No comments about Radio the Musical.

2 comments about Only the Lonely: The Roy Orbison Story.

1. "This Lonely Heart" was a journey to the past for me. The first seven songs on the album are clear, strong, and passionate. Branson captured the heart and soul of a legend. The last songs were recorded live so there is a different sound quality. This is due to the sound quality in the theater, not Larry's voice. Anyone who has seen him perform live knows Larry's talent is unquestionable. His presentation is awesome. For true Orbison fans, Larry's performance on the tape will be very emotional and nostalgic. Larry's tape is wonderful!



2. LARRY BRANSON, THE BEST ROY ORBISON IMPERSONATOR THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD. SAW HIM A FEW TIMES IN CONCERT & WAS REALY TAKEN BY HIS VOICE. UNFORTUNATELY, I CAN'T SAY THAT ABOUT THIS LONDON STAGE PERFORMANCE. HE SOUNDS VERY TIRED & TOTALLY OUT OF IT. HE ONLY RESEMBLES ROY'S VOICE SLIGHTLY. VERY DISAPOINTING.

1 comments about Duel.

1. The name of this CD is actually "Duel," by Randal Wilson, not Dueling Banjos.

   And here's how to listen to it: accept up front that it's going to take some time. Promise yourself that you won't buy another new CD for a whole month, to give yourself time to let "Duel" wrap itself around you. It will, if you let it.

   Duel is the story of poets Byron (Randal Wilson) and Shelley (Kurt Yahjian), their lives, their lovers, and their poetry.

   Okay, this is heavy stuff, and the music reflects that. The production notes call "Duel" a "romantic opera." Well put. Many of the lyrics come from the poets' own works. Just like poetry sometimes takes a few readings before it will unravel its beauty, so does "Duel." Stick with it.

   Randal Wilson, the composer, also plays the role of Lord Byron. The entire piece is narrated by the archetype character of Fate (Thomas Young.) The score is not big, mostly relying on the character's voices with piano accompaniment, but it soars. "Lovers," the opening number, sets the scene. Mary Shelly's (Kate De Zina) drug-induced hallucination of "Frankenstein" is as haunting as the novel itself. "I Am Not Listening," the piece that depicts the meeting of Byron and his lover Teresa (Bertilla Baker), is a remarkable expository argument set to music.

   But I hold my biggest praise for "Feast or Famine." When I first heard this song, in which Teresa realizes Byron does not truly love her, I played it three times before continuing. It is the best cut on the CD, a beautiful song beautifully sung.

   "Duel" is a remarkable work. I'm glad I took the chance. I'm sure that you will feel the same way.

5 comments about Oliver!.

1. I saw this play on Broadway when it opened. I still know the lyrics!



2. "Oliver!" is not a musical to be analyzed song-by-song or voice-by-voice. It is a musical to be enjoyed as a whole. While a couple of the songs did enjoy some popular success, there is really no stand-out among them; and none of the voices is out of the ordinary.
   However, every song either propels the plot or reveals character traits. And every voice portrays the person it represents.
   So--Sit back, close your eyes, relax, visualize the version of "Oliver!" you have seen (either the movie or on stage), and relive your theater experience. You will not be sorry.



3. Charle's Dickens'musical adaptation for "Oliver Twist" showed to be a most acclaimed work of art. This is the very original version, which makes it as twice as valuable as any other version, although the movie soundtrack is quite good. Wonderful songs and a very attractive story make this an experience for all.



4. Although this original cast recording includes all the musical numbers, I can see why songs like "My Name" and "That's Your Funeral" were not embraced by the 1968 Academy Award winning film; they simply do not measure up to the high standards of the other tunes. Also, the orchestration lacks the lushness and fullness of the film. The singers of this and the film version both give credible performances; however, I would have to give the nod again to the film performers, if only because this collectors edition has a thin recording studio sound. It is evident from the information brochure that is included that this cast recording was hastily gotten together and seemingly lacked the numbers of choral boy singers to overcome its musical deficiencies.
   
   
   
   
   
   



5. I love the songs from Oliver! -- learned them as a child from the LP of the film and from a songbook. They are so sprightly and clever, with melodies that capture the lilt of the words perfectly. I remember them as very tuneful and fun to sing. So I am disappointed in the musical style on this recording.
   
   Everyone seems to be shouting instead of singing. I expected Fagin to "patter" in that speaking-singing hybrid, but on this recording MOST of the characters do it, and in a loud, forced voice -- the Artful Dodger, Nancy, and the kids' chorus. The ones that aren't pattered are belted out in the "Oom-Pah-Pah" style. The score comes across as not very nuanced or varied, which is a shame.

5 comments about Howard Crabtree's When Pigs Fly (1996 Original Cast).

1. I saw a live production of this show in Phoenix, and this CD is the perfect way to keep my memories of that vibrant evening alive! What a tremendous creative effort this represents, and what an affirming and incredibly funny triumph it is for gay folks everywhere! Buy it -- you won't be sorry!



2. I saw a live production of this show in Phoenix and have such vibrant memories of it! And this CD is a perfect way for this tremendous creative effort to live on and on. A great addition to your collection -- anyone's collection!



3. I personally love this cd, though i am not gay. All of the songs are good, something you rarely find in a newer musical (for instance: Jekyll and Hyde) and all the actors are great. I especially like the one who sings the Torch songs. Some of the funniest songs are "You've Got To Stay In The Game" which has the male actors dressed up as singing and dancing playing cards, "Not All Man" which has a centaur who doesn't realize he is a centaur wondering "Why do they say I'm not all man?", and especially the Carol Ann Knippel skit, a struggling small-town musical theatre lover, who runs the Melody Barn, and decides to write her own musicals. "Annie 3" cracks me up. "Be a cockeyed oculus! Whistle a happy song! Everythings comin' up....Crysanthemums!" Overall I'd say this is one of my new favorite shows, and you should buy it RIGHT NOW, and if you like this one, buy WHOOP-DEE-DOO!, also conceived by Crabtree, but clearly not as good as WHEN PIGS FLY, though very good as well.



4. Witty, imaginative, thought provoking, humable- in a word unforgetable. The world lost a brilliant talent with the death of Howard Crabtree. An of course big Bravos to Dick Gallagher and Mark Waldrop and the entire cast. I can't say which is my favorite number because all of them are great, but special mention to The title number, Laughing Matters, and Sam and Me. Get this cd - you won't be disappointed.



5. This CD is absolutely fabulous! The lyrics are sharp and witty, and the score is a perfect complement. This is Howard Crabtree at his finest.

No comments about Blues & Cabaret Songs.

No comments about Singin in the Rain/Show Boat.

No comments about Golden Greats.

5 comments about Judy at Carnegie Hall.

1. Simply put, this recording documents one of the greatest triumphs of Garland's career. Many still insist that this was the greatest night in show business history; and I agree with them. The quality of the recording is flawless; DCC released this after loving, painstaking care was taken to enhance the sound of Judy's voice, the musicians and all the rest. Another reviewer writes that we finally get the live version--not some studio version--of "Alone Together"--and they are right. No shabby reproductions of any songs here!
   
   Judy came out onstage to a standing ovation and if you turn the volume up just a little and listen carefully you can hear her fans chanting a chorus of "Judy! Judy! Judy!" over and over again. Garland then goes on to sing 26 songs, including some jazz, and wows the audience with her performance. Listen for many, many great songs--all of them performed flawlessly. Just a very few of my personal favorites include the opening zinger "When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You);" Judy's passionate delivery of "The Man That Got Away;" "San Francisco;" an electric rendition of "Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart;" the medley of "You Made Me Love You / For Me And My Gal / The Trolley Song;" and "Swanee."
   
   Her rapport with the audience is excellent; listen for the wonderful true stories Judy tells her adoring audience throughout the concert. The fact that Garland concerts were almost always scripted is impossible to notice here. At the end of the second CD of this two CD set there is a long instrumental of "Over the Rainbow." It was at this time that fans rushed to the stage apron to shake hands with Judy or at least touch her hand or wrist for even just an instant of a second. How I wish I could have been there that night! Many stars flew in expressly for the occasion.
   
   After the roaring crowd finally settles down a bit, Judy eventually does two encores of "After You've Gone" and "Chicago;" they are exquisitely well done. At one point Judy "wonders" if the audience is getting tired--how they scream NO! Then she comments that perhaps she should keep singing and that they should all stay all night--and they SCREAM FOR MORE WITH DELIGHT!
   
   PLEASE, get this two CD set put out by DCC--I can't see how you or anyone could possibly regret this purchase. A strong BUY!



2. I have enjoyed Capitol's 40th Anniversary set of Judy at Carnegie Hall immensely since I bought it in early 2002. I had also read reviews about this gold edition from DCC, so I checked it out from the library for comparison. There is certainly a difference between the two. On the Capitol set you really do get the electrifying feeling that you are in the audience at Carnegie witnessing history. DCC, on the other hand, removed the ambiance of Carnegie Hall and instead feels more like a studio album with applause. Judy sounds so close, like she's practically sitting on top of you. That would be fine if this were a studio album, but this is a live concert; the ambiance of the hall makes it so much more powerful. Both editions are excellent, but Capitol's is clearly the album of choice. The DCC set is out of print and very rare; if you never come across it, no big loss.....the Capitol set, on the other hand, well....ownership is NOT optional.



3. This is an essential live recording and one of the best CDs issued for Judy Garland. Her voice is robust as ever and her performance here and delivery is exceptional and among her best ever. Her essential standards are here and are so endearing. Godspeed Judy, you voice remains forever.



4. This is the BEST Judy Garland CD I own! I LOVE it! No Garland fan should be without it!!! It is very sharp and clear. Sounds like you're right there in the audiance! Get it today and start enjoying some GREAT music and the beautiful, exuberant voice of Judy Garland! It is truely a MUST hear!



5. This was the second piece of work by Judy that I ever owned.
   I can't tell you how many vinyl sets I wore out. To have the entire concert finally available on cd is an honor. Although the vinyl and previous cd editions were good-this one tops them all. It's pure Judy-what else can I say. Buy it, put it in your cd player and be prepared to be blown away.

No comments about Christmas Favorites.