2 comments about Centennial Gala Concert.

1. Had a hard time getting thru even one listening. The "gala" should have been called an old folks outing. Only John Barrowman was young enough to still be singing, and his performance is sadly lackluster. The rest of the voices are well past sell-by date.



2. The best Popter songs and special performances. It is a "live" concert, no editing. That is rare these days.
   Outstanding moments are Marie Santell's "Where oh Where" and Marti Steven's "Make It Another Old Fashion Please". Other greats are Elizabeth Welch , Julie Wilson and John Barrowman. . Don't miss hearing this CD.

5 comments about Academy Award Winners.

1. This is an album full of songs that won an Oscar. As you can see there are some good songs and also plenty of clunkers. This album is orchestrated by Nelson Riddle, but still, some of these songs cant be saved.
   
   I think 'Way you look tonight' is the absolute best cut in the album, probably best version ever. Also worthy are "Days of wine & roses" and I really enjoy "moon river". "The continental" and "love is a splendored thing" are also very good here.
   
   "All the way" is the same as the album "Sinatra's Sinatra". The rest of the material of this album is just so, so.
   
   Get it while is in print, an underrated Sinatra album.



2. I loved this CD! First of all, who couldn't love Frank Sinatra's voice while he sings Moon River. It's an excellent CD. I'd recommend it for anyone!



3. This 1964 compilation of Oscar winning tunes is hardly an essential purchase, but is still a very fun recording that will appeal to most Sinatra fans. Frank's voice is very much in peak form, and Nelson Riddle's orchestration are typically excellent.
   
   The album begins with "Days Of Wine And Roses." In contrast to the more famous versions of this song, Frank and Nelson take this one as a swinger, and yet it works quite well. Frank has fun on this one as Nelson's orchestra bursts along with energy.
   
   Frank's version of "Moon River" comes next, and it's my favorite version of the song. Frank hits some very strong notes on this one, and the arrangement is tender, atmospheric and romantic. He soars through this one with ease and his phrasing is impeccable.
   
   Next comes the album's highlight and an absolute Frank classic. "The Way You Look Tonight" is the best Frank love song ever: his voice is perfect, Riddle's arrangement is fabulous, and Frank simply digs into the heart and soul of the song in a way no one else has ever been able to.
   
   Next up is a remake of "Three Coins In The Fountain." Though not as good as the original 1954 version (the intro lacks the excitement of the original), it's still a very solid remake and Frank still sings it as beautifully as he had done 10 years ago.
   
   "In The Cool, Cool, Cool Of The Evening" is a weak song that Frank nonetheless has fun with and turns into a winner.
   
   "Secret Love" is a very pretty number often associated with Doris Day that Frank does beautifully.
   
   Next comes "Swingin' On A Star," which aside from "The Way You Look Tonight," is the album's bes track. Frank has a ball on this one, and the song is simply a blast to listen to.
   
   "It Might As Well Be Spring" was a song Frank had recorded in 1961 with Don Costa for the album "Sinatra & Strings." The 1961 version is superior, but this version is nonetheless.
   
   "The Continental" is fun, but Frank's "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" is a true winner. One of his most powerful vocal performances, Franks pounds this one in a manner nothing short of fantastic.
   
   The version of "All The Way" is the same as the one from 1963's "The Concert Sinatra." A fine remake, very lush and romantic.
   
   This album is not a masterpiece, but is worth buying for sure.



4. On this day of December 12th ninety years ago, a baby boy was born to become the Entertainer-of-the-Century, the most-loved singer of all-time, the greatest singer ever lived and the most prolific interpreter of Great American Songbook. He left lasting impressions on each and every song he sung, making them his own and leaving the magic of his voice glued to every listener's ears. And I'm proud to say that I'm one of those listeners who caught the magic of his voice and his style of singing, I would say "The Sinatra Charisma."
   
   My first exposure to his music was when I was growing up and constantly hearing from my late parents' collection of Sinatra's LP records. So his music is not new to me when I started my very own ever-growing collection. I have reviewed a number of his CDs and realized that I haven't written one for this recording of Academy Award winning songs, which is one of his greatest albums of all-time. Of course, its greatness was magnified not only by the legendary singer's superb interpretations but also by the simple fact that it was Nelson Riddle who arranged and conducted this awesome recording.
   
   What do Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Dorothy Fields, Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini, Hoagy Carmichael, Sammy Cahn, Jim Van Heusen have in common? They were all great and each of them had made a name in the field of composing and songwriting. Likewise, they all have the much-coveted "Academy Awards Winning Songs" to add to their impressive credentials. And these winners are compiled in this CD starting off with two of my all-time favorites from Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini "Days Of Wine And Roses" (1962), and "Moon River" (1961).
   
   The most enchanting tracks include a swing version of "The Way You Look Tonight" theme song from the 1936 movie "Swing Time." It's an achingly beautiful ditty that brings back a lot of fond memories to me. (Sigh). This song was composed by Jerome Kern and the lyrics were penned by Dorothy Fields.
   
   "With each word your tenderness grows
   Tearing my fears apart
   And that laugh that wrinkles your nose
   Touches my foolish heart."
   
   One of the winners is "All The Way" (1957), my number one favorite song penned by the most eloquent songwriter America ever produced and Mr. Sinatra's very favorite lyricist, Sammy Cahn, and its music was composed by Jim Van Heusen. What a gem of a song - simply put, a sheer beauty.
   
   The rest of the winners are "It Might As Well Be Spring" (State Fair, 1945), "The Continental" (Gay Divorcee, 1934), "Secret Love" (Calamity Jane, 1953) and "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing," from the 1955 movie of the same title.
   
   What makes this CD a real winner? Frank Sinatra's superb singing, Nelson Riddle's sublime arrangements and orchestration and the Academy Award winning songs. It deserves a special spot in your music library.
   
   Happy Listening!



5. This album is another example of why Sinatra and Riddle worked so well together. You might think you that this is just a warmed over collection of show tunes but you would be wrong. This is a collection that shows how the exceptional can make even the familiar special. Frank is strong and clear and Nelson has the Band playing in a creative style throughout. Enjoy!

2 comments about Tenderloin (1960 Original Broadway Cast).

1. This CD is one that I have been trying to locate for years!! The seller was prompt in responding to me and kept me well informed of shipping details and estimated arrival dates. The Product was exactly what I wanted. Thanks!!



2. But this is a Classic good Quality Show. I bought it as a gift for someone, and wound up listening to it as much as they did. 1960-61 Tony Award winner. A diamond in the Rough. Expensive!!!!, Long out of Print!(1993?).

5 comments about Smokey Joe's Cafe - The Songs of Leiber and Stoller.

1. What can you say? Great music, amazing cast, well-recorded - the only thing better is to see Smokey Joe's Cafe live at El Portal Theatre in the San Fernando Valley - original cast memebers DeLee Lively and Robert Torti will be in it with TC Carson from Living Single, Sharon Catherine Blanks (formerly Sharon Brown) from Dreamgirls, Rent, and Joseph... on Broadway, Jackie Sieden from Jersey Boys and Hairspray, and more...[...]



2. I was lucky enough to see the show on Broadway back in 1999 and had a great time enjoying the music I had grown up with once again. This is a high energy musical review of two of our most prolific American song writing teams. There music has spanned several generations and been recorded by some of the greats: from Big Mama Thornton to Elvis, to Ben E King.
   If your looking for a truly fun few hours of entertainment, This is an ideal pick.



3. buy the smokey joes dvd it a great nite on broadway have all the coasters and drifters songs done in a great broadway style buy this dvd you'll love it. great choreagraphy and songs.



4. My husband and I love Smokey Joe's Cafe and we are so glad we found it on DVD. It really takes you back.



5. Bought the DVD having just seen a live performance at the Cabaret Theater in Ashland, Oregon. Wanted to be able to recreate the experience. The DVD is great, with good video and excellent audio. As always, the live performance can't be duplicated, but the DVD is a very good way to relive the experience, and keep the memories alive when the organic memory weakens.

No comments about The Neighborhood.

1 comments about Walmartopia.

1. Clever lyrics, great music, a fun story. If you're a fan of musical theatre DO NOT pass this one up! I only wish I had seen the show when it played Off-Broadway. THUMBS UP!

1 comments about Broadway Musicals of 1943.

1. This edition of the Town Hall Broadway by the Year series is definitely the cream of the crop, thanks largely to three wonderful performers SALLY MAYES, HEATHER MACRAE and JASON GRAAE. The three bring great voices, humor and feeling to the proceedings. Including songs from OKLAHOMA by Rodgers & Hammerstein, SOMETHING FOR THE BOYS by Cole Porter, ONE TOUCH OF VENUS by Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash, and A CONNECTICUT YANKEE IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT by Rodgers and Hart among others. They do the ones you would expect; Oh! What A Beautiful Mornin', That's Him, Speak Low, I'm A Stranger Here Myself, The Surrey With the Fringe on Top and do a great and sometimes revelotory job, but also some I didn't know, "You Wash and I'll Dry" sung by Graae, "Can't You Do A Friend A Favor" and my favorite "Very, Very, Very" a very funny and smart song from VENUS sung with a wicked relish by Macrae. And a very good ballad "My Last Love" from a show called WHAT'S UP sung by Mayes. My main criticism of the series is that they should put the introductions on a separate band from the songs. But the lasting effects of these CDs is making you wish you had been at City Hall on the night of the performance.

5 comments about A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night.

1. Good album, in particular the song "It had to be you". A CD that needs to be in a Nilsson's fan collection.



2. This album is charming and heartbreaking. Nilsson's fondness for popular ballads was clear on the album "Harry," which I listened to over and over when I was a teenager. I'm just happening on "A Little Schmilsson in the Night" now, and I'm happy to see that Nilsson's nostalgic side was so fully realized before he died. As I listen to the album today, I can't believe that it's ironic or condescending in the least. He's so in the love with the music...



3. I,originally bought this album (back when they were LP's)in 1973.
   Already knowing Harry's work from previous records, I added this album to my collection. What I found out is, Harry changed directions from what he was known for. I think he set out to do something daring, gutsy for the times he lived in. Rock and Roll
   was the dominant music, crooning was for Las Vegas. He took the risk of recording something, that might not have been to popular at that time, and showed any who would take the time to listen his talent, his voice, his range. I feel strongly that Harry achieved his greatest work in this one LP. Today it still has just as much impact as it did thirty years ago. Yes, this album
   would go with me to the deserted island if I were to go. If you don't know him, this album is my first recommendation to
   learn about Harry Nilsson. He paved the way for Linda Ronstandt
   to record with Nelson Riddle. I never want to be where I can't
   listen to this record when the mood strikes me. It's one of my all-time favorites. I hope you enjoy it too.



4. I bought this album on vinyl in the late seventies and haven't gotten over it yet! It's beautiful. I must have it on CD now and put it on continuous play.



5. This is an absolutely perfect record. Harry's beautiful voice matched with stellar arrangements by Gordon Jenkins and the best songs imaginable. Probably the best "As Time Goes By" there will ever be. "Touch of Schmilsson" has even more meaning for me because I met Harry and had him sign it for me about 20 years ago. He regaled me with stories of himself and Keith Moon carrying on in the 70s (I was wearing a Who shirt, which sparked his memory), then he mistakenly inscribed the record to Keith instead of Ken. An honest mistake and I loved him all the more for it. A classy album from a very classy guy. I miss him.

5 comments about Martin Guerre.

1. The 1996 version of Matrin Guerre is far superior to the new 1999 version. The music is fantastic and the story contains the right balance of drama, romance, and humor. Why on earth they tampered with it to make the new version is beyond me. This is the REAL Martin Guerre!!!



2. This 1996 London recording of "Martin Guerre" (a show which seems to be undergoing about as many revisions as "The Scarlet Pimpernel" -- it must be something about these French musicals!) provides listeners with much that is worthwhile, with some extraneous material sprinkled throughout. The vocal performances by the three leads Iaian Glen, Rebecca Lock, and Matt Rawle are not exceptional. Glen and Rawle sound so similar that is hard to tell which one is performing. Lock sings sweetly, but her vibrato is, at times, awfully wide and seemingly forced. The recording has a strong beginning with a gorgeous "Prologue" followed by two more colorful numbers "Working on the Land" and "Where's the Child." "Martin Guerre" is satisfactory, but not overly stirring. "Sleeping On Our Own" is the album's first and most significant pitfall. While the number might be more enjoyable when performed live and within the context of the show, it is utterly irritating to listen to -- conjuring images of three third-rate aged Edith Piaf impersonators struggling to sing despite some kind of throat problem. "When Will Someone Hear" and "Tell Me To Go" are attractive love themes, but the highlight of the first act is definitely Michael Matus' "Louison." The album's most successful selection is without question "The Impostors" which is haunting and colorful. Much of what is present here is well-done, and with further revisions, recasting, and restructuring, "Martin Guerre" should be poised to become a successful fixture -- much like its cousins "Les Miserables" and "Miss Saigon" -- when it arrives on Broadway in the Spring of 2000.



3. This CD is so brilliant, the music in some places is haunting. The prologue is beautiful the music seems as if a new day is beggining. If you don't know the story of Martin Guerre don't worry after lisening to this recording you will. This is Boublil and Schonbergs best work yet, if you like the CD check outh the video THE MAKING OF MARTIN GUERRE. I can't wait to see what they have for us next.



4. Being a fan of Boublil and Schonberg's other triumphs, Les Miserables and Miss Saigon, I was very interested in Martin Guerre. And after buying the CD, I was not disappointed! This show has a beautiful score, singable lyrics, and a compelling story. While the performers on this recording may not be the best(with the exception of Jerome Pradon's excellent Guillaume and Michael Matus' perfectly foolish and touching Benoit), the quality of the show shines through, and I sincerely hope that Martin Guerre, in however many revisions it's been through now, manages to stay with us for many years!



5. I saw the play about 2 months after it's debut in London. It was an inspiring masterpiece that you wanna again and again. It makes you feel wonderful and it has some humor to lighten the mood. You'll fall in love with the chararcters and even with Lousian, the scarecrow. A must see if you're ever in England and I plan to see it if it comes over to the US. You should to!

4 comments about Oklahoma! (1964 Studio Cast).

1. This is the reissue of the 1964 studio-recording of OKLAHOMA!, with Broadway stars John Raitt, Florence Henderson and Phyllis Newman playing the roles of Curly, Laurey and Ado Annie respectively. It was in fact one of a series of Broadway studio-albums released by Columbia and produced by Goddard Lieberson. Others in the series include SHOW BOAT starring John Raitt and Barbara Cook, and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN starring Doris Day.

   The orchestrations, created especially for the recording by Philip J. Lang, aren't a patch on the Broadway originals but serve their purpose. The performances of John Raitt and Florence Henderson are bright and polished, though it is a crime that Phyllis Newman never played Ado Annie in a major commercial production of the musical. She gives a spirited performance.

   Of the highlights; Florence Henderson's "Out of My Dreams" is, indeed, dreamy; John Raitt's soaring baritone perfectly fits "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'" and Phyllis Newman's "I Cain't Say No" is performed to a comical perfection.

   Given the huge abundance of OKLAHOMA! cast-albums available, this studio recording may not be the most essential addition to your collection, but it is a rather pleasant album on the whole.




2. I felt it was time recently to replace my vinyl of the movie sountrack with a CD version. When I found this "studio" recreation at an irresistable price, I choose it instead. After all, I still had the vinyl, a bit worn and scratched, and had those performances memorized. If you are not committed to having the movie version reproduced in your CD player, you might also like this. I knew John Raitt, Florence Henderson and Phyllis Newman all could sing, but a fun bonus for me was to discover that cantankerous folk-singing legend Ramblin' Jack Elliott handled the part of Will back in that Columbia studio in '64. He does a fine job on "Kansas City" and "All er Nothin". This version lacks the instrumental dream ballet music, but the songs with lyrics are done in fine fashion. The image of Jack
   Elliott, disciple of Woody Guthrie, singing in the show dedicated to Woody's home state is just delicious. Makes me wonder if Woody, who lived in New York when "Oklahoma!" premiered, ever went to see it back in '43 or '44. In just a few months, this show will be 60 years old, but it's still great.



3. I agree with the previous reviewer who said that the overture is done like in a kiddie show.This aside,this recording is very delectable,even if it's hard to erase of our memory the original cast album or the soundtrack of the movie.Curiously,AMAZON has forgot to tell his customers that this recording includes LONELY ROOM,a song that was cut from the movie and also from the original cast album.JOHN RAITT ,the original BILLY BIGELOW of CAROUSEL does a fine job in the part of CURLY.This show is so AMERICAN in a good old fashion way,that it should never be played in CHINA,even if ADO ANNIE looks like CHINEESE food.



4. I liked this 1964 studio cast album of Oklahoma for what it has to offer, but it is lacking the meaning, sincerity, and lustre of all other recordings of the show that preceeded this one. John Raitt and Florence Henderson are both wonderful in their roles, just as good as those that went before them in the film and the original Broadway production. Supporting cast is ideal as well. Entirely new orchestrations have been arranged and really do a disservice to the beautiful original orchestrations in place since 1943 (I believe the 1955 movie version altered some but did not incorporate all-new orchestrations). My first impression when listening to the Overture was that it sounds more like a childrens' sing along record than one of Broadway's greatest triumphs. Sound quality and presentation are wonderful throughout. This is a worthy addition to your collection, but if Columbia/Sony really wants to make my day, they'll remaster and re-release their 1952 studio cast recording of Oklahoma, with Nelson Eddy as Curly, into their "Broadway Masterworks" series. I HIGHLY recommend that recording if you are fortunate enough to find it. I believe it is still in print.