2 comments about Andy Williams/Andy Williams Sings Rodgers & Hammerstein.

1. Darryl Stevens states this is a double CD-set - it ain't, it is two albums on ONE CD! Did he/she actually listen to it? This is from the Cadence catalogue and is, by far and away, far superior to the dross he recorded for CBS!!!!



2. This double CD-set is not up to the usual excellence of later Williams' recordings. For one his song selectioon on the first disk is less than stellar. Williams offers up what seems to be a forced vibrato in delivering "Baby Doll." Songs are served up with Ray Conniff like chorus and even clapping hands. His best outing comes in "High Upon A Mountain." Williams improves on the second set with a superb selection of Broadway classics, "Some Enchanted Evening," "I Have Dreamed," "We Kiss in the Shadow," among others. But even with these excellent tunes, Williams' renditions are lackluster and the arrangements are uninspired. Total music time for the set is just over 65 minutes.

No comments about Kiss of the Spider Woman.

4 comments about Lullaby of Broadway.

1. Lullaby Of Broadway is a fine CD of song performed by Dick Powell during his best years in Hollywood in the 1930s. We get songs from several different films including Footlight Parade and The Gold Diggers movie series. The quality of the sound is rather good--for Dick's voice, that is; sometimes the background music sounds a bit tinny. However this is to be expected with recordings that are very old. The artwork is very nicely done.
   
   The CD starts with Dick Powell performing "Lullaby Of Broadway;" Dick sings this as smooth as silk and his voice is truly a finely tuned instrument. The music that accompanies him fits in perfectly with his vocals; and the brass is used to great advantage. "We're In The Money (The Gold Diggers Song)" was a HUGE hit in its time; and this tune still remains instantly recognizable even today. Dick Powell sings this with grace and style; he even plays with the tempo just a bit to place his own stamp on this classic ballad. There's also "Shadow Waltz;" this charming love song features Dick Powell front and center--and that's OK with me! Dick's voice never sounded better; he was perfect for these musical numbers.
   
   "Pettin' In The Park" is a cute little tune that Dick delivers with a lot of positive energy--good for him! "Pettin' In The Park" is a fun tune and I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I do. "By A Waterfall" is easily my personal favorite on this album; it starts with a beautiful musical flourish and when Dick sings this I'm amazed at how well he handles this classic love song. It's excellent. Sublime!
   
   "Lulu's Back In Town" features Dick singing another peppy number of how he's all excited that his one true love is back in town; this is a fun, catchy number. "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" also sparkles when Dick Powell sings it; "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" is a song that has been performed so many times although Dick's version is absolutely flawless. "Young And Healthy" is a soundtrack recording and Dick picks up the tempo to make "Young And Healthy" a strong, vibrant tune. There's also "I Only Have Eyes For You" which came as part of a movie "tribute" to the great Ruby Keeler; and the CD ends strong with Dick Powell performing "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby." "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby" has Dick singing at his very best; and the music that goes with the song is perfect. Olivia de Havilland joins Dick for this final number; and listen for Ruby Keeler to add a few lines on "I Only Have Eyes For You."
   
   Overall, this CD is perfect for Dick Powell fans and fans of early musicals will be charmed by this album as well. I highly recommend this CD for these people.



2. I purchased the CD for the song Shadow Waltz. I could find it no where else. It had been running through my mind for a week, so I decided to get the song out of my mind and in my collection. The rest of the selections just came with the cost.



3. This album contains my favorite version of the song, "I've got my love to keep me warm." Powell is backed by a large thirties orchestra here and there is a bouncy, infectious beat to the arrangement that is delightful. Lots of great songs here. Powell had a carefree delivery and the songs and arrangements are classic. Lots of great stuff to upload to your ipod.



4. This is an excellent CD if you are looking for songs by Dick Powell. All songs are recorded from 1933-1938...most songs from over 70 years ago! Songs from many of Powell's classic musical films: Gold Diggers, Footlight Parade, Flirtation Walk, On the Avenue, etc. High quality sound...mono yes, but very clear. These songs are all so cleverly written and well done; cute, peppy, fun; they put a smile on your face and just make you feel happy. Wish we could hear songs such as these when in the stores/malls instead of the garbage music of today we are tortured with everywhere we turn. Includes the famous song (and my favorite) "We're in the Money", which some of you may remember, in the 80's was used in a Yellow Pages TV commercial with the changed words : "We're in the money, the yellow pages is where you should be". Of course this original is much better! Over 75 minutes of Dick Powell singing wonderful songs from the past; would make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves classic musicals from the 1930's or who just likes music from long ago. You won't be disappointed. I am so glad this old music is still available. By the way, my young children enjoy this CD very much too!

No comments about Sings Lieder.

2 comments about The 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Broadway.

1. This cd has a good variety of songs, but chooses some rather obscure numbers to put on a best of broadway cd. It goes from such well-known undeniable classics as "The Impossible Dream" to little-known songs that could not even be called the best in their own plays, such as "There's a Small Hotel" and "Whatever Lola Wants". Even "You Can't Get a Man with a Gun", which is definitely a classic song, is also obviously not by any measure the best song in the amazing play, Annie, Get Your Gun. So, it is a good cd with a decent variety, but its strange inclusions and gaping omissions make it a very inadequate representation of the best of broadway.



2. Of all the assorted Broadway Musical Various Artist CDs this is my favorite. Probably because there's no Andrew Lloyd Weber.

3 comments about Guys and Dolls (Original National Theatre Cast).

1. This is the best take I have ever heard. Bob Hoskins is the most recognizable name on the cover, but in spite of his very strong showing you'll hear other voices that you will want to hear much more of. It is truly an amazing take on all the songs. Like all great directors, this one makes you think that there is no better way to perform it. I highly recommend it. I'm not much of a musical fan, but this has remained in my overall top 20 albums in my large collection of music for a VERY long time.



2. The 1982 National Theatre revival of GUYS AND DOLLS was a very successful production, and it is beautifully captured on this cast album. Frank Loesser's comedic musical (based on the characters and short stories of Damon Runyon) is filled to the brim with showstoppers, and every one is nailed perfectly.
   
   Julia McKenzie is a broadly-comical Miss Adelaide, and dazzles with "Adelaide's Lament", and "Take Back Your Mink". Partnering her as the marriage-shy Nathan Detroit is Bob Hoskins, whose singing may be acquired taste, but captures the spirit of the role. The duet of "Sue Me" is hilarious and tender in equal measures.
   
   Julie Covington gives the songs of Sarah Brown a softer, pop-style sensibility; and she's paired with the brightly-sung Ian Charleson as Sky Masterson. Ms Covington especially delights with her high-flown "If I Were a Bell". The supporting cast also features David Healy as Nicely-Nicely Johnson (such a fabulous character part); along with John Normington, Barrie Rutter and Kevin Williams.
   
   Director Richard Eyre's GUYS AND DOLLS revival was the National Theatre's top box office earner during the lean years of the 80s. This recording is full of energy and fun, with musical director Tony Britten leading the well-drilled orchestra through each number with speed and fluidity.
   
   [EMI 7243 8 56204 2 3]



3. The National Theatre Cast recording of "Guys and Dolls" is not the most famous, but it's my personal favorite due to the wonderful performance of the late, great Ian Charleson. He doesn't have the rich tones of either Robert Alda (Original Broadway Cast) or Peter Gallagher (Broadway Revival Cast) in his voice, but his is a uniquely sensitive interpretation of the classic role, and well, well, worth the price of the CD.

4 comments about From Stage to Screen.

1. I acquired the Mack and Mabel CD with Caroline in the cast 2 years ago. I was immediately smitten by the singer belting "Time Heals Everything". ... Two months ago, a friend suggested I listen to "What I did For Love". I instantly liked the 1st CD. And decided to acquire her second CD. Well, the collection is interesting. Similar with the 1st Cd, it is also diverse. However, what is unique with the CD is that it offers less drama and more FUN. ... Aquarius is very interesting. Perhaps and perhaps and What Kind of Fool have instant "grab". However for me, the most cherished songs are "If You Love Me"; "I Can Cook Too", "Big Spender", and "Kissing You. I do hope she would include in her upcoming recordings more Sondheim songs, and "As if We Never Said Goodbye".



2. Caroline's first solo CD 'What I Did for Love' has been one of my favourites for quite a while, so I was eager to get my hands on a copy of her second solo recording. Featuring songs taken from her one woman show 'From Stage To Screen', this CD is a compilation of songs from various films and musicals. I must admit when I first heard this CD I was a little disappointed. It didn't have the initial 'grab' of her fist solo CD. But slowly this CD has really grown on me. With an interesting choice of numbers (including a version of Abba's 'Dancing Queen'), Caroline's wide vocal range once again shines as she pours raw emotion into her voice. It's amazing to hear how easily Caroline slips from the musical jollity of 'I Can Cook Too' and 'Look What Happened To Mabel' to more comtempary hits such as 'Dancing Queen' and 'What Kind Of Fool'. This is a must have CD for all Caroline fans, and if you love wonderful voices that stir the senses and tingle the spine, be sure to give this a listen. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised.



3. If I could give the CD 4 and a half stars I would, because What Kind of Fool and Dancing Queen need to be categorised into the "what were you thinking?" file. The rest is wonderful, bar People which pales in comparison to the original but a great version nonetheless.
   
   Mein Herr is amazing, easily the best track, Look What Happened to Mabel coming a very close second (I saw Caroline perform this song in Mack & Mabel and the standard was exactly the same, fantastic).
   
   In my opinion Caroline's best with the belters which is why those two songs and also Big Spender stand out, very saucy! This CD comes very highly recommended for anyone into musical theatre and such, Caroline is fabulous.



4. Being a huge fan of her first cd "what I did for love" I thought that this would be better, in some ways it is, and in some ways its not. Caroline really reaches out in her selections on this CD, in ways that is good and in ways its bad.

   1. Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps: this is a cute song not very memorable though

   2. What Kind of Fool: again cute not very memorable

   3. If you Love Me: done very nicley

   4. Look What Happened to Mabel: I LOVE this for some reason, i find myself listening again & again.

   5.People: not as good as Babs, but good none the less

   6.Buenous Aires: One of the beter songs on the recording, I can so see her playing Evita after listening to this.

   7.Kissing you: I adore this song and Caroline dose it well, who would have ever thought to do it, though. leave it to Caroline

   8.Aquarius: ???? Why? Why? Why?!

   9.Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend: cute and VERY memorable, what a gem (no pun intened)

   10.Mein Herr: 1 word: SUPERB!!!

   11. I Can Cook Too: one of the best songs on the recording

   12.The Impossible Dream: okay

   13: Big Spender: Intresting with only one person, i like it

   14. Dancing queen:???? Why? Why? Why?, yet i always listen to it more then once

   15. My Man. Best song on the CD, just as good or even better that Babs!

No comments about Luis Bravo's Forever Tango: Live from Teatro Coliseo Podesta.

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

1. While Saturday Night may not be one of Sondheim's best works, it certainly is not his worst. And even Sondheim's worst is good.

   This musical - Sondheim's earliest work - stands on its own and his genius, even at such an early age, shows through. While some of the songs are not as good as others, generally the songs from the first half such as Exhibit A, Saturday Night, In the Movies, and Class shine brilliantly. And while this cast is not quite as good as the Off Broadway cast, I think both titles are worth having to compare against each other. All together, an above average to good album that will not disappoint.




2. Amateurish performance (not to be confused with "young".) On my way to becoming a Sondheim fan, this recording really holds me back a little. Looking forward to the new off-broadway cast.



3. My wife and I were lucky enough to attend the premiere London Bridewell production of SATURDAY NIGHT. To me, the 1998 recording captures the vibrancy and excitement of the Bridewell production. From what I see on this site, the main complaint seems to be the inauthencicity of the Brooklyn accents: so what? they seem good enough to me. I'm no great Sondheim acolyte, but I'm writing this after seeing Len Cariou and Judy Kaye in the 20th anniverary SWEENEY TODD at London's Festival Hall (13th February). Great production, but I don't think that anyone could descibe their lilt as nineteenth century Cockney.

   Back to SATURDAY NIGHT; to me the CD is full of joy (I agree, however, that better sleeve notes are needed) and I can't see how anyone could disagee that songs like SATURDAY NIGHT, CLASS, EXHIBIT A and ONE WONDERFUL DAY are classic show tunes. WHAT MORE DO I NEED? If in doubt, buy it.

   Mark Grainger.




4. I was lucky enough to see this delightful production in London (which received rave reviews from the British press)and am pleased that the freshness and energy of the young cast is well caught on this recording. The voices are light and youthful with a subtle use of lyric that is so often a hallmark of British singers - it more than compensates for any inaccuracies in terms of accent. The songs are a real revelation in their original context - tuneful and inventive.



5. While I am a great admirer of Stephen Sondheim's work, I can understand why some see his work as cold, clinical, and misanthropic. (When I'm in a certain mood, cold, clinical, and misanthropic isn't such a bad thing.) Sondheim's scores make me think and often make me laugh, but they usually leave my heart untouched. That's why I found this score a pleasant surprise. For one thing, it, along with FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, is among Sondheim's more TUNEFUL scores. Also, the air of misanthropy seems to be missing. The song lyrics are as smart as ever, but the show has a gentleness I find delightful. Exhibit A is brassy and acid; So Many People and I Remember That are sweetly romantic -- and the songs co-exist in a fine package. I liked it. A lot. So why only four stars? I agree with a previous reviewer who stated the voices were amateur quality. They couldn't destroy the charm of the songs, but the score does deserve better. Word of a Broadway opening for this show has reached me; hopefully that recording will do the score more justice.

2 comments about Show Tunes.

1. Rosemary Clooney is one of those exceptional vocalist that can put you in a trance, her voice and interpretation is flawless...such is this release from Concord Jazz - "Show Tunes", surrounded by a great group of jazz musicians like Scott Hamilton (tenor sax), Warren Vache' (cornet), John Oddo (piano), John Clayton (bass) and Jeff Hamilton (drums).

   Rosie's selections, the perfect ingredient for this rare gathering in her career - "MANHATTAN" (Rodgers & Hart) this song has never, I mean never been performed in the classic style it deserves, but Rosemary nailed this one with her own stamp of originality..."I STAYED TOO LONG AT THE FAIR" (Bill Barnes) never under-estimate this "girl singer", really never noticed this song until now, because of her extraordinary phrasing it is now a favorite of mine...another "WHERE DO YOU START" (Marilyn Bergman-Alan Bergman-Johnny Mandel) tender and moving passages, Rosie translates the mood with a sensitive tear in her voice, as you wish the song could go on forever.

   Concord Jazz has "the girl singer" singing the best songs ever written...just sit back, spin this CD and give a listen...and you'll agree, no one could sing them better!

   Total Time: 49:58 on 12 Tracks...Concord Jazz CCD-4364...(1989)




2. Concord Records has for the last 20 years been putting Rosemary Clooney in jazz settings for all of her record releases. On this excellent CD, Clooney uplifts such jazz standards as "Manhattan," and "I Wish I Were In Love Again." Clooney as always gives her jazzmen plenty of room to solo, and improvise. Excellent CD, essential jazz singing.