2 comments about The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (10 cassettes, 10 Hours, 20 Programs).

1. Here are the contents of this 24-show, 12-disc set which is housed in a longbox, with the discs in two cardboard disc albums which house six discs each. I've listed the airdate in year/month/day (yymmdd) format along with the title of each show as provided on the outside of the box. I've deducted one star from my rating due to the flimsy and cheap packaging used by the manufacturer Radio Spirits, not to mention this set overlaps the previous 10-disc, 20 episode release which was in nicer packaging. The stories themselves are excellent and feature John Stanley as Sherlock Holmes and Alfred Shirley as Dr. Watson.
   
   470928 - The Case of the Dog Who Changed His Mind
   471005 - The Case of the Missing Heiress
   471012 - The Adventure of the Red-Headed League
   480118 - The Case of the Lucky Shilling
   480125 - The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb
   480201 - The Case of the Avenging Blade
   480208 - The Case of the Sanguinary Spectre
   480215 - The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place
   480222 - The Adventure of the Wooden Claw
   480229 - The Case of King Phillip's Golden Salver
   480307 - The Adventure of the Six Napoleons
   480314 - The Adventure of the Serpent God
   480321 - Death is a Golden Arrow
   480328 - The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax
   480404 - The Adventure of Lady Waverly's Imitation Pearls
   480411 - The Adventure of the Empty House
   480418 - The Case of the Very Best Butter
   480502 - The Adventure of the Sinister Crate of Cabbages
   480509 - The Adventure of the Illustrious Client
   480516 - The Case of the Everblooming Roses
   480523 - The Case of the Accommodating Valise
   480530 - A Case of Identity
   480606 - The Complicated Poisoning at Eel Pie Island
   480912 - The Case of the Unwelcome Ambassador



2. Radio Spirits previously published "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," a collection of radio plays from the time after Nigel Bruce and Basil Rathbone left the series. This collection consists of twenty more plays from that same era. The publication of these new stories was welcome news to this Holmes-aholic. Alfred Shirley and John Stanley don't quite have the same charisma as Bruce and Rathbone, but they turn in above average performances.

   To most Holmes fans, "The Woman" in Holmes' life was Irene Adler, the adventuress from "A Scandal in Bohemia." Edith Meiser, the author of these radio plays, was far more important to Holmes' legacy than Irene Adler. She wrote more Sherlock Holmes than Holmes' creator. She didn't write as well as Conan Doyle, or even as well as Anthony Boucher and David Green, but she turned in workmanlike efforts. Her rewrites of the original Holmes stories (seven of which are reproduced here) are excellent. When she writes her own stories, she can be very good.

   In the spirit of David Letterman, I give my Top Five radio portrayals of Holmes:
   [1] The BBC productions starring Clive Merrison.
   [2] The MBS productions starring Bruce and Rathbone.
   [3] The post-Rathbone productions starring Shirley and Stanley.
   [4] The post-Rathbone productions starring Nigel Bruce and Tom Conway.
   [5] The BBC productions starring John Gielgud.

5 comments about Selects Her Favorite Disney Songs.

1. I love the songs from the orignal Disney movies so I was pleased to find this CD. Im not a fan of the remakes (Cheetah Girls, cringe) and it can be hard to find the orignals on iTunes. This is a must have for any Disney music lover! And it's made even better, by being availabe through Pepsi points!



2. For Julie Andrews rabid fans it's something to behold, a rarest of all rare. It is a cd that I thought would never come to light. WE're still waiting for "Rose_Marie", "Julie and Carol At Lincoln Center", "JUlie Andrews Live At Osaka" and "Love Me Tender" to be released as cds. I wonder if Sepia records couldn't do something about that...



3. Yes, these are all classics. I was disappointed that Julie Andrews was not singing them all herself, but there is something about the original cast recordings! Great selection that brings back many memories. Nice to have so many favorites all on one disc!



4. Personally, I think this is a splendid CD. It highlights many old favorites from Disney, including most of my favorites, such as Part of Your World (one of my favorites) and Beauty and the Beast. Julie Andrews and I have much in common, apparently. This is an excellent source to get favorites, personally selected by someone who knows her Disney.
   
   
   Contrary to what many are saying, if you actually pay attention to the title of the CD, you are able to tell that this is just a collection of favorites, not actual favorites. If you were so compelled to buy the CD and eager to hear Julie Andrew's sing, then you would know that she is unable to produce such a project like this. (Hence the "selects", not sings.)
   
   
   All in all, if you're looking for a CD to revisit your favorite highlights, this is the one. Definetly worth the price (though that's not very high).



5. Anyone who is a fan of Julie Andrews (or Disney for that matter) is aware that Julie can no longer sing as she once did due to a botched vocal cord surgery. The album does not state that Julie Andrews sings, just that she selects. This a great collection of WONDERFUL disney songs endorsed by Disney's Anniversary Chairperson and a true Disney star. You will enjoy this CD as a first, or maybe second to your disney music collection.
   
   Good Choices Julie!

3 comments about Wonderful.

1. There seems to be some confusion on this item. This CD does contain two (2) bonus tracks. However, for some reason Sony did not list the 2 bonus tracks on the artwork's play list insert. I suspect that is why the reviews on this page insist that there are only 10 songs. I can assure you that the CD does contain the 2 bonus tracks for a total of 12 songs. The bonus tracks are "This Guys in Love With You", originally made famous on a rare vocal hit by Herbie Alpert of the Tijuana Brass and "A Time For Us", a big Johnny Mathis hit sometimes called the Love Theme from Romeo & Juliet. The track listings on this website allow you to hear a sample of the bonus tracks. BTW, the song quality is terrific. Don't let the other reviews discourage you from purchasing this CD. It is a great compilation of Johnny's hits.



2. This is only a 10-track CD and there are no bonus tracks as the list above suggests. Four tracks come from CD "Johnny's Greatest Hits". Another one comes from CD "Heavenly". The five additional tracks were picked from 3 different albums not available in CD. This is not a smart and necessary hit collection because it does not serve longtime fans neither new entrants to Mathis art. Browse back and buy the splendid Greatest Hits and Heavenly albums.



3. The Wonderful! Wonderful! song is the most beautiful song to me, its sentimental lyrics has put me Dreamed and Imaginations to the lyrics has described being with girl he loved-so did I.

   The second my favorite song "Chances are" also good and stay fixed on my memory as well.

No comments about The Musicality of Kander & Ebb.

2 comments about Fascinatin' Rampal.

1. Being a flutist and having listened to many recordings by J.P. Rampal, I must confess my admiration for him and for the way he played. Apart from being an excellent performer in the classical field (with more than 300 recordings), he showed many times that he could take up other styles with great success (for example in Bolling's suite for flute and jazz piano trio and in Scott Joplin's rags). In this case, we have some very interesting arrangements from famous pieces by George Gershwin. Although some people might prefer the original version for some of them (like An American in Paris), I think that this CD is very worth considering. A great tribute to one of the best composers of the XX century. Enjoy!



2. Despite what some people may say, Gershwin's music is simply outstanding, with its jazzy harmonies and thrilling sense of rhythm. In this CD we have some brilliant pieces like "An American in Paris", "I got rhythm" or "Summertime" -listen to it very carefully-, in an arrangement for flute (also alto flute) and orchestral accompaniment. The result is, from my point of view, just marvellous. Rampal does his best with this music and shows that he can play it in a very convincing way. Though you may prefer the full orchestral version of some of the pieces (specially "An American in Paris"), this arrangement is very worth considering. And at this price it is very hard to beat it.

No comments about Broadway Magic: 1970s (Original Cast Compilation).

No comments about The Musicals Album.

5 comments about Sumi Jo - Only Love.

1. I like Sumi Jo. The music is drek. Sondheim! Before I knew how Clowns fit into the plot I thought it was mildly enigmatic and heartbreaking (sniff). Now that I do know, I think it's a maudlin, bad attempt to conform to the plot of the show. Mind is just stupid, and the tune is pallid. ("Or were you just being kind..."?????) So much for Sondheim. He'll be forgotten soon enough. He's hardly a household word now. The rest of the songs have that peculiar, unpleasant modern sound that so many new Bway songs have. Kind of weird. It's "in". Monkey see, monkey do. I'm glad I bought it used and only wasted $5 + shipping on it. If you like this kind of tuneless, affected music, go for it. She's wonderful. She doesn't sound like an opera singer at all. Though she is a wonderful one. The arrangement of the Styne is slow and soothing, not that jouncy bouncy upbeat thing, the way it was written. I don't like either version, but if I were forced to be subjected to one, I'd take the slow one. I'm very disappointed. I should have expected as much from 2 Sondheims and that Styne. I wish she'd sung a better selection of songs.



2. Coloratura soprano Sumi Jo's album "Only Love" again demonstrates why she is undoubtedly one of the greatest voices of recent times. On this album, Sumi Jo concentrates her talents on songs from the musical theatre world. Many opera singers do have trouble adapting and manipulating their precision-trained voices into another style, but Sumi Jo sings in a fresh, appealing way that makes these songs come alive, almost like they were written yesterday.
   
   The crown jewels of the album are "Unusual Way" (from Maury Yeston's NINE), and the title track, "Only Love" (one of the more distinguishable ballads from Frank Wildhorn's otherwise-dreadful SCARLET PIMPERNEL score). Sumi effortlessly transforms herself into a Broadway diva on this album; instantly she's at home with the material. I heartily recommend this surprising about-face from opera singer Sumi Jo.
   
   [Erato/Warner Music 8573802412]



3. Let me start off by saying that I adore opera and I adore musical theater. That said, I can think of very few opera singers who I like singing showtunes. Actually Dawn Upshaw is the one who readily comes to mind... Somehow the greatest opera singers, people like Renee Fleming and Kiri Te Kinawa have trouble "toning it down" enough to successfully sing a musical repetoire. Sumi Jo is an exception. Her voice is light enough to sing these pieces with a nice tone and a sense of ease. We know her extraordinary operatic ability from her previous work, but she wisely doesn't feel the need to prove it to us on these songs.
   
   Given my high opinions of Sumi Jo, you might be wondering why I didn't give this album 5 stars. That's because I think she could have chosen better songs. I commend her for going with contemporary composers as opposed to the usual repetoir of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Lowe, Jules Styne, with a bit of Bernstein and Sondheim thrown in for flavor. However comtemporary musical theater has exciting new voices from the likes of Jason Robert Brown, Adam Guettel, and Michael LaCuisa. Or, she could have gone with some Boubil and Schoenberg with some of Andrew Llyod Webber's better tunes thrown in. Instead, she went for a lot of Wildhorn. Thankfully she chose to embrace The Scarlet Pimpernel and Jekyll and Hyde- two of Wildhorn's best shows as opposed to total schlock. But songs like "In His Eyes" (a duet with herself) and "Only Love" aren't intersting. Her only nod to Boubil is "I Still Believe" from Miss Saigon (another duet). Duets usuallywork with two contrasting voices and viewpoints (especially duets like these- sung by two characters in love with the same man). Singing with yourself doesn't really create any tension o0r real interest. Sumi Jo is best on tracks like "Send In the Clowns" (A Little Might Music), "Losing My Mind" ("Follies") and other songs intended as solos.
   
   I definately reccoment this disc to an opera fan interested in another side of Sumi Jo, or a musical theater fan in search of a good voice (or both). My only reservation is a few of the song choices.



4. Why can't I flip over this outing into Broadway tunes? I feel much the same way as I do when Kiri Te Kanawa strays into the same territory; it doesn't feel like home for the artist. They visit, they leave, and you fast forget they were there. If you really want to know how Sumi Jo can sing listen to "The Art of Sumi Jo". The tracks there from Domino Noir inspired me to purchase the full length recording of that Auber opera where Sumi Jo sparkles and shines through it in the way she seems to with everything else I've heard her do. Though each eminently listenable track on "Only Love" is handled with great vocal competence the schmaltzy Ettore Stratta arrangements are too much alike, and a personal / individual interpretation of any one is not to be found. Whilst easy to listen to sometimes a great voice doesn't produce a great rendition of a tune. I'd normally be hard pushed to compare Enya to Sumi Jo, unlikely even to imagine them mentioned in the same breath, yet listen to the former's atmospheric and haunting recording of In Marble Halls, and listen to the one here. Then you'll know what I mean.



5. Proof that musicals can be sung without the "Belt-technique". Pure, beautiful and amazing! This is what I call crossover!

5 comments about Smithsonian Historical Performances: Superman Vs Atom Man.

1. Every historian should listen to this serial. It gives a glipse into the mindset of the America before our time and how it related to the Second World War just after War's End. It is also a very exciting Superman story. I wish all of the Superman on Radio stories were made available. Anyone reading this who can help this happen?



2. I have purchased the CD version of this Radio Series and I have to say that the only worthwile feature of these episodes in the sound quality. Having said that the serial is [very weak].

   I was so disgusted by it that I have thrown the lot in the dustbin where they belong. a total waste of money if ever.

   There is no music or intro music to set the mood and pace of the serial and the sound effects are hopeless. As a real fan of both radio and film serials I have to say the Superman Vs. Atom Man is the most useless series I have come accross,... The only reason I have given this CD set 1 star is because I have no choice if I am to get my views on this site.




3. I have several collections or Superman on radio, and this is the cream of the crop. Superman gets to test his might against a true super-villain. The Atom Man has Kryptonite flowing through his veins, which gives him mighty atomic power. Bodies begin to pile up, including both Superman's allies and enemies. Superman is powerless simply standing next to him.

   I have to admit that some of the Superman radio shows can be a little cheesy, and are best heard through a filter of nostalgia. This one is really exciting. I was actually in suspense as to how, or even if, Superman would survive.




4. "Superman vs. Atom Man" is a powerful and exciting radio drama. It's full of suspense and adventure. In this classic story, Superman has to face off against the kryptonite powered Atom Man who has the power to destroy stadiums and level forests with his atomic kryptonite. The story is extremely suspenseful as it slowly builds up to its climax, a battle between Superman and the Atom Man with thousands of lives at stake. The end battle has to be one of the most dramatic sequences in radio thanks to the amazing acting and sound effects. This is a must have for any fan of old time radio shows or any Superman fan in general.



5. The serial is regarded as the greatest story line in all of juvenile kids radio. And it lives up to that lofty billing. Superman vs. Atom Man is truly exciting radio, well written and extremely well acted. Bud Collyer as Superman/Clark Kent and Mason Adams as Henry Miller/The Atom Man are superb. Just exciting radio that would be great for the entire family to listen to.

No comments about 20 Best of Broadway.