3 comments about Plays My Fair Lady and a Dozen Great Standards.

1. Andre Previn's interpretation of MFL's perfect melodies breathe new life into the wondrous score. It's as if he has reinvented those familiar tunes, allowing us to hear them in a completely new way. Can we call this genius?



2. This is one of Previn's early efforts. Easy listening piano jazz interpretations of My Fair Lady and other broadway type tunes. It is a pleasant listening but not up to his later standards.



3. Andre Previn has diversified his talent through classical and piano jazz with composing credits too comprehensive to detail. His piano skills, utilised to devastating effect on a series of show scores, reached ultimate perfection on the most celebrated of these when Andre teamed with drummer Shelly Manne and Leroy Vinnegar on double-bass for jazz-tinged songs from the newly-opened MY FAIR LADY in 1956. Listening to brilliant interpretations of GET ME TO THE CHURCH ON TIME, I'VE GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO HER FACE, SHOW ME and five others, is indeed worth the price of this compilation alone but a previous teaming with Shelly Manne in 1953 also brings forth HONEYSUCKLE ROSE and BLACK AND BLUE.
   
   Previn's earlier expertise is also recalled by standards recorded in 1946/47, with Ellington's I GOT IT BAD AND THAT AIN'T GOOD and TAKE THE "A" TRAIN heading equally impressive versions of THIS CAN'T BE LOVE and JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS from Richard Rodgers and Cole Porter respectively. Such seminal recordings display the extent of influence eminent keyboard stylists, Art Tatum, Teddy Wilson and Nat King Cole played on Previn's developing piano skills with overall this collection displaying a timeless quality.

2 comments about Billboard Pop Memories: The 1930s { Various Artists }.

1. Billboard Pop Memories: The 1930s may not be the most complete collection of hits from the 1930s; but then again it doesn't purport to be a "greatest hits" package, either. The quality of the sound is pretty good considering the age of these recordings; and the artwork is very nicely done.
   
   The CD starts with Artie Shaw and His Orchestra performing their huge hit entitled "Begin The Beguine." "Begin The Beguine" is a pretty melody that is also rather catchy and it was designed for people to want to hear it over and over again--as well they did! The brass and the other instruments work really well and Artie Shaw sure could conduct a band with finesse! Listen also for Larry Clinton And His Orchestra to perform a stunning, slow dance style rendition of "Deep Purple;" "Deep Purple" sounds great and I always liked this number even though I prefer it with a somewhat faster tempo.
   
   "Sing, Sing, Sing (With A Swing)" is performed by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra; this "hot music" was big back in the day and after just one listen you'll certainly know why! Benny Goodman and His Orchestra perform this brilliantly and it's a pleasure to hear this done so very well. Listen also for Bing Crosby, one of the original crooners, to sing a sublime rendition of "Pennies From Heaven." "Pennies From Heaven" gets the royal treatment from Bing Crosby who sings this with all his heart and soul. I really like "Pennies From Heaven;" and I think that you will like it, too.
   
   "Boo-Hoo" is a new tune to me; Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians play this with panache and I'm very impressed. It has that classic 1930s sound to it and the horns have a wonderful arrangement. Guy Lombardo has always been a favorite of mine--I have many of his albums. His music always was wonderful.
   
   Leo Reisman and His Orchestra perform that classic Irving Berlin number entitled "Night And Day." I believe this was sung by Fred Astaire in a movie he did with Ginger Rogers. "Night And Day" is a prime example of Irving Berlin's genius and this is certainly a major highlight of this album. In addition, the immortal Judy Garland sings "Over The Rainbow." "Over The Rainbow" was one of Judy's two or three signature songs and she sings it absolutely flawlessly! This recording of "Over The Rainbow," however, is NOT from the soundtrack of the movie; this is an alternate version Judy recorded for Decca Records.
   
   The album also ends well with "Moonlight Serenade" by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra. Glenn Miller and His Orchestra could take any tune and make it sound majestic; and this sublime rendition of "Moonlight Serenade" is timeless.
   
   Overall, Billboard Pop Memories: The 1930s is a good starter CD for newcomers to this genre of music. Diehard fans may already have these numbers in their collections.



2. It is bad enough that on every one of these Billboard albums put out by Rhino that they draw the line at only 10 tracks when you are dealing with a particular year (e.g., 1956) and a particular music genre (rock, pop, R&B, etc.). But when they put together one CD to represent an entire decade as they do for the 1930s for this second volume in the "Billboard Pop Memories" series, this self-imposed 10 song limit can be absolutely maddening. In the 1930s the big bands were on the rise and crooners like Rudy Vallee and his "Stein Song" were being replaced by the velvet tones of Bing Crosby and the classic "Pennies from Heaven." Look at what you have on this album: Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and Artie Shaw. Fred Astaire singing "Night and Day," backed by Leo Reisman And His Orchestra, and the "studio" version of Judy Garland's "Over the Rainbow." Out of these ten tracks there is only one that is less than stellar ("Deep Purple"), but the rest are gems. By the standard of these Billboard albums this is a great collection and hopefully at some point they will go back and offer up a second volume for the 1930s.

5 comments about The Champion Season: Live at the Cafe Carlyle.

1. Wow what a wonderful cd I love it from top to the bottom,do yourself a favor and pick up this cd you'll love it,just fab



2. Barbara Cook is sensational and everyone seems to agree. The songs are well known which usually is a negative for me, but anything sung by Ms. Cook seems fresh (So nice to hear "They Were You" sung straight and so beautifully). But the best aspect of the recording for me is to hear Ms. Cook and Mr. Harper in their "natural habitat", they seem so relaxed and the crowd (if the Carlyle can be said to hold a "crowd") reaction is great. I've been lucky enough to see Ms. Cook and Mr. Harper many times at the Carlyle. My favorite rememberance was during a rare flub of a verse by Ms. Cook which elicited a loud, short "HA!" from Wally. The smile and look from Ms. Cook to her long-time accompianist was worth the price of admission. This CD captures for me that kind of comfort and relaxed elegance and excellence that make this duo so pleasurable.



3. Another CD of Barbara Cook's that we can rave over! However, this one is different in many repects. On "The Champion Season..." we get a rare glimpse of Barbara's joy in celebrating Broadway musicals that can only be captured on a live recording. Her other live CD's are gorgeously sung but this one is exhuberant and full of fun and whimsy. Here Barbara lets her voice soar in music she clearly adores. She engages all our emotions in this heartfelt and fitting tribute to a very talented man-Gower Champion. A particular favorite track of mine is (#10), I Got Lost in His Arms/Time Heals Everything). This CD is the next best thing to seeing Barbara live! A precious gem of a recording!



4. THIS BRILLIANT , SHINING STAR NAMED BARBARA COOK DOES IT AGAIN ! HOW LUCKY US MERE MORTALS ARE TO HAVE HER RADIANCE HERE WITH US ON THIS PLANET !



5. Barbara Cook is one of the marvels of our present world - her voice, feeling, rhythm, intonation, everything is perfect. On this live disc, which captures some of her between song talking, we also get to hear her delightful reminiscences of Gower Champion. Her talking voice and what she has to say are as beautiful and expressive as her singing, so that on repeated listening, one never tires of the talking. The songs are a mix of well known and not so well known, all sung beautifully with the always perfect accompaniment of Wally Harper. Theirs is truly a musical match made in heaven. While all the songs are lovely, I have to single out "They Were You", a gorgeous song which has never been sung more beautifully. Miss Cook never ceases to be a revelation. If you ever have a chance to see her and Wally Harper at the Carlyle, drop everything else you had planned and go to see them. You won't ever forget it.

5 comments about Snoopy!!! The New Musical Entertainment (1975 San Francisco Cast).

1. All my revues are strictly from a listeners point of view, and this CD is not good from a listeners point of view. I haven't seen the show, and I feel other revues of this CD are based on having seen the show, which isn't fair. This CD isn't complete for one thing. The London cast, although I don't own it, nor have I ever listened to it, at least has the full score. But the main horror are the singers on this CD. They are just bad. People are turned off musical theater from CDs like this. I urge you not to buy this CD unless you are a collector, or have seen this show and want to hear a bad version. This is not for new listeners or even mature listeners looking for new musicals... this is not good. I don't know why people keep giving this CD more than three stars. The lyrics are decent, cute and funny, but the singing is unforgivable. Favorite song (only because I put one in every review): "Poor Sweet Baby"



2. I got to see a one day benefit with Sutton Foster, Hunter Foster, ANn Harada, Christian Borle, Jennifer Cody and Deven May. That cast far outclasses this one AND the London one. Both casts are awful. The music is adorable, but that cast is so bad that it majorly brought down this rating. Buy the London one because it has more songs but if you buy either version, be wary of the awful casts.



3. I have to be boring and agree with nearly everyone else. These are not the best versions of the songs. I recently saw the Snoopy Musical in the New Players Theatre, Charing Cross, London and it blew me away. Yes, it's light humour and couldn't possibly be described as deep, but it is still thoroughly enjoyable. I would give the show 5/5 stars and the London singing 6/5 stars. This recording is amusing and has most of the best songs, but the singing isn't quite up to scratch (and isn't even "singing" in parts). Good, but sadly not great.



4. As a theatre teacher, I have both versions of Snoopy! I recommend the London Version because there are more songs on the recording that are now in the show. Its a good cd if you are looking to hear the original but this cd has piano accompanment only! London's has a band.



5. I'm one of the few lucky (?) souls that have had the opportunity (?) to be a part of SNOOPY: THE MUSICAL. I was Linus, complete with blankie and wisdom beyond my years (?). Yes, praise me, praise me, I endured SNOOPY...but I also bought the CD. Perhaps only a nerd would have the constitution to participate in and then buy an everlasting reminder of this schizophrenic little show.

   Still, it's a sweet, subtle production with no social relevance and little ability to inspire anyone. It's nothing more than a vaudeville of Charles Schultz characters that is supremely difficult to be successful with. I mean, please, how plausible is a quintet of 5-year-olds singing about "Edgar Allen Poe" anyway? Still, once you've hurtled the point of annoyance, it's suddenly easy to appreciate the delicious rhymes employed and the hidden maturity of the themes and, sometimes, of the characters (cough cough, Linus).

   Why only three stars? Because this recording is inferior to the London recording. I've only heard the other once, but it's an instanteous reaction: realizing that only a rethinking of the original can improve the whole. First, this CD only has piano accompaniment vs. the other's small band. It's surprising how different (and more entertaining) a small ensemble can make of this show. Also, this CD omits "The World According to Snoopy--Reprise" and "Snoopy's Song" for no good reason. The performances aren't particularly appealing either. I found Snoopy's unrefined, wobbly voice unsuited for the dry character and almost cowardly (believe it or not). Linus isn't all too great (I should know, remember?) and suffers from the same lack of confidence that Snoopy does. Not even the famous Pamela Myers could redeem this recording for me: she's too much of a screamer even for the caustic Peppermint Patty. I did like Sally, but she has little material to sing, unfortunately.

   So, yeah. Buy the 1983 London recording (it even has some extra songs written for it!). It really is a quaint, lovable little piece that is perfect for children and children-at-heart. Just think...a musical about characters we all can't help but loving. Almost brings a tear to my eye.

5 comments about Taste of the Fantastic/L. David Sloane.

1. Michele Lee's singing career never really took off which is a shame. She's adept at employing a variety of musical styles, particularly upbeat, brassy numbers. This 2-fer package kicks off with "Taste of the Fantastic", a collection of slow ballads that quickly become rather monotonous sad to say. "L. David Sloane" is the real reason to buy this album. "Sloane" features the title track as well as several other mid-tempo treats benefitting from Lee's big voice and sharp phrasing. The slower numbers are well chosen and sensitively delivered as well. Not an outstanding package, but still worthy of a purchase for the second album.



2. Michele Lee has an amazing voice, its a shame most people only know her for her acting on TV. This CD covers her two albums that were put out in the late 60's.I grew up listening to the albums and more like this as a child in the 80's. The music is not like todays bubble gum pop, you will not get a headache from listening to it. For those my age under 25 you might actually enjoy it. I know I am a huge fan of Michele's because of her acting but a bigger fan because of her singing.



3. In the sixties, Michele was a singer, although by then she had already done some acting. This shows in her Broadway style, particularly in the 1966 album (A taste of the fantastic) which forms the first half of this twofer. It includes dramatic versions of sixties classics Yesterday and What the world needs now. Really, there have been too many covers of Yesterday but this is one of the more distinctive, so it counts as a plus. Another distinctive cover is Johnny Mercer's I'm old fashioned, a song I've become familiar with since I became a fan of the Great American Songbook. The other songs are excellent, but obscure to me. It appears several of them are from Broadway musicals.

   The other album which makes up this twofer (L David Sloane and other hits of today, from 1968) is much more about sixties pop, though still with that Broadway influence. Here you find covers of The look of love, Goin' out of my head, Love is blue (originally a French song), Goin' out of my head, Spooky, Can't take my eyes off you, Kiss me goodbye (this suits Michele particularly well), Honey (I miss you) and Do you know the way to San Jose, as well as the great title track and the amusing I didn't come to New York ...., neither of which I'd heard before buying this (Michele was unknown in Britain before Knot's landing hit the TV).

   Some other reviewers don't like Honey (I miss you). I can only assume this is because they don't like the song. Michele's performance is flawless, as it is on each and every track. Even if you don't like this song, there are 21 others to enjoy.

   You probably have to like at least some each of sixties pop and Broadway vocals to fully appreciate this album. If you only like one of these genres, this is not for you. If you like one a lot and the other a little, buy this - it will grow on you.




4. While most people probably remember Michelle Lee for her role in "Knots Landing", it is unfortunate that her great singing voice has been ignored with the passage of time. For instance, her witty and enjoyable signature tune "L. David Sloane" is largely unknown these days, except among her hardcore fans. However, the remastered version of the song which is included on this CD is worth the purchase price all by itself. Her versions of "Kiss Me Goodbye" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" are also impressive. Indeed, the only track I didn't love was "Honey(I Miss You)", a song I find unbearably morbid and depressing. If you're a Michelle Lee fan or just a fan of well-written, superbly performed songs, get this CD!



5. Michelle Lee's vibrato-rich and full-throated voice is heard in all its drama on these two delightful album re-releases. Lee is at her best going over the top in selections from her Broadway days, especially nice is the Strouse-Adams gem "I want to be with you," and Bricusse and Newley's "Feeling Good." Lee also covers some 60's hits, like "Spooky," "Goin out of my head," and Can't take my eyes off of you." She's less successful on a hokey rewording and reworking of the tear-jerker "Honey." But in all these two albums-produced in 1966 and '68-showcase the once upon time Broadway career of Lee, who just happens to be currently enjoying a marvelous run in an off-Broadway comedy.

5 comments about Saturday Night Fever (1998 Original London Cast).

1. Yes that's right! How can you possibly better the 2nd biggest group since the Beatles? The answer - you can't. There are no interesting arrangements here, just a load of pointless revamps, which change hardly anything except the voices. Which makes you wonder why the even bothered recording this CD in the first place!



2. Unfortunately, because the critics trashed the Broadway run of Saturday Night Fever, a Broadway recording was never made. Therefore we must settle on the London cast recording. However, I do not consider this purchase settling because it's just FANTASTIC. The voices are great. The music is great, and fun. The recording is super clear and you can hear the detail of every musical instrument used. My only complaint with the CD is most songs just fade out instead of ending as they did in the show. For some reason they didn't want to put the music written for the ending in the CD. My only guess was so because they wanted to leave the integrity of the songs intact and play what people know. If you like the sound of 3 men singing like women, this CD is not for you either. Lastly, if you know the show you will notice the tracks are out of order, in which they appeared in the show. This CD is great to listen to in the car. You find yourself singing along to familiar tracks. Wait till you hear track 6; Who's Sorry Now?, It's just incredible! I love this CD and highly recommend it to any Bee Gees fan and/or fan of the show and/or movie. Catch the Fever today before they are all sold out.



3. Hardly...
   If you like broadyway go see the show but skip the recording...this ones not the inspiration that SNF was.
   Bad vocals and a bland re-recording of orignals.
   the only hope here stems from 'Immortality' a great Gibb song but wait for a better recording of it on some best of broadway cd.



4. Being a huge fan of the movie, was very interested to see how the musical sounded. Bought this CD after finding out Adam Garcia was Tony Manero. I was blown away! Although different from the original Bee Gees recordings, the versions are fun, funky, have a good beat and are easy to dance to. My personal favorite is "Night Fever" followed closely by the duet "How Deep Is Your Love." A must for any Adam Garcia fan and a must for any Bee Gees/disco fan. You will truly enjoy it!



5. If, and that's a HUGE if, you're a Bee Gees fan, or a Donna Summer fan, then perhaps you would like Saturday Night Fever: The Musical. However, if you are a theatre afficionado who religiously listens to Cole Porter and Stephen Sondheim, then back away from this atrocity. Having seen the show live, I must admit the choreography was incredible, however that was the only redeeming factor I picked out in it. The London recording is also a bit different than the Broadway/Tour run. While the vocal talents they chose for it are all right, it appears that they were hoping to ride on the pretty faces and familiar tunes for a Broadway hit. The ennunciation is also incredibly off, making many words hard to understand. The "plot" was incredibly weak, especially considering the writers had a movie to refer to, and at times I was wondering what purpose certain songs served in the plot. The incidents that occur (ie: Tony's brother leaving the ministry, Annette's affection for Tony) are never strongly connected, making for 5 or 6 subplots but never one strong central premise. I wouldn't reccomend this to a huge Broadway fan, given the hype that this has received, they might be scared that it set a precedent.

2 comments about Two of Us/Begin to Love.

1. I was lucky to have both "Two of Us" and "Begin To Love" on vinyl, and I readily admit that the latter was played much more than former. "Two of Us is a nice surprize", as this was Mr Goulet's second album. He really works the lyrics well and it is obvious that the arranger, Glenn Osser, worked the same kind of magic with Robert that he did with Johnny Mathis ('Heavenly' and "Ballads of Broadway" are considered two of Johnny's finest, and Mr Osser arranged and conducted both of those recordings). Robert was working his butt off on this album and the recognition was to come that year (1962)when he won the Grammy for best new recording artist. "Two of Us" proves the award was justified. Now "Begin to Love" made 3 years later and was Mr. Goulet's follow up album to "My Love Forgive Me" (his most successful album)."Begin To Love" is a true concept album and has Robert at a very high point of his recording career. This album has a much different feel and vintage Goulet with a big sound, great song collection and arrangements by the reliable Sid Ramin (arranged Robert's third and true break out album "Sincerely Yours"). If your are a fan of Mr Goulet's this cd is an absolute must have. Enjoy!



2. Robert Goulet's Voice Is Timeless!!! This Great Cd Brings Together Two Of His Best Albums. "TWO OF US" Features Great Versions Of "Goodbye", "Little White Lies" & "I Wish You Love" All Beautifully Sung & Arranged. "BEGIN TO LOVE" Offers Robert's Terrific Version Of "Real Live Girl", "As Time Goes By" & "Smile"... But The REAL Winners On This Cd Are Mr. Goulet's Versions Of "In The Still Of The Night" Which Takes On A Classical Feel To Wonderous Results, Also "Today" Is A Magical Performance!!! I Can't Wait For The Rest Of Robert Goulet's Catalog To Be Released!!!

5 comments about Boy George's Taboo (2002 Original London Cast).

1. Boy George may be to blame for the failure of his musical in the United States, though he would rather fault Rosie O'Donnell. Still, critics praised him for his lyrical skills here. There are catchy songs with various gay themes here. I enjoyed it though I've never seen the musical. I think musical fanatics will appreciate having this piece in their collection.



2. Don't hate me, but I saw the Broadway production five times including closing night. I'm still unclear why this tremendous production did not catch on, it was truly amazing. It's the first time that I've seen a Broadway show more than once. I received my Broadway CD today, as I ordered it the day after the show closed - I understand that it will be available in July, 2004, hopefully sooner in time for the Tonys. The soundtrack CD is absolutely brilliant, completely capturing the fire and energy of the live production. My favorites from the show are still my favorites here, especially Euan Morton's haunting Stranger In This World and his beautiful Pretty Lies; Liz McCartney's unbelievable take on Talk Amongst Yourselves; Guttersnipe (so funny and cute live); I See Through You; Raul Esparza's heartbreaking Petrified plus the opener Freak; Out Of Fashion and the finale, Come In From The Outside. My fingers are crossed that the Tony's are generous to this show and hope Rosie O'Donnell keeps her promise for a return for this show! Get a copy, you won't regret it, even if you are not a Boy George fan, his lyrics and beautiful melodies are his best ever - everything here is eons above so many Broadway shows that run for years. I guess I'll just keep wondering why mass audiences didn't get it, although the show did receive a standing ovation every performance.



3. well first off, being a huge boy george fan... i was interested in his musical... i bought this cd... and i must admit most of the songs are written well and are catchy.... the most touching song is STRANGER IN THIS WORLD... euan morton's voice is soothing and the lyrics are sad and beautiful... and i recommend this album to all boy fans... although this is the london recording.... (as i patiently wait for the broadway score)... this album is good.... although george only sings on one song its still being rotated in my stereo.... get this album now....



4. I did not see the Broadway Musical, but I am curious why it failed. I bought the cd just out of curiosity and absolutely love it. The songs are witty and the ballads are especially beautiful. I would highly recommend this cd.



5. My review is going to be short and i'll get right to the point. Buy the soundtrack. The singers are beyond anything you've ever heard before. Euan Morton, be still my heart. His voice is mesmerizing. The song STRANGER IN THIS WORLD will leave you breathless. Just listen to it and you'll be transfixed, I know I was and am everytime.

No comments about Broadway Muiscals of 1962.

5 comments about Forty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett.

1. This is a terrific 4-disc compilation of Tony Bennett's career. I received it as a gift for Christmas of 1994.
   
   Now I see a new 5-disc compilation of Tony's career has been released, entitled "50 Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett".
   
   I wonder if it's necessary to purchase and if some rare jewels have been unearthed in the subsequent 10 years. I think I'll check the Amazon reviews for the 5-disc compilation.
   
   Terrific CD's to pop in the CD-changer and play in the house on a lazy weekend.



2. This is a fabulous 4-disc compilation of Tony in his musical prime from the 50's through the 80's. There are 87 tracks, and a 60 page booklet that contains essays by Ralph Sharon and Will Friedwald and extensive notes by Tony himself. The audio quality is outstanding, and Bennett's voice, diction, and the emotional depth of his phrasing and interpretation of the songs and lyrics is magical. This a must purchase if you collect Tony Bennett. It's a great sampling from his amazing catalog and further proof of the man's musical genius.



3. Great but I agree with Mr Rucci. Why can't we get a record of one of Mr Bennett's greatest, I Won't Cry Anymore?



4. All I want to know is why Tony Bennett's hit recording "I won't cry anymore" is not on any of his albums you are selling.



5. This is a great boxed set as far as it goes. I just wish that his release "Cinnamon Sinner" which charted as high as #8 in 1954 would be picked up on some compilation by this artist.