARE BEYOND COMPERE IN THIRE GENERA .LIVING IN ENGLAND , WE ARE NOT EXPOSED TO SOME OF THESE PEOPLE ,SO IT CAME AS A WONDERFUL SURPRISE. GO AN BUY IT nowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww



2. I truly must say if you are ever in Los Angeles when they do this show SEE IT .. WHAT TALENT -- and how can you go wrong -- it's Jerry Herman



3. What a wonderful album! The performances are top notch and the arrangements are beautiful. If you enjoy musicals, I think you'll enjoy this album.



4. I agree with most all the other reviewers, I also felt Ms Peters did not put her best effort there, Michael Ball would have presented "Time Heals Everthing", as it should be, Still, Its Bernadette's song, and appreciated. Over all this CD is wonderful listening, too bad it was not released in video or DVD. Buy it, you won't be sorry if you are a true Broadway fan. Would love to hear it on a DVD Audio release (at least).



5. This album has some amazing performances on it- Rita Moreno's "I Won't Send Roses" is one of the only two song recordings that literally bring me to tears every time. The only drawback: the orchestra is small and has a synthesizer instead of a string section.

3 comments about Live! At the Royal Albert Hall.

1. I'm giving this CD a four star rating because Tiny Tim has always managed to hold my full attention through out any(including this archive release)of his CD's I've ever had,listened to and/or borrowed.'Live!At...' is pulled from a never-before-heard performance that took place in October,1968.Sound quality may not be the absolute best,but it's acceptable.Tunes that I got a kick out of were "On The Front Porch","Buddy,Can You Spare A Dime?",Sonny And Cher's "I Got You Babe","Frisco Flo" and Mr.Tim's signature gem,none other than "Tiptoe Through The Tulips With Me".Good novelty fun-time music here for the taking.



2. This CD features a previously unreleased concert by Tiny Tim, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, 30 October 1968. It was such a major event, that even the Beatles and the Rolling Stones were in attendance. The concert was performed with a full orchestra, although sometimes Tiny sang here with no orchestral backing. This was during the height of Tiny's popularity, and was probably the biggest concert of his career. Tiny performs a lot of old songs, and a few new ones, in his trademark style. He usually will preface the song with some remarks about when the song was written and who originally sang it. Tiny was often made fun of for his singing, but he actually could carry a tune (albeit with a lot of tremolo). He often would perform songs in imitation of the style of the original singer. He can be heard here singing in the style of Bing Crosby, Rudy Vallee, Bob Dylan and other singers who have been forgotten nowadays. Unfortunately, the tape ran out before the concert was over, and had to be replaced by another tape, so about 90 seconds of the concert were not recorded (the remarks before "I Hold Your Hand in Mine" and the first line of the song). But that doesn't detract that much from the enjoyment of the concert, if you're a Tiny Tim fan. It is well recorded, for the time period, using a 4-Track recorder. The CD comes with a reproduction of the original concert program, albeit in a much smaller size.



3. Rhino Handmade has issued this limited edition CD, featuring Tiny Tim at Royal Albert Hall in 1968. Great care was given to this release, including replicating the original program that was given to the audience (albeit in a much smaller size). Unfortunately, the original tapes were not of the highest quality, and even feature a brief gap where the tapes were changed.
   But that said, there are some great songs here, rendered in as good a quality as we can reasonably expect. "Livin' in the Sunlight, Lovin' in the Moonlight" and "Buddy Can You Spare a Dime" are my favorite tracks, but there are lots of good, classic Tiny Tim here, including, of course, "Tip Toe Through the Tulips With Me." There's also some more modern material, including the work of Dylan and the Rolling Stones, which Tim introduces with amusing stories. He even sings a duet with himself, "I Got You, Babe." It's unique, to be sure.
   I'll admit, I tend to admire Tiny Tim more than I really enjoy him. But the best of Tiny Tim can be a great thing, and there are some great tracks here. It's worth a try.

5 comments about Oh, Kay! (1994 Studio Recording).

1. I've had this recording for quite a while. I borrowed it, and just couldn't seem to give it back, so I bought one of my own.
   The music is wonderful, and the performers really give it just the right touch throughout. What a great orchestra!
   This comes with a 52-page booklet with lyrics, synopsis, historical information, and a few stills from the original production.



2. I recently finished reading (and panning) Denny Martin Flinn's history of popular musical theater. In it he comments repeatedly that studio recordings of Broadway musicals come up short. And that is certainly true in some instances (Bernstein's studio recording of 'West Side Story' leaps to mind) but of course there were no original cast recordings for musicals from the 20s. There is a 1950s studio recording of this George and Ira Gershwin musical but I've not heard it. But I've owned the present recording for years and it never fails to please me. In reaction to Flinn's sour attitude about studio recordings I pulled it out again today and must say I've been charmed all over again. Not only is the orchestra (the Orchestra of St. Luke's under the direction of Eric Stern [Isaac Stern's son, by the way]) terrific, as one would expect. The singers are simply marvelous. Leading the cast is that magnificent soprano, Dawn Upshaw, who seems to be able to sing just about anything, popular or classical. Her light, lyric voice and her pert vocal acting is just right for the part of Kay. And she is wonderfully partnered by Kurt Ollmann, no stranger to Broadway and the possessor of a beautiful light baritone voice which he knows how to use in the Broadway style. Surprise participants are the 'Queen of the Soaps', Susan Lucci, as Constance, and veteran Fritz Weaver as her father. And another is Alan Arkin as Shorty.
   
   But of course the main reason to hear this CD is those songs -- my goodness, they don't write 'em like this any more -- like 'Do, Do, Do', 'Clap Yo' Hands', 'Dear Little Girl' 'Maybe', the jazzy 'Fidgety Feet', and 'Someone to Watch Over Me.' All the lyrics are printed in the CD booklet.
   
   I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with this recording.
   
   Scott Morrison



3. The best studio recording of a Gershwin show that I know of. Couldn't be better. Highly recommended.



4. 'Oh, Kay' written by the two Gershwin brothers may be more interesting as 'one of the other pieces done by George Gershwin' than as a great musical in its own right. Unlike that great American operatic classic, 'Porgy and Bess', 'Oh, Kay' is just an ordinary Broadway piece with one outstanding showstopper, 'Someone to Watch Over Me' and the average collection of Broadway music written to accomodate actors who actually can't sing very well, such as Adam Arkin and Fritz Weaver. The performances by leads Dawn Upshaw and Kurt Ollmann are good, but if you want something to add to your collection of Dawn Upshaw vocals, this selection may be disappointing, as she only really shines in her performance of the flagship song.
   
   The booklet of notes is good and the overall package is attractive. If you are a collector of Broadway show music and you don't have this one, I strongly suggest you get it. It is so archetypical that the orchestral arrangements remind me of parodies of Broadway music done by Stan Freeberg and others.
   
   Good, but not great. Value depends on where you stand on classic Broadway shows.



5. This reconstruction of Oh, Kay! is a neat and workmanlike job. Miss Upshaw is in fine form, and the supporting cast is good, but the show perhaps looses some of its considerable period charm through the distinctly modern vocal and orchestral performances. One only needs to compare the performances on this disc to those waxed eighty years ago by Miss Lawrence, and a number of other period recordings, notably the Victor "Gems from OH, KAY!" to see the effects of overly slow tempi (for example, Do, Do, Do) and an utter lack of understanding of the type of syncopated music written by the Gershwins (Clap Yo' Hands was intended to be an uptempo production number, not a Minsterel Shout). Perhaps performance practice has changed so very much that an accurate reconstruction can no longer be attempted.