No comments about Over There.

3 comments about We Got Rhythm: Gershwin Songbook.

1. This is a marvelous record. Previn and Fink are clearly enjoying themselves and their spontaneity and verve are infectious. The recording is quite natural too. This is loads of fun.



2. The music of Gershwin interpreted by the talent of Previn, what more could you ask for? The recording is crisp and with depth which is important in the areas of Finisk's double base solos. Put it on, turn down the lights and just listen....



3. Andre Previn is probably the most relevant Gershwin performer out there. He captures Gershwin intensity and understands that his music has elements of both academic and jazz music. This is key to really make the performance shine. Gershwin music has been performed by almost any classica piano player and by many orchestras around the world. This new recordings by Previn on piano and David Finck on bass present a joyful and intimate performace that makes you feel like you where listening to the performace inside the studio at the time these were recorded. Its a very enjoyable CD with bold arregements. In a way, these could interpretations that Gershwin himself would enjoy

5 comments about Lord of the Rings: At Dawn in Rivendell.

1. The songs in this collection carry a deep appropriateness to the mood and intention of the great story revealed by Tolkien. They were produced independantly of the movies, but do not clash with the fine music found in the movies. Rather, they are rich with an effect of songs retained from a lost age. I especially like the way that the Elven Hymn to Elbereth Gilthoniel (distinct from other versions produced by the Ensemble) begins within the preceding song - the Walking Song of the Baggins clan. This is just as it occurs in the book, when Frodo and Sam are walking in the woods (towards the Grey Havens). And the elven music is almost as lovely as it must have been, in person at the beginning of the Fourth Age!



2. This CD was purchased just for the fun of it. I had no idea it would become one of my favorite records to play. The Drinking Song and Bath song are so folk-like and "Hobbit-y". I sing them all around the house. My favorite is Treebeard's song. The way it was written really brought Fangorn to life and sounded as if I too could here the sighing of leaves in the autumn. This disc is finished by A Elbereth Gilthoniel, a gorgeous, very elven interpretation of the poem in the books. And if you keep listening after the final strains of 'the starlight on the western sea' you will here Bilbo sing the road goes ever on (a good song, though I like the one in the film better.
   GOOD CD!



3. The recent movies - prepared with able musical help from Howard Shore and Enya, among others - give another perspective from which to judge this work.
   First, it was prepared before the movies, and I feel cheated that none of it could be included in the cinema soundtrack. The movies really do short Tolkien's poetry and verse, while this sound recording provides an excellent interpretation of music produced by men, hobbits, the Onodrim, and the Eldar. Above all, I really love the interpretation of "A Elbereth Gilthoniel."
   So... GET THIS ALBUM! It will entirely reward those who want to lose some time in Middle Earth!



4. If you love good music and LOTR this is Defenetly for you. The Tolking Ensamble have put a lot of thought, love, heart, work, etc. into this CD. The songs are great, the four hobbit songs actually get 7 out of 5 stars!

   The only down side? Christopher Lee. Yes, he is a great actor, and played Saron to perfection. However, he seemed to be working out his anger from not getting into the third movie during the recording of this CD. All of his readings had a very hard, angry edge to them that actually made them unplesent. As a quick example he spoke the riddle of Strider as he would a curse instead of the promise which it is. I do not want to insult him or attack him, I just think he didn't put his best into what he was doing and I think that the Tolking Ensamble was to enamored with haveing such a great actor to work with.

   Now to return to the praise this CD deserves, I am waiting impatiently for the fourth CD (though I think there will be more then that). I love the songs on this CD and suggest you get the first two as well! (evening at Rivendell and Night at Rivendell) What I plan on doing is taking all three CDs and making my own compilations from them, (keeping it legal of course). Get this CD and when you need a boost of energy program your CD player to play those four hobit songs and befor you get through one set you will be belting out the songs with the CD!




5. The Tolkien Ensemble has been creating the most atmospheric Tolkien settings on disc - and some of the best and most exquisite - using an approach formed from an effective combination of folk and classical music.

   At Dawn in Rivendell strikes me as superior to its predecessor, A Night in Rivendell, and in some ways even better than the first album of the three, An Evening in Rivendell. Mostly somber in air, despite some lively hobbit songs, it offers fine music well sung. A few tunes aren't going to evict from one's mind settings of the same poems by the Hobbitons or Broceliande, but they're still fine and keenly done. I liked little touches like the unexpected rhythms in "The Bath Song" and the setting of "Song of Nimrodel" with lute. (The tune is quite unlike genuine Renaissance lute songs, but the lute accompaniment is very much in period.)

   Christopher Lee's recitation of several poems not set to music fits in well. Usually accompanied by a choir holding low notes as a somber background, Lee makes a vivid addition. His deep voice is perfectly suited to the Ring-verse and Boromir's riddle, though his acting is perhaps a bit hammy. As a special treat, Lee performs Treebeard's two songs, rhythmically talking his way through most of them, a la Rex Harrison, with the instruments holding the tune. But in parts of "In the willow-meads" he actually sings. Perhaps not too well, but perfectly in character for Treebeard.

   Of the half-dozen excellent musical albums of Tolkien settings created to date, the Tolkien Ensemble has made half of them. They have particularly captured the smell of Elves, so absent from a certain series of films.

5 comments about Starlight Express.

1. Was happy when I finally got the Starlight Express CD. Have always wanted it, but hard to find where I am at. Thanks so much!



2. I saw Starlight Express four times in London. CDs were just emerging at the time so I opted for the LP version. I like this CD version very much. This is a fantastic recording of a light hearted and very enjoyable musical. Thanks Andrew.



3. I can't believe this is by the same Man who wrote Phantom of the Opera. If you like Webber for Phantom, then DONT GET THIS! If you like Whistle Down the Wind by Webber, than you might like this as well. The story is a bit much, the songs get very repetitive, and the vocals are questionable. I just can't see spending almost 40.00 on a CD you wont listen to, but maybe twice. I would put this amount of money into Cats before this. ALthough, Starlight Express does have a quite a poppy edge so if you want something not so classical, this is ok. I still don't think its worth it. If you want a poppy musical get Tarzan. Favorite Song: "Poppa's Blues"



4. Though by no means his crowning achievement, Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Starlight Express" was a dazzling piece of fluff, directed primarily towards children. The futuristic staging and skate-wearing cast was amazing to look at and the score includes several pop gems.
   
   Best Tracks include:
   
   Rolling Stock
   A Lotta Locomotion
   There's Me
   Starlight Express
   I Am The Starlight
   Only He
   Light At The End Of The Tunnel
   
   Definitely not a musical to be taken too seriously, nor in the same league as "Phantom" or "Sunset Boulevard", the score for "Starlight Express" is simply fun..though I prefer the concept album recorded before the show's transfer to Broadway.



5. Seeing that his "Cats" have become a musical phenomenon in its own right after the London (1981.) and Broadway (1982.) premiere, Andrew Lloyd Webber decided to use the same formula on his next project, "Starlight Express". He collaborated with the same people, including Trevor Nunn as a director; Gillian Lynne as a choreographer and Richard Stilgoe provided the lyrics. The main problem of "Starlight Express" is that it pushes the Cats formula to a much bigger and higher degree. The composer dedicated this show to his children and to his own fascination with train toys.
   
   Most of the show's appeal lies in its visual performance rather than in the score or the lyrics. The plot is even lighter than in Cats: it tells the story of the different trains. Rusty, a steam engine is in love with a glamorous carriage Pearl, but has to compete with other trains by racing them to win her affection. The holes in this simple plot were overshadowed by the grandiose staging that involved vigorous light show and cast members on roller-skates racing through the specially made stage. Because of that, Starlight proved to be a family-oriented show guaranteeing an entertaining evening. It was probably one of the main reasons why the show lasted in the West End until 2002. And yet the fact remains that on Broadway it passed rather unnoticed and didn't cover the basic investment.
   
   This two-disc recording captures much of the original show that opened in March 1984 in London's Apollo Victoria theatre. You should be aware, however, that the score was revised in the early 90-is in order to get a more modern sound. The cast recording here has several problems. First, the orchestrations are full of synthesizers and the disco-beat of the 80-is is more than evident and therefore much dated. The story lacks coherence even more than in the case of Cats, so you don't have the feeling that anything is happening. And the score itself is not among ALW's best, for the most part it's just derivative. That said, some of the songs on this recording are worth noting and they make nice pop pieces.
   
   The best of the lot is "Only he", a wonderful love ballad sung by Pearl to Rusty. It's not the music here that matters, it's the lady singing it. The late Stephanie Lawrence had a sweet and tender voice and it will hold you throughout this powerful song. It's amazing that this number was later completely dropped out. Her second big number, "He whistled at me" is a little lighter, but still very pretty. And from the rest of the cast, only Ray Shell's Rusty sticks out. He manages to portray the liveliness of the character in songs such as "Call me Rusty", which has a catching melody. And the other song not to skip is "I am Starlight" on disc 2, sung by Rusty and his father. This is also the only melody that comes close to ALW's symphonic extravaganza, with the perfect blending of the score and the cast. The rest is rather plain and unnoticeable. The lyrics are among the most banal I've ever heard in a musical.
   
   This reissued release has a nice slip case and a separate libretto, which was the main problem with the old issue, since the letters were tiny. Also, the sound here is perfect, due to digital remastering.
   
   This version of "Starlight Express" should therefore be appreciated for its innovative staging and its individual moments rather than its worth as a whole. In this respect, it belongs to the less satisfying scores of Andrew Lloyd Webber and as such it is a mere addition to the collection of the composer's work.

5 comments about The Von Trapp Children Volume 1.

1. This music is appropriate for loyal fans of the Sound of Music and for young children. I don't think these four would survive as a professional performing group without the advantage of their grandparents' name -- their singing is pleasant but not memorable.



2. These four children, great grandchildren of the original von Trapp Family Singers,have perfectly on pitch, beautiful little voices. I bought the CD because I am a "Sound of Music" fanatic, but I love it because of the sweet, charming voices of these very talented children. There are a couple of songs on this CD from "The Sound of Music", performed in an original way by these little ones, and a mixture of other songs from Simon and Garfunkel to folk songs sung in German. There are a couple of spots where the audio isn't perfect, but it really doesn't matter. This is a CD to be played whenever you need to be cheered up!



3. The item was exactly as discribed and arrived in good condition. I would gladly buy from this seller again...anytime!



4. My daughter received this CD for Christmas and absolutely loves it. She sings and dances along with it. The level of singing is not quite what I expected (not Disney movie quality) but it is good. A great alternative to the tweenie market music.



5. The von Trapp Children are terrific singers! Their voices blend together just great. I can't wait to get the other two cds they have out!

5 comments about Back in the Swing.

1. Wow....this collection is perfect. Warlow lends is wonderful voice to popular standards and the result is musical magic. THIS IS A MUST HAVE.



2. With the addition of this latest CD, I now have all of Anthony Warlow's music. He is a singer/performer with such magnificent vocal control that he easily is able to approach this collection of "Swing Era" tunes with such ease and grace . Warlow gives new life to old standards, with such impeccable phrasing, that you will not hear any better versions than his."Autumn Leaves" will leave you breathless and "Moonglow" will leave a smile in your heart.Get it and get back in the swing.



3. Anthony Warlow can do no wrong in my opinion. He most enjoyable Broadway influenced albums are wonderful as is his more quiet demanding style in Midnight Dreaming (See my review for that album.) Back in the Swing is the opposite in style from the former recording. It is also has far away in style from Broadway. The big band sound recalling Benny Goodman and all the great bands with boy and girls singers. I think Warlow was smart to take this adventerous route in trying albums with different sounds and feels. Although he doesn't shy away from some Broadway standards he does them in a fresh and exciting way. If you are only familiar with Warlow from his musical albums or any of his cast records, you'd be wise to pick this album up. You'll listen to it more than once.



4. Wow! . . . . Wow. Anthony touches each tune with such integrity, such emotion, such sincerity! His golden voice resurrects each song with all the life and character one could ever expect! He sings "Autumn Leaves" with such longing and such power! The medley "Almost Like Being In Love/This Can't Be Love" is sheer bliss, and will have you singing in the sunshine on a cloudy day! "Smile" is utterly heartbreaking! All of the songs are so perfect, and Anthony's whimsical interpretations bring about so many unexpected (and very pleasant) surprises! (As much as I'd like to tell you, I wouldn't wanna spoil the surprise!) Get this CD!



5. Anthony Warlow can do no wrong, and this CD is another example of that! This recording differs from the showtune fare you'll usually hear him sing - and it's a nice break! It's filled with a great sense of fun with a few songs of pure beauty. A couple of my favorites are the wonderfully fun "Orange Coloured Sky" and the absolutely breathtaking "Without A Song." A must-have for any fan of either Warlow or the old swing era music!

5 comments about Cinderella - An Original Walt Disney Records Sountrack.

1. Like the grateful emporer once said about Mulan, "You don't find a girl like that every dynasty." Same could be said for Disney's ever classic Cinderella, and the soundtrack should live up to the romantic magical tale. For those unfamiliar with the latest Disney soundtracks, they are composed of many background score tracks, along with the many recognizable songs known to millions around the world. If you wish to hear dialogue to string the songs together, then by all means, purchase the dvd movie.



2. A dream is what your heart makes. And for years we've been dreaming and wishing that Cinderella would make a comeback. And thanks to the magic of Disney, our wish has been granted. (Please do not mix up this Cinderella with the punk-rock band of the same name. This is music; that is a mess.) We are happy to see (and hear) that extra tracks, including two demo recordings. And though we understand Disney's marketing techniques, we do wish that the added performances by Jim Brickman and Kimberely Locke would go away. Maybe if we close our eyes real tight and chant those three magic words. All together now: bibbidi-bobbidi-boo ...



3. I love listening to this cd. It brings the movie to life. I especially love so this is love, sing sweet nightingale, and a dream is a wish your heart makes. Buy this cd and you will not be sorry.



4. when you are a child, you need communication. Words are a key ingredient to a childs growth. This record doesn't portrait the real heartfelt disney i know, and grew up with. I would not recomend this compact disc to any other people. Overall, I would say this record needs work, it doesnt show the real disney that the movie shows. Don't let me influence you, buy it, and find out for yourself.



5. I feel they should have cut each song so you can skip to the song you wanted to hear! Not make it into one big track. Disney you fix this with a Special Edition Soundtrack when the Platinum Edition Soundtrack! :)

No comments about Christmas With the Stars 2.

5 comments about Michael Feinstein Sings the Jerry Herman Songbook.

1. I am not the biggest Jerry Herman fan on the planet by a long shot, but this is a wonderful CD. I do love Michael Feinstein and here he is at his best, accompanied by the composer who certainly has a good idea of how these songs should go. I agree with another reviewer, both Feinstein and Herman are having FUN at the recording session and it jumps out at you from the speakers. Michael Feinstein is in his very very best voice here, the vocals are the equal of anything else he has done. Is it my imagination, or has he improved as a singer over the years? No matter, he is wonderful here. One thing I liked is that there are two songs from shows not by Jerry Herman (A day in Hollywood/a Night in the Ukrane and Ben Franklin in Paris) that he contributed to, albeit surruptiously. Interestingly, his contributions are the best songs in their respective scores (Just Go to the Movies and To Be Alone with You). Add to that groups of songs from Hello Dolly and Mame and you begin to realize that people like me underappreciate Mr. Herman, he is much more talented than I have given him credit for. This is a teriffic CD, one of the best Michael Feinstein CDs ever, but to be honest all the composer CDs (Burton Lane I and II, Jule Styne, Hugh Martin bring out his best.



2. Jerry Herman (piano and vocals) and Michael Feinstein (piano and vocals) have a great time singing a collection of Jerry's wonderful show tunes. It's great hearing them the way Jerry probably wanted them performed. If you like Jerry Herman's stuff and Micahel's singing and playing, you need this album.



3. This CD combines the talents of Herman and Feinstein, and makes for a truly enjoyable listening experience. Both men appear to be having fun recording this CD, and it becomes very apparent to the listener that their blending of talents is a natural match.



4. This was a great review of the jerry herman's music. Only one song seems to be out of michael fernisteins's range, I Won't Send Roses. Kiss her Now, Marianne, and Lets Not Waste a Moment are all very good ballads aung well. loving you is probobly the only boring song, but you can skip that. The new version of Mame's If he walked into my life is also good. The Jerry herman duet is also well done. 5 stars



5. I am an enthusiastic Michael Feinstein fan and own most of his music. I think I play this one more than any others - Jerry Herman sings with him on three of the songs and they are great. Michael's voice is strong and the absence of orchestral accompaniment (piano only) is actually refreshing. Lots of fun and some tunes I've never heard before, but have grown to love.

5 comments about Tony Bennett Sings for Lovers.

1. Tony Bennett Sings for Lovers is a beautiful collection of love songs performed by the great Tony Bennett. Tony sings these with panache and the sound quality couldn't be better. These love songs are truly timeless and that's terrific. The artwork is very nicely done, too.
   
   "My Foolish Heart" starts the CD off with Tony crooning this magnificent love song; he handles complicated tempo and key changes very well--almost effortlessly, it seems. Of course, we know it really wasn't so easy--Tony's talent always carried him through! The piano arrangement is also very pretty. "Isn't It Romantic" gets the royal treatment from Tony who sings this to perfection--and beyond! Tony's voice is in excellent form and it seems that nobody could sing this as well as Tony does. Sure, his voice may have deepened a bit with age; but I think on this number this more mature voice actually enhances the natural beauty of this ballad. I love it! There's also the classic "This Can't Be Love;" "This Can't Be Love" gets a jazzy arrangement and the electric guitar works wonders for this ballad.
   
   "I Could Write A Book" features Tony front and center--right where he belongs! Tony aces this easily and I really like "I Could Write A Book." "Thou Swell" is a major highlight of this album; Tony sings this with all his heart and soul; and I could never tire of hearing Tony Bennett sing "Thou Swell" with this somewhat jazzy arrangement that wisely never overshadows him. Great! In addition, "My Heart Stood Still" shines like silver and gold as Tony sings this so very well; "My Heart Stood Still" has a very sweet melody and I think you'll like "My Heart Stood Still" very much.
   
   "You Don't Know What Love Is" sounds fresh and new when Tony sings this with all his might; and the piano arrangement again is very elegant. "My Romance" is yet another timeless classic love song that charms me with its beauty; and Tony Bennett makes this a masterpiece! Tony adds a few tempo changes to put his own stamp on "My Romance;" and it all works very well. "As Time Goes By" comes from the movie Casablanca; Dooley Wilson sang this in that movie--but when Tony sings this number I think Dooley would be very proud! Tony's excellent diction bolsters his performance, too.
   
   "Bridges (Travessia)" has a great musical arrangement; and the CD ends strong with Tony Bennett singing "Some Other Time." "Some Other Time" also features a wonderful piano arrangement and Tony sings this with all his heart. It's wonderful.
   
   Tony Bennett truly is an American institution; and albums like this prove he's one of the best male vocalists we have ever seen. I highly recommend this for Tony Bennett fans; and people who like classic love songs will appreciate this album as well.



2. Tony is one of my alltime favorite singers and this album with great old favorites is one of his best



3. Disappointing song selection. Feels like some old side B's used to flesh out the album.



4. Tony Bennett is a master at all he sings. I was so glad to see him win a Grammy for yet another great album, "The Art of Romance".
   
   This is great collection of love songs. Some I've heard, some are new to me. If you are in mood for some classic romance, you can't go wrong with Tony Bennett. If he can't get you in the mood for love, there is something wrong with you!



5. OK, I love Tony Bennett, but nowhere did it say on Amazon that this is a compilation re-issue of work Tony did in the 70's on Concord records with the likes of Bill Evans and others. Concord PR people call this a kind of jazz period for Tony which is absurd since he dabbled in it his entire career. I am not disappointed, I just wish there was full disclosure of the content on Amazon. The CD itself does disclose this information. Thanks go to Concord for the re-issue. Is Tony done with Columbia? If so, Concord - please sign him again!!!