5 comments about The Board of Directors & Annual Report.

1. Actually; the only reason I don't give this handsome two-for-one cd album 5 stars is the fact I'm a jazz fun:
   For both albums I can say:
   this is a nice piece of swinging popular music, but not only it is a waste to put Basie's orchestra in subservient role, I have heard older Mills Brothers' recordings with far more verve and versatility - in the swing era they were much more ready to imitate instruments and at least fake improvising. And what's with the "I dig rock and roll music" song? Is it a feeble joke?
   
   However, if you like Basie's work with other popular singers (Sammy Davis, Frank Sinatra etc.) you'll love this one as well.
   
   The second album "Annual Report" is actually slightly better and more swinging, perhaps thanks to the arranger Chico O'Farrell (?!).
   All of my favorite performances from this CD are from that album - "The Glow Worm", "Sent for you Yesterday", "Sunny" and "Cielito lindo". But maybe it's because I first heard these numbers some, well, 15-20 years ago.
   First album - "The Board of Directors" - is arranged by Dick Hyman.



2. if you don't have this cd get it you will not be disapointed. the great count basie orchestra with the great harmony of the mills brothers you just can't go wrong.



3. Steak and eggs? Pastrami on rye? How about the Mills Brothers with Count Basie? O yea baby, what a combination. All the legendary vocalists of the era did it. Billie Holiday,Jimmy Rushing, Joe Williams, Sinatra, Sarah Vaughn, Billie Eckstein, Arthur Prysock,etc. They all passed through the studio with Basie at the controls. And when they walked out, they left behind legendary recordings. This one is no exception. Take the slam-bang, in your face sound of the Basie band, throw in the great harmony of the MB's, and fasten your seat belt baby cause here we go. "Lazy River" and "Glow Worm" never sounded so fresh. "I May Be Wrong But I think Your Wonderful", delivers the driving sound of Basie to great heights. And man o man, how about that version of "Sunny". Simply stunning!! From North to South, East to West, this CD delivers all the goods. I couldn't understand why it remained out of print for so long. I was getting nervous until it popped up as an import. I was more than willing to pay a little more to give this great CD a wonderful home. I wasn't at all dissapointed and neither will you be. Anyone with any affection for either artist has to grab this one. If I had to pick one song that just didn't belong here it would be "I Dig Rock 'n' Roll Music. It was a bit silly and just didn't fit, but what the heck, you can't hit a home run every time. Once again, this is a great CD. Grab it before it's too late!!!



4. This double import CD is incredible. Take the immortal Mills Brothers, add the tremendous talent of Basie and his men, and stereo sound, and you have MAGIC!!I LOVE the early recordings of the group, but was tired of the same old collections, most of which were remastered from 78s. THIS is a SHOCKWAVE of talent, from beginning to end. WONDERFUL remastering, giving new, dynamite treatments to some of their standards, and recording many new to them. They also step into the BASIE songbook with magical results. I have ALWAYS been searching for the Mills Brothers in STEREO, and with this, AND BASIE, it's like a dream come true. Two Basie standards, "April in Paris" and "Cherry Point" are especially great, along with a tremendous "Lazy River." Grab this, if you love either artist!!!



5. Heard this album on vinyl a few years ago when I worked at a jazz radio station. Every since, I have been trying to track it down, if only for the insanely hip version of Glow Worm contained within.

5 comments about I'm Getting My Act Together And Taking It On The Road (1981 Original London Cast).

1. I would recommend buying the origional cast recording of I'm getting my act together and taking it on the road. Gretchen Cryer and the cast bring more emotion to their preformances than those in the London cast recording. (...)



2. I bought this item after searching for quite some time to find a copy of the original off-Broadway cast album. While anticipating that this version would differ from the album I really wanted, I was rather dismayed to find that it is in all respects quite inferior. In my mind, the main problem lies with the choice of Diane Langton for the female lead. Her voice, while pleasant enough, is a poor substitute for Gretchen Cryer's. Add to that some questionable directorial choices (the a capella version of "Lonely Lady") and you have a less-than-mediocre product.



3. You can find the original broadway release at Fynsworthalley.com



4. The London cast album of "I'm Getting My Act Together..." simply lacks the poignant punch of the Gretchen Cryer original from Columbia Records. Gretchen MADE the show, as it was coming from her own personal experiences. The singer on the London CD just doesn't ring true.



5. If you have the Gretchen Cryer vinyl and love it, don't buy this. You will be disappointed. Lacks the energy and richness that Cryer's voice has. 'Dear Tom' is not a song that should be sung at the top of one's lungs. And, 'Strong Woman Number' should have at least a little defiance.

5 comments about Timeless: Live in Concert.

1. Though this concert took place in the Eve of the new millennium (2000), i bought it a bit before 2008 entered and had my New Year's eve be accompanied by this CD. Barbra is so lively when she puts on a show, so interactive, that her "presence" and voice can fill your house as if you are there seeing her on stage.
   
   In this double CD of the concert some of the best songs from Broadway, Movies and Duets are recorded, and through them she gives the audience a journey through her own career. She sings her wonderful song People, before the New Year enters, from the movie, Funny Girl:
   
   "People who need people
   Are the luckiest people in the world
   Were children needing other children
   And yet letting our grown-up pride
   Hide all the need inside
   Acting more like children than children..."



2. In 2000, Barbra Streisand announced that after this concert, she would no longer be touring or performing concerts (which we all know she would, but we don't need to rant about that here). This concert was almost as publicized as much as Barbra's return in 1994, and both concerts deserve it.
   
   On this recording, however, Barbra seems more relaxed and having more fun. Her between-songs chit chat with the crowd seems far less stiff, and she doesn't come across as simply reading from a teleprompter. Also, while the 1994 concert was a more personal reflection of Barbra and her life, this one focuses more on her professional life, taking us all the way back to her before-they-were-stars days, to her Broadway days, to her movie making days, and finally, to her more recent days of taking it easy.
   
   The song selections on this album are a mixed bag for sure. Of course, Barbra sings her usual standards such as "People," "Evergreen," and "Happy Days are Here Again," but also does some of her rarer songs, such as "Alfie" (in which she humorously tells the audience she at one point forgot she even recorded), "The Main Event/Fight," and "Miss Marmelstein" from her first Tony-nominated role.
   
   Admittedly, her voice is not as good as it was on her previous live recordings, but she still delivers the goods, making the exorbitant ticket prices worth it to anyone who could (and did) pay up. While most Barbra fans will sing the praises of the previous 2-disk live recording more, this album is not one to be missed either!



3. In September of 2000, Barbra Streisand released her thirty-eighth album entitled, TIMELESS-LIVE IN CONCERT. This double-disc concert album would be her fifth & final concert album, as well as being her last world tour, since the fact that after the tour was over, Barbra would be retiring from live performing. This album is very unique and amazing. She really wanted to sound good for her last tour and last concert album.
   
   Disc One
   
   OPENING/YOU'LL NEVER KNOW
   A great opener.
   
   SOMETHING'S COMING
   From the album THE BROADWAY ALBUM (1985). Still a great song, after hearing Barbra sing it for the first time fifteen years before this album.
   
   THE WAY WE WERE
   From the album THE WAY WE WERE (1974). From the original motion picture & motion picture soundtrack THE WAY WE WERE (1974). Still a beautiful song.
   
   SHIRLEY MCCLAINE Y1K.
   Nothing Special.
   
   CRY ME A RIVER
   From the album THE BARBRA STREISAND ALBUM (1963). Great song.
   
   LOVER, COME BACK TO ME
   From the album THE SECOND BARBRA STREISAND ALBUM (1963). No bad.
   
   A SLEEPIN' BEE
   From the album THE BARBRA STREISAND ALBUM (1963). Not bad.
   
   MISS MARMELSTEIN
   From the original Broadway musical & Broadway soundtrack I CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE (1962). Barbra went back to before she was famous with this great song.
   
   Medley: I'M THE GREATEST STAR/SECOND HAND ROSE/DON'T RAIN ON MY PARADE
   "I'm The Greatest Star" from the original motion picture & motion picture soundtrack FUNNY GIRL (1968). "Second Hand Rose" from the album MY NAME IS BARBRA, TWO... (1965). "Don't Rain On My Parade" from the original motion picture & motion picture soundtrack FUNNY GIRL (1968). Great medley.
   
   Medley: SOMETHING WONDERFUL/BEING ALIVE
   "Something Wonderful" new song. "Being Alive" from the album THE BROADWAY ALBUM (1985). Great medley.
   
   Medley: AS TIME GOES/SPEAK LOW
   "As Time Goes" new song. "Speak Low" from the album BACK TO BROADWAY (1993). Great medley.
   
   ALFIE
   From the album WHAT ABOUT TODAY? (1969). Not bad.
   
   EVERGREEN
   From the original motion picture & motion picture soundtrack A STAR IS BORN (1976). Beautiful song.
   
   Medley: PAPA, CAN YOU HEAR ME?/YOU'LL NEVER KNOW
   "Papa, Can You Hear Me?" from the original motion picture & motion picture soundtrack YENTL (1983). "You'll Never Know" new song. Great Medley.
   
   DIALOGUE (FATHER, PT. 1)
   Nothing special.
   
   A PIECE OF SKY
   From the original motion picture & motion picture soundtrack YENTL (1983). Great song.
   
   Disc Two
   
   ENTR'ACTE
   Nothing special.
   
   PUTTING IT TOGETHER
   From the album THE BROADWAY ALBUM (1985). Great song.
   
   ON A CLEAR DAY (YOU CAN SEE FOREVER)
   From the original motion picture & motion picture soundtrack ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER (1970). Great song.
   
   SEND IN THE CLOWNS
   From the album THE BROADWAY ALBUM (1985). Great song.
   
   Medley: HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN/GET HAPPY/GUILTY/I FINALLY FOUND SOMEONE/TELL HIM
   "Happy Days Are Here Again" from the album THE BARBRA STREISAND ALBUM (1963). "Get Happy" from the boxset JUST FOR THE RECORD... (1991). "Guilty" from the album GUILTY (1980). "I Finally Found Someone" from the original motion picture & motion picture soundtrack THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES (1996). "Tell Him" from the album HIGHER GROUND (1997). Great medley.
   
   Medley: SING/I'VE GOT A CRUSH ON YOU
   "Sing" from the album LIVE CONCERT AT THE FORUM (1972). "I've Got A Crush On You" from Frank Sinatra's album DUETS (1993). Great Medley.
   
   TECHNOLOGY (DIALOGUE)
   Nothing Special.
   
   CLICKER BLUES
   New song. Nothing Special.
   
   THE MAIN EVENT/FIGHT
   From the original motion picture & motion picture soundtrack THE MAIN EVENT (1979). Great song.
   
   DIALOGUE (FATHER, PT. 2)
   Nothing Special.
   
   I DREAMED OF YOU
   From the album A LOVE LIKE OURS (1999). Beautiful song.
   
   AT THE SAME TIME
   New song. Great.
   
   AULD LANG SYNE (Ballad)
   New song. Not bad.
   
   DIALOGUE (BARBRA/BROTHER TIME)
   Nothing special.
   
   PEOPLE
   From the album PEOPLE (1964). Great song.
   
   Medley: NEW YEAR'S EVE/AULD LANG SYNE (CELEBRATION)
   New song. Not bad.
   
   EVERYTIME YOU HEAR AULD LANG SYNE
   Nothing special.
   
   HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN
   From the album THE BARBRA STREISAND ALBUM (1963). Great.
   
   DON'T LIKE GOODBYES
   Great.
   
   Medley: I BELIEVE/SOMEWHERE
   "I Believe" from the album HIGHER GROUND (1997). "Somewhere" from the album THE BROADWAY ALBUM (1985). This is a great medley, but I like "Somewhere" to be by itself. It's a much better song when it's by itself.
   
   TIMELESS: LIVE IN CONCERT has to be Barbra's greatest live album to date, since ONE VOICE. If you want to hear Barbra live one last time, than this is the album for you.



4. I would actually give this excellent concert release four-and-a-half stars. When Barbra decided to give one last major New Year's Eve concert (and subsequent mini-tour), she had a very tough act to follow: Herself! Barbra's 93/94 concerts are one of the best things she has ever done in her extraordinary career, and trying to stage another show must have been very difficult. Not surprisingly, she more than succeeded in giving fans a phenomenal show that managed to give the previous show a run for it's money.
   
   Even more autobiographical than the last time, there were sketches detailing past events from Barbra's life, reminisces with friend Shirely MacLaine, and Barbra's poignant reflections on the father she never knew. However, the main event of evening is defiantly the music, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Once again, the song selection features a good number of surprises (especially "Alfie" and "The Main Event/Fight," neither of which had ever been performed live by Streisand before). Barbra's voice is noticeably thinner now when she enters the very highest part of her range, but she still sounds amazing - her gorgeous tone and incomparable timbre are indeed timeless! The smoky performance of "Cry Me A River," the vocal spender displayed of the terrific "Something Wonderful/Being Alive" medley, and the gorgeous rendition of "Send In The Clowns" are just a few of the highlights in a show overflowing with highlights.
   
   The only reason that this beautifully-packaged two-disc set doesn't receive a 5-star rating is because there are a lot of references to particular visuals that may be confusing to those who haven't actually seen the show. TIMELESS has been released on DVD with a stunning transfer, and I actually recommend anyone interested in the concert to pick up the DVD instead. That way you can experience the "complete" show - visuals and all. I thought it was impossible for Barbra to top her `94 concerts, however she came awfully close to doing just that. TIMELESS is another triumph!



5. Barbra did a concert tour in the mid-90's that people still talk about. Unfortunately, this CD (recorded the eve of the millennium) is almost a replay of the previous one. She does add a lot of different material from her career that she wasn't able to before, but the performance as a whole is not as memorable as her Concert in '94. If you want to buy this album, I would suggest listening to it before the other one. That might help with seeming repetition.

3 comments about The Great Sophie Tucker.

1. Sophie Tucker was always a headliner at the old Blue Room in New Orleans and seeing her was a treat and experience. My parents had autographed albums from her that they lost in Katrina when their house was washed into the Bay, my sister and I could not replace the things they lost but this was one we could and they truly enjoy hearing her and recalling memories of a bygone time.



2. There will never be another Sophie Tucker but there IS a great entertainer named SHARON McNIGHT who does a one woman show in which she practically CHANNELS Sophie to us, the audience.
   Catch her when you can.



3. Who remembers Sophie Tucker anymore?
   One of the first of the type of the high- power entertainer and truly independent women , . She had a sense of humor about herself, and especially about her weight, that was a major part of her act. But she also could truly sing.
   A legend of her time and age, who like so many others great in their own time seems to have faded from public consciousness with the years.

5 comments about Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever.

1. Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
   It was worth the wait.
   
   The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
   I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
   The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.
   
   I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.
   
   There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."
   
   But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.
   
   First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.
   
   Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?
   
   On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
   So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?
   
   The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).
   
   There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.
   
   With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?
   
   Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.
   
   In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.



2. Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.



3. Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.
   
   Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.
   
   Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:
   
   * Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.
   
   * Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.
   
   * ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.
   
   * Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.
   
   * The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.
   
   
   Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.



4. "Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
   Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
   ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
   Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.



5. This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
   The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
   My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
   A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!

2 comments about Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me.

1. This musical is still growing on me, and in another week I'd probably have it at five stars. This, of course, with a first listen putting it probably at two stars. However, the more I listen to it, the more jokes you pick up on, and the funnier and better it becomes.
   
   This soundtrack has a little bit of everything, and while others say that, this really isn't that much of an exaggeration. Impersonations (Joan Rivers, Jodie Foster, Judy Garland, Ellen DeGeneres, to name a few), a career review (basically any Martin Short character you can remember), and parodies of other musicals (Wicked, Dreamgirls, Company, and Jesus Christ Superstar I remember mentions of off the top of my head), and jokes galore (puns to celebrity jokes to an inappropriate, but hilarious, Noah joke).
   
   Now, this soundtrack isn't perfect. Its very choppy and frankly after the portions involving his wife it goes downhill and gets a little wacky, even more so than in the beginning.
   
   Still, its worth listening to. Its got a lot of witty exchanges and will be very enjoyable for a while. I'm a little worried as to how this will age (Britney Spears jokes, Fidel Castro on his deathbed, and a few others), but rather than worry about what I'm going to think about it in five or ten years, I'm simply going to enjoy it now.



2. I admit I didnt know much about this show, and was under the impression it was a one man show of sorts and just comedy, but its not at all. The songs are quite amusing and witty and the cast and Short are in top form. Capathia Jenkins is especially hilarious in her musical turns. Definitely a keeper for Broadway musical fans. If you enjoyed the score of Hairspray, you should enjoy this too. (same people). Why am I the only person reviewing this?

5 comments about Personals: The Comedy Musical Revue (1998 Original London Cast).

1. Personals is a clever weave of modern situations, childish adult behaviour and moving emotions. Having directed this great musical revue twice for the 1992-93 season of Olympic Theatre Arts (Sequim Washington) for an AIDS benefit it was exciting to find that this fun musical comedy was finally recorded to be shared with anyone who has not had the opportunity to attend a production of this show. The cast of this production present this revue brilliantly with just the right amount of sparkle, pathos and desperation. I strongly recommend this show to any production company needing a modern revue which will not only showcase the talents of your performers, but also challenge your audience to try to keep a straight face. Buy this, play this and memorize the words before you set out into the dating scene. Or for that matter, before re-entering the dating scene.



2. I was in the Australian Premiere of the show and loved it, the sketches and the monologues were hilarious.The cd itself is also fantastic with the songs a variety of genres and tempos. Imagine my Surprise and Some things don't end, the two nicest songs on the cd.
   
   Well worth a listen to!



3. The show itself may not come Broadway, but for those who have seen it, the musical is a pure fun look at the lives of those who seek love in the personals. The CD does not include every song from the musical but picks out the best ones. If you've seen the play, you'll love the CD. If not, you probably won't enjoy the quirky personalities and songs that much.



4. PERSONALS is a musical comedy revue about modern dating. I've never seen the show, so my review is only on the songs, not the sketches and monologues also included in the show.
   
   The book and lyrics are by David Crane, Seth Friedman, and Marta Kauffman. The composers are various: Stephen Schwartz (GODSPELL, CHILDREN OF EDEN, POCOHONTAS), Alan Menken (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), William Dreskin, Michael Skloff, and Seth and Joel Phillip Friedman. Given that Crane, Kauffman, and Skloff went on to create the smash TV series FRIENDS, also based largely on the dating scene, one would expect an evening of non-stop hilarity.
   
   In some ways, the songs deliver, but almost every one has a flaw. Some times, it's the music: "Moving In With Linda" has a unique concept (a guy moving in with his new girlfriend finds unexpected baggage - his ex-girlfriends), decent lyrics, but Schwartz's music isn't very memorable. Ditto for "A Little Happiness" (a man finds himself blissfully happy in a kinky relationship) by the Friedmans. On other songs, the fault lies with the lyrics: "Second Grade" has great music and a nice concept (three guys recall how much easier it was when they idolized their elementary school teacher), but the lyrics fail to delve into the subject with any depth. Some times, it's a combination problem: "I Could Always Go To You" has a good concept (about two women who have consoled each other over the years through all their doomed relationships ... except one), some fantastic lyrics and decent music, except that the interludes between verses are virtually unbearable. The best song of the show is probably the poignant "Michael," in which a woman asks her ex-husband to marry her again. The other song that seems to work pretty well as a whole is "A Night Alone," in which a guy chooses the comfort of boring familiarity over the excitement of unknown possibilities.
   
   All six members of the cast are fine singers and actors, but there are no stand-out performances.
   
   In summary, PERSONALS is worth a few listens, but it's not an album that will spend a lot of time in my CD player.



5. I was in London on vacation for a week and had the opportunity to watch Personals, which had been recommended to me by a friend. (Thanks a buh-jillion, Jen!) I knew that if I didn't purchase this cd I'd have to stay a few months longer to catch the show several hundred more times until a serious case of "Last Song Syndrome" overwhelms me, and effectively leads me to the unfortunate demise of insanity. Thank the heavens there is a soundtrack! Now I can bring the musical back home with me and conveniently go crazy there! The songs reach out to you, speak to you, tickle you (a lot!), make you cry and evoke several other feelings I'd rather not mention (check out track 05! rowr!). Overall, I'd have to say this cd is a MUST BUY not only for theater enthusiasts such as myself, but anyone else who's fallen in love, fallen out, is still in the process of falling in love, has yet to fall in love, or has a fetish for little people (you'll understand when you listen to it, hehe! Mr. Bleany, you da man!). And if that still doen't convince you that this is a worthwhile purchase, maybe this will: it's from the creators of the widely-acclaimed Friends sitcom. C'mon, don't tell me you're still not drooling and lapping your lips! On a more serious note, though,the songs do offer deep and extremely witty insights on this human phenomenon we affectionately allude the heart to. So go buy the cd now! Ney, go buy it five minutes ago! You won't be dissapointed. And after that, go watch the show to complete the experience!:)

5 comments about Dedicated to Nelson.

1. Dedicated to Nelson is a sublime CD by the great Rosemary Clooney; she handles these ballad with ease and this impresses me. The sound quality is excellent and the artwork is very good, too.
   
   The track set starts with Rosemary Clooney singing her heart out on "A Foggy Day;" she never misses a note and the arrangement stuns me with its beauty. Wow, how Rosemary had excellent diction! "A Foggy Day" is the perfect way to start this CD. Listen also for "We're In The Money;" Rosemary handles this oldie but goodie with panache and I could never tire of hearing Rosemary belt this one out! The arrangement uses the brass and drums to great advantage as well. "Limehouse Blues" is yet another stunning ballad that gets the royal treatment from Rosemary; she swings gently and this makes the melody very pretty. I predict that you will enjoy Rosemary Clooney singing "Limehouse Blues."
   
   "I Got It Bad And That' Ain't Good" is a beautiful love song that shines like silver and gold when Rosemary sings this to perfection--and beyond! I hope Rosemary was proud of this--she should have been; it's THAT good. "The Continental" is another older number but it sounds new and fresh when Rosemary sings this; her voice never sounded better--her more mature voice is really wonderful to hear.
   
   "As Time Goes By" gets a gentle, sophisticated treatment from Rosemary; the brass and piano carry the bulk of the musical arrangement very well. "As Time Goes By" is definitely one of my very favorite songs--ever; and Rosemary certainly does this tune great justice.
   
   "Mangos" is a number I hadn't heard until I heard this album; Rosemary delivers "Mangos" with great strength and I think I won't forget this song anytime soon. "What Is This Thing Called Love?" features Rosemary front and center. Rosemary belts this out with all her might; she never sings a superfluous note and the band style arrangement complements her singing perfectly. The album closes with another highlight entitled "Come Rain Or Come Shine." Rosemary handles this last ballad with heart and soul; this is one of the best versions of "Come Rain Or Come Shine" I've ever heard.
   
   This CD is absolutely a must have for Rosemary Clooney fans; and people who appreciate classic pop vocals will cherish this album for years to come.



2. All the songs that sung by her in this album are the most my favorite, plus the arrangement is just match. I couldn't describe by words...just feel relax and forget all the problems when listen it <*> _ <*>



3. I've probably listened to this CD about 500 times at least. (Ok- I admit I'm obsessed with her wonderful voice and interpretations!) It's this CD that turned me on to Rosie. I now have about a dozen of her CDs. In her autobiography, she talks about her deep love for her good friend, Nelson Riddle, and it shows in every song she sings on this collection. I think his arrangements are just terrific.

   I prefer her mature voice. It is filled with richness and emotion and I'm convinced she has lived every single song she sings. In a crowd of luscious voices from her era, Rosie stands out as my all-time favorite. May her legacy live on forever.




4. I love Rosie but her voice now is not the voice of the young Rosie. I would like to know if there are any tapes or CDs of the original recordings. Can you help me?



5. Concord Jazz presents an amazing piece of entertainment, arrangements used on this recording were originally created by Nelson Riddle for Rosie's classic mid '50s television series - "The Rosemary Clooney Show". Newly transcribed and adapted by John Oddo, Eddie Karam and David Berger, and rerecorded with the benefits of technology undreamed of in the 1950s, she restores to us 16 "lost" orchestrations by the master arranger of the '50s, the man whose music is as much a part of that decade as any singer or songwriter you can name - "DEDICATED TO NELSON".

   Rosie represents Nelson's vintage charts for the first time in a generation, nostalgic of a bygone era shared in a musical past with astute pleasure. Superb arrangements providing passages for instrumental solos, basic harmony with voicings, counter-melodies and Nelson's trademark rhythmic ostinatos. Clooney is in her element, surrounded by a top-notch-studio orchestra, articulation of the difficult melody line - "DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO MISS NEW ORLEANS?", is nothing less than "pure interpretation" by Rosie...to perfection.

   Concord Jazz takes us back to those days of the successfully syndicated variety show in the 1956-57 television season - "THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY SHOW"...a pure pleasure, again!

   Total Time: 51:47 on 16 Tracks...Concord Jazz CCD-4685...(1996)

5 comments about New York, New York (1977 Film).

1. This CD has great arrangements of songs that are classics ... especially NY NY. I had forgotten so many good songs were part of this musical.



2. Liza was in fine form for this 1977 film. Everything was top notch, although the film was less enthusiastically received than everyone hoped. That said, Liza was in good voice, toning herself down and really being true to the period. The instrumentals (with Georgie Auld on sax) were excellent and the other singers -- Diahann Abbott, the then Mrs. DeNiro, in a solid turn on "Honeysuckle Rose" and Mary Kay Place as a band singer hired to replace Liza when her character split from DeNiro's -- are both spot-on and winning.
   
   The original album had great artwork that's sadly omitted from the CD, but that's the way that goes.
   
   And, yes, Liza's version of NY, NY stands out as the definitive version. I'm a big Sinatra fan, too, but Liza owns that piece of musical real estate.



3. This CD is an excellent recording. Liza Minelli has one of the BEST versions of the song New York, New York ever performed. The orchestration is top notch.



4. One of my all-time favorite films & soundtrack albums with great big-band era music. The numbers were arranged by the late Ralph Burns (Cabaret & All That Jazz), who had worked in that era and knew it well. Liza Minnelli used singers like Peggy Lee for vocal inspiration, and the film even has her doing an imitation of Lee while recording a demo, Kander & Ebb's "There Goes the Ballgame". In fact, you wouldn't know it was Liza, just hearing her sing the '40s-era numbers! (I wish she'd incorporate that singing style again, especially now that her voice has changed somewhat.) Of course, she reverts back to her usual Judy/Liza showbiz-belting style when her character becomes a Hollywood star. In fact, the uncut version of "Happy Endings" is a wonderful tribute to and affectionate satire of big '50s showbiz musicals, like "A Star is Born". (Liza's character and relationship to DeNiro's in the movie, however, are based more on the real-life story of big-band girl-singer and movie star Doris Day than Garland.) In my opinion, this is one of the best big-band recordings made after that era had faded and a wonderful Minnelli recording, as well. This is also the film where she introduced "But the World Goes 'Round" and - of course - "Theme from New York, New York".



5. I love this type of Music.The Big Band Sound,and Liza Minnelli.Kids were jamming to"Opus Number One"back then, like they are dancing to "Livin La Vida Loca"today.I love Frank Sinatra's voice,but when I think of "NewYork,NewYork," its Liza's version that blows me away. One song you can't believe is from Liza is "There goes the ball Game." The voice sounds nothing like her. If only this movie was a hit,the soundtrack would be right up there with "Saturday Night Fever"and "Grease."

5 comments about The Rocky Horror Show: Original Roxy Cast (1974 Los Angeles Cast).

1. A great musical which appeals both older and younger generations. Most of the songs are very catchy, although I don't think it might sound interesting to fans of the Rogers-and-Hammerstein-kind-of-bit. In many ways this musical is a step ahead from the old, conventional, politically correct kind of musical. It's in the same trend of other musicals of the sixties and seventies such as HAIR or LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. If you liked those, you'll love this one as well. Follow the tips in this page in the sense of getting this original version. THIS IS THE REAL ORIGINAL ONE, as far as I've researched.



2. Having been exposed to the original Roxy cast version at about 12 by my mom (who actually saw the play 8 times at the Roxy. . . amazing) I have been a RH ran for virtually all my life. Hands down this version is the best musically. I'm reading some of the other reviews that slam this version as being less musical and poorly arranged. R U F'N CRZEE????? The Roxy v. has WAAAY more musicality from guitars to piano and horns, not to mention having all of the original script actually sung. . . and not spoken. The vocal lines are so much more dynamic and lyrically sung than the movie. For the recrord. . I LOVE THE MOVIE ! !! I went for years to the Tiffani in Hollywood on Saturday nights and saw the midnight showing. Those of you in LA know what I'm talking about. SOOOO COOOOOOLLLL SO I'm not here to bash just to illuminate a diff point of view to some of the other reveiews. Listen to them all and decide for yourself. For me. . .this one is just a step to the left ! !



3. When you compare the gritty original 1973 London Cast recording to this pulled together, yet equally gritty 1974 roxy cast, you can't help but get a tear in your eye, seeing you're, and so many other Rockyheads, baby all grown up, and doing just fine.
   
   So much was improved upon it's almost perverse!
   
   Considering this was the second Rocky recording of it's day, it was exciting to get all of the songs , save Science Fiction Double Feature Reprise, whichf or whatever reason was cut. Not only that but you get a great cast. Tim Curry returns for his definitive Frank which has a rawer edge in this recording, and the supportig cast wonderfully fills some shoes, especially Bruce Scott as Riff-Raff, who proves you don't have to be Richard O'Brien to take Tim Curry prisoner.
   
   And Meatloaf as Eddie AND Dr.Scott? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?! He's fantastic! This dual role should have been carried over to the film version it's simply incredible!
   
   I'm having Joygasms just thinking about this album. cracking, extreme, great, massive, monstrous, monumental, overwhelming, prodigious, severe, stupendous, towering, tremendous, best, best ever, cat's meow, delicious, excellent, far out, first-class, first-rate, like wow, marvelous, primo, sensational, superb, unreal, admirable, amazing, astonishing, astounding, awe-inspiring, awesome, brilliant, cool, divine, dynamite, enjoyable, excellent, extraordinary, fabulous, fantastic, fine, groovy, incredible, magnificent, marvelous, miraculous, outstanding, peachy, phenomenal, pleasant, pleasing, prime, remarkable, sensational, something else, staggering, startling, strange, stupendous, super, superb, surprising, swell, terrific, too much, tremendous, unheard-of, wondrous, ace, attractive, best ever, cat's pajamas, choice, commendable, cool, copacetic, crack, crackerjack, daisy, deadly, deserving, dilly, doozie, dream, estimable, excellent, exquisite, fine, gnarly, good, great, greatest, groovy, heavy, hunky dory, keen, laudable, mean, meritable, meritorious, neat, peachy, praiseworthy, rare, smashing, solid, spiffy, super, super-duper, superior, unreal, valuable, wicked, wonderful, worthy, amazing, astounding, bewildering, breathtaking, extraordinary, impressive, marvelous, miraculous, spectacular, staggering, startling, striking, stunning, stupefying, stupendous, wonderful, wondrous and anything else the Thesarus has to offer!
   
   To put it simplty - Buy it.



4. I got this one by mistake, although I loved it. The magenta(Jamie donnely) played Jan in the movie Grease. Bruce scott was an excellent Riff-Raff. Abigale hanness is not a singer.She dosen't sing she screeches. Tim curry of course was wxcellent as usual. Meatloaf is still and will allways be Eddie the ex delivry boy.This recording is great,but the cover that I got for it is different from the one amazon.com is advertising.The one that I have has a scared Colombia screaming.This cover is actually the re-issue cover of the cd because this cd was re-issued just like the movie soundtrack.Rember the movie soundtrack the first time it came out,it had everybody's faces on it but hen the re-issue came out and it just had Frank sitting on the lips. If you look clossly on the re-issue of the movie sondtrack you can see Colombia,Rocky,Frank,Brad,And Janet.



5. FIRST OF ALL- AMAZON HAS THE WRONG COVER PHOTO FOR THIS ALBUM. THE CORRECT ROXY COVER HAS AN ILLUSTRATION OF COLUMBIA'S HEAD (NOT LIPS!!!)...Anyhow, if I had to choose between this Roxy recording and the movie soundtrack- I'd pick the movie soundtrack. The arrangements on the Picture Show sdtk are better, Richard O'Brien is riff-raff, the songs are tighter, it's just better overall. HOWEVER, the reason I purchased the Roxy version was to get Kim Milford's version of "sword of damacles" (the song isn't on the movie sdtk). Why didn't they put Kim Milford in the movie version?? (God rest your soul, Kim). The guy they used in the movie couldn't even sing- they had to dub his voice!? Anyhow, the Roxy version also has a pretty good version of "planet shmanet janet" which also isn't on the movie sdtk. But to me, the movie sdtk is the DEFINITIVE recording.