1 comments about Sings for Lovers.

1. This is lovely music for a romantic evening, if you want to try something different than the usual Sinrata, Tony Bennett, etc.

1 comments about George M. Cohan Tonight!.

1. This album brings back the good-natured history of Broadway in turn-of-the-century New York City. All of the best Cohan songs are here; "Give My Regards to Broadway," "Harrigan," "The Yankee Doodle Boy," "Mary's a Grand Old Name," "You're a Grand Old Flag," "Over There," and many more. Peterson does a stellar job in this famous one-man show that was a smash hit Off-Broadway in 2006.
   
   Yours truly will be premiering this show in Europe at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August! Don't miss it!

5 comments about Punishing Kiss.

1. Perfectly reasonable cd, but for those of us who just love her German cabaret, this may disappoint.



2. Is this woman awesome, or what?
   I have to say, this is probably one of my fav's. A very deeply moving, emotionally intense project. I keep coming back to it. It's just absolutely awesome!



3. I fell in love with Ute Lemper when I heard a recording of her singing Kurt Weill's "Bilbao Song." I know she has her detractors, all of whom argue that other people are better at performing Kurt Weill. These people are idiots.

   This album came as a shock for me, as she truly stretches out farther than I had expected. Yes, there is a Kurt Weill song here, taken from the Threepenny Opera, but it's rearranged like you've never heard before - with a drum and bass loop churning underneath lush strings and keyboards (but not cheesy keyboards, mind you).

   The rest of the album follows in a similar style, though the instrumentation does subtly change for different composers' songs - most notably the addition of a bandoneon for the two Tom Waits songs.

   What is amazing about the album is the sense of continuity running through it, in spite its being a collection of songs of different people. The gem of the album, however, is Nick Cave's "Little Water Song," in which, over a beautiful string section, Ute Lemper lets her theatre training and singing mix freely - producing a performance that simply floors me.

   What else is there to say? She's simply amazing




4. Simply stunning performance of unusual new songs written expressly for her, entirely captivating, imaginatively written and performed. May not appear to be a 'hit' first time round but you will play it again and again, hear more, find new meanings and so much depth.

   It is performed dramatically (not as a routine studio tune and lyric) a most stimulating performance. In many ways it is a 'dark' album, not something you will be able to whistle in the bathroom, and all the better for that. If you are looking for real entertainment, look no further.

   Ute has to be the most under-rated artist of the current era, wildly flexible in how she performs, in many ways outrageously kitsch. She has performed this album in a tour, which I was privileged to attend and this underlined just how good she - and the album - is. A 'must buy'. Just wish she had a video/DVD as well!




5. The statuesque Ute is a beauty so monumental, she's almost architectural. And she's got a voice and delivery to match, plus on this album, a taste for superb material.

   My favourites are the Nick Cave, Elvis Costello and Tom Waits songs, but what is really impressive is how her voice holds together the Scott Walker song Scope J (If one can call it a song).

   Anyone who can sing along to, let alone intelligently interpret, such a bizarre and dark little symphony, deserves 5 stars just for the effort. I like my divas dark and brooding, like Nico of Velvet Underground, so Ute fits the bill. Investigate and enjoy!

4 comments about Annie Get Your Gun (1991 Studio Recording).

1. This is a great addition to my collection of theatre CD's. There are no big 'stars' here - but there are a lot of talented performers and performances.



2. This studio recording of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN features the thrilling Kim Criswell singing the title role, as well as the booming voice of Thomas Hampson in the role of Frank Butler. John McGlinn conducts the outstanding London Sinfonietta.

   Criswell is an ideal choice for Annie. She invokes the brassy vocals of the Ethel Merman (the role's originator), yet manages to inject some of her own spunky charm into the character. The ballsy Dolly Tate is played by Peta Bartlett; with a very young Rebecca Luker playing the ingenue role of Winnie opposite the Tommy of Jason Graae.

   This recording is now quite rare; though is worth tracking down. Arguably the greatest recording of the score aside from the '66 Lincoln Center revival w/ Ethel Merman.




3. The studio recording of Irving Berlin's masterpioece has the advantage over cast recordings of bringing out the subtleties of the tunes better than most cast recordings and of using better singers and much better chorus and orchestra than is usual in the theatre. Thomas Hampson's Frank Butler is splendid and Kim Criswell's Annie is super.



4. If you want to hear the whole score, EVERY song, this is the CD for you. Kim Criswell is great as Annie.

No comments about Blue Tail Fly.

5 comments about Over Here!.

1. The Sherman Brothers in a breakaway from their family musicals for Disney and others, have come up with a Broadway score like no other, with all the tunefulness of their other scores wrapped up in a spectacular 1940's big band sound. Upbeat,witty, clever,evocative, OVER HERE! is about as good as you get and homage to the fact that nothing beats the work of great songwriters. The now stellar cast on this recording sees the likes of John Travolta and Samuel E Wright mixing it with the two surviving Andrews' Sisters of the time. For every reason - an essential purchase, even if the CD mix isn't as good as that which appeared on the original LP.



2. "Over Here!" is a delight. The songs are all great and in the style, beat and joy of the Big Band/World War II period. You can trace back (if you are serious minded) the songs that the Sherman Brothers are copying - for example, the "Wait for Me, Marlena" number is a take-off of Marlena Dietrich's big World War II number "Lili Marlene." However, just enjoy the music for the wonderful score it is. The good news is (as of Spring 2007), Donna McKechnie (of "A Chorus Line" and the original cast of "Over Here!") is going to be in a revival of "Over Here!" to open in Toronto and move to London. "My Dream for Tomorrow" would be to see "Over Here!" come back to Broadway! In the meantime, grab a copy of "Over Here!" and dance around the room as you celebrate the joyous music of the time period. Maybe the producers could get Bette Midler to be the other "Andrews" sister?



3. OK, in my review of the Divas I mentioned that I do not collect Broadway Soundtracks, I do own a few however, Over Here being one.
   
   This great show was at the Shubert Theatre prior to the record breaking run of A Chorus Line, and it was a slice of nostaglia for our parents generation. The show was set during World War 2, and featured new music written for the show, with stylings from the war years. The shows stars were the 2 remaining Andrews Sisters, Patty and Maxine, and they played the DePaul sisters, as the "2 DePaul's". One part of the plot was the search by the DePaul's for a 3rd girl to join their group. Needless to say in their heyday the Andrews Ssiters were a trio, their eldest sister, LaVerne, died in the late 60's. The production also featured Janie Sell, and a pre-Grease John Travolta.
   
   The musical featured upbeat numbers for the most part, but the show also portraied the anguish of the war years as well. Since Your Not Around, My Dream For Tomorrow, and Where Did The Good Times Go all delt with the pain of the war years and the uncertainty of what lie ahead. Good-Time Girl is a great campy take on the US Governments War program to avoid an VD outbreak amoung the troops (these times were far from innocent in many ways). John Travolta shines with the number Dream Drumming, where he yearns to be the next Gene Krupa, sadly many troops never made it home to persue their dreams.
   
   Janie Sell becomes the new DePaul, and joins Patty and Maxine with the Big Beat.
   For many the highlight of the show never made it to the soundtrack. Each day at curtain call, Patty and Maxine would sing a medley of their hits, and it became THE reason for many to attend the show.
   
   This show was to tour after it's Broadway run, and after much delay it did make it to the road with just one Andrews Sister, Maxine. Patty declined to go on the road.
   
   Discover this oft-overlooked Broadway gem!



4. April Shawhan is the most fantastic and unbelievable performer I could ever imagine. I worship and idolize her tremendously. I only wish that everyone in the world could have a chance to work with her.



5. I absolutely fell in love with this musical the moment I heard my high school was doing it for their spring musical! I wasn't in the cast, but i was on the crew, which could actually be more interesting. you can listen to the music more, and dance to it backstage, not worrying about how you look! This musical was absolutely great.No wonder I can't find the cd anywhere! I can borrow my friends though! i highly recommend this cd and musical to any school trying to find out what mucial to do this year!!

1 comments about The Song Is You: Capitol Sings Jerome Kern { Various Artists }.

1. The Song Is You: Capitol Sings Jerome Kern is yet another solid installment in this CD series of "Capitol Sings." It's a shame that so many of these excellent CDs are out of print but maybe that will change soon. The sound quality is great and the artwork is very well done.
   
   Keely Smith makes good on "The Song Is You;" Keely never sounded so good and she handle the tempo changes effortlessly like the pro she always was--and still remains! "All The Things You Are" is performed by the great Helen Forrest; Helen was a true songbird and just one listen proves it! The big band arrangement that accompanies Helen when she sings fits in perfectly with her vocals. "Pick Yourself Up" by Nat King Cole still sounds fresh and new--and that's OK by me! The piano also works wonders for "Pick Yourself Up." "The way You Look Tonight" is so sublime when The Dinning Sisters perform this with panache, heart and soul. Wow, how those sisters sure could harmonize so well!
   
   "I Won't Dance" gets the royal treatment from the great Peggy Lee who never skips a beat despite a rather complicated arrangement. The jazzy rendition of "I Won't Dance" pulls it off great and "I Won't Dance" is a major highlight of this CD. Margaret Whiting also performs "Look For The Silver Lining" with heart and soul; this works so well and the woodwind instruments embellish the natural beauty of this number.
   
   Trudy Richards sings a stunning version of "Can't Help Lovin' That Man;" Trudy's voice is clear as a bell and she delivers this like the great songbird she always was! The great Judy Garland also sings "I'm Old Fashioned" with great sensitivity; and this is amazing. The Four Freshmen also do a wonderful rendition of "The Last Time I Saw Paris;" The Four Freshmen sound great and they truly delve into this ballad to make it a very special number.
   
   The Four Preps also do an awesome "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes;" they harmonize to perfection--and beyond! The gentle musical arrangement complements their singing flawlessly, too. It's all very elegant. There's also Martha Tilton And Johnny Mercer on "A Fine Romance;" "A Fine Romance" was always one of my very favorite tunes from the golden age of Hollywood and Martha Tilton And Johnny Mercer do great justice to this classic number.
   
   Gordon MacRae ends the CD strong with "Old Man River;" "Old Man River" gets a fine treatment by Gordon--Paul Robeson would be proud!
   
   In short, The Song Is You: Capitol Sings Jerome Kern is a marvelous CD that has so many of Kern's incredible tunes. If you like this music get this CD today and enjoy it forever!

5 comments about Once On This Island (1994 Original London Cast).

1. I have to say, this CD is amazing, with better orchestrations (I really hate synthensised sound, but it worked here) and clearer sound quality than the OBC, a better Daniel and an okay ensamble, but what took this CD down two stars for me is the terrible Ti Moune and Papa Ge (sorry if I spelled those wrong.). Ti Moune's voice is lifeless bland, I'm told her preformance was better than the Broadway's Ti moune, but this is about the CD, not the preformance. Papa Ge is okay, except for ruining the beat of the song. He does feel more intimidating than the Broadway Papa Ge, who played the character more like a deamon, but I think he ruined the song. On a positive note, the Daniel was amazingly better. 'Some Girls' was faster, more touching and less boring than the OBC, and the other gods were fantastic, though I didn't care for Agwe on either CDs. Ton Ton Julian and Mama Eurilie (again, I probaly didn't spell it right) were in my opinion, uninteresting on both CDs. In conclusion, to those who love the OBC, this will take a while to get used to, but give it patience. To those new, I'd reccommend the OBC, but this is still a brilliant CD, which I would recomment to anyone. This is a CD that everyone should buy, but this is not the OBC.



2. This CD was amazing. I have listened to different versions and this is by far the best. I also had a lead role in this in Junior High. I played the part of Papa Ge and had a blast. This is better than the Broadway version. Overall, the mood and environment of this recording is more upbeat and festive. One of the best choices I've made since auditioning for the musical. An awesome musical depicted in an incredible manner. Phenomenal CD. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone!



3. I was in a production of this in november and this cd is absoluetely incredible!



4. I thoroughly enjoyed this recording, especially the songs Rain and Forever Yours. The performers voices stay with me when I can't listen to the CD.



5. This is a horrible version of the musical. Don't buy this CD, I really think you'll regret it once you listen to it. Go out and buy the Broadway version.

1 comments about Encores from Encores!.

1. Some of broadway's best singers are on this album, including Brian Stokes Mitchell, Debbie Gravitte, Marin Mazzie, and Rebecca Luker. (The cd is worth buying for Rebecca Luker's song alone!) The songs are beautifully orchestrated and sung. Most are light hearted and fun, leaving me with a good feeling when listening.
   If you're a fan of broadway showtunes, I believe you'll enjoy this album.

5 comments about The Best of Michael Ball.

1. The C.d. contained some familiar and some not so familiar numbers - infact, some I had not heard before. Enjoyed it immensely as I do most of Michael's work. He is the complete package.



2. This solo album of Michael Ball represents his best hits in his early years of career in the musical theatre as well as in the pop music arena. Twenty excellent songs are included in the album. There are his signature tunes "Love Changes Everything" and "Empty Chairs, Empty Tables", the songs that established him as the West End's leading star. There is the best-ever rendition of "Maria" from a cast recording of "West Side Story", in which Michael, as the only non-opera-singer in the cast, sings the role of Tony. There are his 1992 Eurovision song contest songs, "One Step Out Of Time" and "As Dreams Go By", which marked his successful extending to the pop music world. And there is "No More Steps To Climb", which is the song he sang at the opening ceremony of a sporting event at Twickenham, featuring him as the most beloved singer in Britain. Music wise, there is the low and smoky "A Song For You", thoroughly showing off Michael's smooth bass, and "Simple Fair Of The Heart" highly demonstrating Michael's belting skill. There is the soft and sentimental side of Michael in "Holland Park" and "Every Day, Every Night"; and of course, there is the powerful and passionate side of Michael in "If I Can Dream" and "Sunset Boulevard".
   Ever since then the list of Michael Ball's best songs continues to grow in many directions. For any late-coming Michael Ball fans, or anyone who loves this voice, this CD is a must.



3. This was the first MB Cd that I got, and it really shows his talent and ability. It is a great sample of the music from the early part of his solo career. The listener is taken on a musical journey from the softness of "Holland Park" to the power of "As Dreams Go By." And I must say that he could outsing those "Three Tenors" on "Maria" anyday!! "If I Can Dream" is a great remake that makes you want to put on a choir robe and clap and sway! And of course, "Love Changes Everything" is fabulous, as usual. This is a great "first one." You won't be disappointed.



4. I think he is one of the best singers around. All the Tracks on this CD are excellent.



5. Michael Ball's voice is powerful, soulful, expressive, and just plain wonderful. His vocal ability is phenomenal, but some of the songs on this CD aren't. His classics (e.g. Sunset Boulevard and Love Changes Everything) sound great, but some songs are simply too poppy. If you are a Mikey fan to the extent that you don't care if he's singing the phone book (I know I am) you'll still find this CD wonderful, though.