2 comments about The London Sessions, Vol. 3.

1. As with all Delerue music, this CD is brillaint and worth having. I can only say that no one can be diappointed by the beaury of the scores selected here, especially from "A little Sex".



2. I dont know why there are so few recordings of this composer. I discovered this cd almost by accident. A few years ago I saw the movie Something Wicked This Way Comes in tv. While I was watching the begining and listening to the music, I almost wanted to run to purchase this score. I watched the complete film and discover that the music was from James Horner, which at the time I was beginning to discover. I did not know that years would pass without this great music being released in a recording.

   One day I was browsing the soundtrack section in a music store and I could not believe what I was seeing. A cd that had the title of that movie! I immediately picked it up and started to read the information. I didnt saw the name Horner at all, just a guy named Delerue and another one.

   Well, maybe just the fact that the cover looked nice to me and that it had the name of the movie made me buy it. It took two or three listenings and I was charmed by this music and this composer that was new to my ears. After a while this cd became one of my ten favorite cds of film music, along with other Cds by better known composers like Goldsmith, Horner and Williams. On the liner notes it said that the Delerue score had been rejected in favor of Horner's. It would have been a very difficult choice for me to reject this music even if the musician replacing it was Horner. Anyway, the suite for Something Wicked was very good, but not the best of the CD. I am not a musician and it is difficult for me to describe this music with technical words, but for me it was tender and sweet and at the same time sad and mysterious. My favorite tracks were Memories of Me, A little Sex, Agnes of God, and True Confessions.

   I suspect that fans of action scores will not like this, but if you like Horner's or Williams' gentler scores you will love this. Of Delerue's music there is only one that I like better than this and that is the score of Joe vs The Volcano, but it has not been released and probably never will. After prolonged exposure to this warm beautiful music I recommend a little of Goldenthal's Alien 3 atmospheric nightmare.

No comments about Sings the Music of Irving Berlin.

2 comments about Royal Wedding (1951 Movie Soundtrack) (Rhino Handmade).

1. It is indeed great to have "Royal Wedding" back in circulation, as both a DVD and a CD soundtrack. Having said that, I must confess that Rhino's mastering of the CD leaves a lot to be desired. While the music is great, the channel dropout is quite noticeable and a bit too frequent. I realize that this is a movie from the 1950's, but I wonder what source material Rhino used to produce this soundtrack CD. Still, I can give "Royal Wedding" a lukewarm recommendation. To hear Jane Powell sing the lovely Burton Lane ballad "Too Late Now" is reason enough to buy this CD. Also, check out the DVD, as it looks and sounds great. Watching Fred Astaire dancing on the walls and ceiling is an incredible cinematic treat, way ahead of it's time!!



2. Here at last is the complete and restored soundtrack album for the beloved 1951 M-G-M musical, ROYAL WEDDING. It features a sparkler of a score from Burton Lane and Alan Jay Lerner (including the timeless ballad "Too Late Now"), and the impressive vocals of Jane Powell, in arguably her best role at the studio.
   
   The story revolved around a brother-sister dance act, Tom and Ellen Bowen (Fred Astaire and Jane Powell). As they set sail for a London theatre season, they unexpectedly arrive in time for Princess Elizabeth's wedding to Philip Mountbatten. As luck would have it, Tom and Ellen also find love: he with beautiful chorus dancer Anne Ashmond (Sarah Churchill), and she with dashing society gent Lord John Brindale (Peter Lawford). Fun comedy was provided by Keenan Wynn, playing twin theatrical agents!
   
   ROYAL WEDDING's trip to the screen wasn't an easy one. The role of Ellen Bowen was originally meant for June Allyson, but pregnancy forced her to leave the project. Then Judy Garland was considered (having previously co-starred with Astaire and Lawford in "Easter Parade"), but ill-health prevented her from committing. Finally, M-G-M's resident opera ingenue Jane Powell was cast as Ellen. Despite how Judy Garland might have tackled the role, I can't imagine anyone being better than Jane Powell in this particular instance. The movie's plot also had echoes of Fred Astaire's real-life partnership with his sister Adele (she left showbusiness after meeting and marrying Lord Cavendish during a 1929 European tour).
   
   This film briefly went by the title of "Wedding Bells" (particularly during it's original European theatrical run so as not to seem a direct cash-in on Princess Elizabeth's wedding). The casting of Sarah Churchill (Prime Minister Winston Churchill's real-life daughter) as Astaire's love interest was another ploy in hooking European audiences. Ballet megastar Moira Shearer was also briefly considered for the role of Anne.
   
   The score has been newly-restored and expanded on this limited edition CD from Rhino Handmade. Included is the complete dance/chorus arrangement of "Every Night at Seven", the full dance music to "I Left My Hat in Haiti"; "Open Your Eyes" (complete and uncut for the very first time in true stereo); "The Happiest Day of My Life" (sung by Powell but originally written for Churchill's role); plus the cut reprise of "Every Night at Seven" sung by Peter Lawford; as well as all the incidental and background music. Also included is a rare promotional interview with Astaire and Powell.
   
   [Rhino Handmade/TCM 2-7777]

1 comments about PRETTY FACES The Large & Lovely Musical.

1. Some shows are best realized as dinner theater. This one aims that low and then underachieves.

No comments about Christmas Is Coming.

2 comments about Roadside (2001 Off-Broadway Cast).

1. I'm a big fan of Harvey Schmidt's music. There's an identifiable quality to his songs; I've never heard one I didn't like. The sad thing about Jones and Schmidt is they really have had only two big hits in their career: THE FANTASTICKS (which ran forever off-Broadway) and I DO! I DO! Since the mid-60's, they've turned out a number of boutique musicals, mostly of short run; then there was the work on two projects, one about Colette, the other based on Our Town, which never quite got off the ground. Despite it all, I'd give up most other theatre music in favor of Schmidt's songs in a heartbeat, if I were given an either-or choice. I like it that much. So, ROADSIDE is different but still Jones and Schmidt. The title song is worth the price of the CD alone: haunting, optimistic, sad, all at the same time. Hard to know if the show was any good, but the recording is a must-have for any Jones and Schmidt fan. I had the pleasure of seeing both in Laguna Beach a few years ago, in their retrospective, THE SHOW GOES ON, and at the Pasadena Playhouse this July in a tribute to their songs and to them. (The Playhouse just staged a wonderful production of 110 IN THE SHADE, which was their respected third modest success.) Both in their 70's, Jones is witty as ever, and Schmidt still plays a mean piano. If only they'd have one smash hit again, given Schmidt's genius to write beautiful theatre music that never sounds trite or boring. At least we have the recordings (some out of print but available if you look hard enough: Colette Collage, Celebration, the original 110 In The Shade, etc.) and ones like ROADSIDE, which serve to remind us how talented those two guys are.



2. Tom Jones & Harvey Schmidt have given theatre-lovers three of the most melodic, clever, winning scores over a period of half a century: THE FANTASTICKS, I DO, I DO and 110 IN THE SHADE are some of the best and most popular shows performed all over the world.

   Luckily for their fans, they are still writing and still writing well: their latest show, ROADSIDE, had a brief, inventively directed production off-Broadway last season and now, luckily, has been preserved on a terrific CD.

   ROADSIDE is the story of a happily rootless, travelling family in Texas at the beginning of the last century. If OKLAHOMA! tells the story of Americans who want to plant roots, ROADSIDE is about their opposites: drifters who don't want to settle down.

   This charming show has some wonderful performances, including the stand-out work of Julie Johnson, the leading lady. But everyone in the hard working cast is first rate. Most interesting is the fact that the Jones-Schmidt score sounds like it is straight out of the travelling tent shows in Texas that were its inspiration. This is a total departure for these writers and certainly not what one hears over and over again in countless, derivative musicals. The score is played wonderfully by a 4 piece country/western combo. Schmidt's music is never less than infectious.

   Jay Records has done a superb job with the packaging: numerous photographs from the off-Broadway production, authors' notes, a synopsis of the play and complete lyrics. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

1 comments about Very Best of Judy Garland.

1. Born Frances Gumm, this brilliant singer-actress eventually adopted the name Judy Garland (after an interim period as Frances Garland). Her personal problems, compounded by the pressures of work, are well documented elsewhere, but Judy became extremely popular and successful despite (or maybe helped by) these problems.
   
   Judy Garland's music has retained its popularity far in excess of most of her contemporaries, partly because of her outstanding singing but partly due to the popularity of the movies in which many of the songs were featured. The songs that most people remember Judy for are all here, especially Over the rainbow, Easter parade, The boy next door, On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe and Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
   
   Judy can also be heard singing exquisite versions of Get happy, There's no business like show business, The trolley song, Anything you can do, They say it's wonderful, Embraceable you and many other great songs.
   
   While I would like to have seen I'm nobody's baby and When you wore a tulip, I have no complaints about any of the selections here. There are plenty of other compilations of Judy's music to choose from, but this is a great choice as an introduction to her music.

5 comments about Classic Disney, Vol. 4.

1. In 1995, Disney released a two volume set of classic tunes. The following year they put out volume three. And in 1997 this volume was released. Unfortunately by this time, most of the truly classic songs had already been picked, leaving a bit of a hodge-podge for volume four. True, there are some wonderful picks from the vaults such as Dumbo's "Baby Mine" and "The Siamese Cat Song" from Lady and the Tramp.
   
   Some songs hadn't been created at the time of the first collections. These soon-to-be classics include "I Will Go Sailing No More" from Toy Story, "Just Around the Riverbend" from Pocahontas and "Home" from the Broadway adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.
   
   Some I guess might be considered "lost classics". I had never heard of Summer Magic or In Search of the Castaways, but I do enjoy "Femininity" and "Enjoy It!" respectively. And I do think it odd that they count the overture from the Disneyland/world show "Fantasmic!" as a classic (even if it is a rollicking ride).
   
   And then there are those that really aren't classics at all, but more of a historical filler. I doubt even the most rabid Disney-phile would include "Stop, Look and Listen/I'm No Fool" or "Although I Dropped $100,000 (I Found a Million Dollars in Your Smile" in their list of top songs.
   
   For the most part, this is an excellent compilation. But, unlike its predecessors, I find myself using the skip track button on occasion.



2. no matter what this cd is a booty kickin awesome addition 2 all disney LOVERS!!! yeah, go cd, go cd, its ur birthday, go cd



3. The idea of issuing musical selections from Disney films, features and other areas of their world of entertainment is really appreciated lovingly by many. If you love the world that Walt Disney created and has continued on to this day, this CD gives you little musical vignettes across that span of time that are very nostalgic and uplifting. I really love track 22: "I Wonder" from SLEEPING BEAUTY sung by Mary Costa. Track 23: "I Bring You a Song" from BAMBI sung by Donald Novis is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. They are indeed very nostalgic, as is the entire CD.



4. This Disney CD is for every loyal disney fan, who wants all the disney cd but can't afford them. The many songs include hits from all the best disney movies, including "A Goofy Movie" "Cinderella" "Sleeping Beauty" "Robin Hood" and "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" It also has songs from Disney World and Disney Land. It is a great CD!!!!!!!!



5. Very good album of disney songs. I really enjoyed listening to it with my kids. The kids went wild! Its a good buy, I suggest you buy it.

2 comments about Capitol Sings, Vol. 13: Over the Rainbow - Harold Arlen.

1. Capitol Sings, Vol. 13: Over the Rainbow - Harold Arlen is a fantastic compilation of great vocalists singing the best songs ever by Harold Arlen. You may not recognize his name at first; but you DO know his music. He wrote the music for "Over the Rainbow;" "Stormy Weather;" "That Old Black Magic" and more. The sound quality is excellent and the artwork is very nicely done.
   
   Johnny Mercer & The Pied Pipers start things off with a great rendition of "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive." They sing this very well and "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive" is a highlight of this album. Peggy Lee sings a most romantic version of "Come Rain Or Come Shine;" Peggy never skips a beat and this impresses me greatly. Wow! Listen also for Keely Smith on "Stormy Weather;" Keely delivers this like the great chanteuse she really was and still remains. Keely really belts this one out! "Let's Fall In Love" also gets the royal treatment from Nat King Cole who delivers this with panache. Nat King Cole never sounded better!
   
   Judy Garland sings `The Man That Got Away;" this eventually became one of her signature songs after she did the movie A Star Is Born in 1954; and Judy sings this with terrific sensitivity. She really belts this out! "Blues In The Night" from Dinah Shore also sounds fresh and new when I hear Dinah sing this so well; and the somewhat jazzy arrangement is both pretty and strong at the same time. "I've Got The World On A String" by Louis Prima gets a fine treatment; and this jazzy arrangement makes "I've Got The World On A String" a most wonderful highlight of this album.
   
   "Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe" features Peggy Lee front and center--and that's quite all right by me! Peggy handles tempo and key changes effortlessly and this enhances the natural beauty of this tune. Nat Kind Cole also returns to sing "It's Only A Paper Moon;" this tune shines like silver and gold when Nat King Cole performs it so flawlessly.
   
   Judy garland also returns to sing her signature song, "Over The Rainbow." This 1955 recording is probably the best example of this song that Judy ever professionally recorded--and that's grand! Betty Hutton sings "Hit The Road To Dreamland" with heart and soul; and the CD ends with Harold Arlen himself performing "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive." Harold wasn't exactly the best vocalist but it still makes a good ending to this tribute album to his talents.
   
   This is a fine tribute CD to Harold Arlen. There are a few slight problems; I agree with the other reviewer who writes that they should have used Judy Garland's version of "Get Happy" on this CD. Lena Horne should have sung "Stormy Weather" although Keely Smith does do great justice to this tune. I will take off half a star for this minor flaw to make this a four and ½ star review.



2. This is an enjoyable collection, with many treasures, including two versions of "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" (one by Arlen himself), an amazing performance of "When the Sun Comes Out" by Nancy Wilson, and a lovely version of "Paper Moon" by the King Cole Trio. It is irritating, though, to hear June Christy's otherwise bouncy version version of "Get Happy," in which she amends every instance of the words "get happy" to "be happy." And why include Christy's version, when Garland recorded this, one of her signature songs, many time for Capitol? Ditto Keely Smith's serviceable version of "Stormy Weather," when there were recordings by Lena Horne, who is indelibly associated with this song, in the Capitol vaults. Maybe the compilers got bored with the obvious choices, but I have to subtract one star, for "be happy" if nothing else.

1 comments about The Best of Shirley Bassey.

1. This is a good introduction to Shirley Bassey. The album has nothing new for old fans, but new fans will sure enjoy the grandeur. The CD includes only 10 tracks (rather condensed) but all songs are best of... recordings. 'Goldfinger' had to be included.