5 comments about Three Mo' Tenors.

1. 
   Excellent . beautiful job - recording encompasses several different music styles and they're all done with quality. Have recommended this one to several friends.



2. If you're a fan of THREE MO', don't miss out! A great mixture of blues, opera, jazz, and a little bit of gospel at the end! These men are SO talented. Beware! You will find yourself getting up and dancing, too!



3. I fell in love with this DVD. I miss this particular live performance in NYC, but the DVD has filled a void. These gentlemen are phenomenal.
   I just saw the 2007 Three Mo' Tenors, and although they were absolutely great, nothing, but nothing outdoes the original Three Mo' Tenors. I look forward to seeing them in future shows, but I also look forward to other Three Mo' Tenor performances on DVD.



4. The word "Mo'" in the title got my attention. I bought the CD to compare it to the already popular "Three Tenors" (Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti and Jose Carreras). Wow! Was I surprised. I had expected an all opera, classical and possibly spiritual repetoire. But, the music varies from "Nessun Dorma" to "Love Train" was truly, truly delightful. I enjoyed the wonderful voices of Thomas Young, Roderick Dixon, and Victor Trent Cook and the variety of musical selections so much that I purchased several other copies for my family and friends. Then, several months later, I saw their performance on PBS. I immediately ordered the VHS offered by the TV station, paying way, way over the retail price. But, I had to have it. It was, and is, the most exciting musical performance that I have seen. Later, when I put the tape into the player at my son's house, my 5-year-old granddaughter Ciara stood next to the sofa to watch. I expected her to move away soon, but, she stood there, during the entire playback of the performance, and I do mean from beginning to end. I left the tape there so that son could see it later. The following day, and for most days during the next several weeks, Ciara asked to have the tape played, until she later was taught to handle it herself. The family has since replaced my VHS with the DVD so that now, when Ciara visits me, we can watch the show again (and again). "Three Mo' Tenors" was so surprisingly wonderful- with great voices, charismatic personalities, terrific orchestral arrangements, lively and precisely choreographed routines, and just an overall feeling of mutual admiration and respect among the three gentlemen. The beautiful cinematics, with frequently interspersed shots of the enthusiatic audience, contributes to the feeling that I am actually there at the concert. Every time I watch it, I see and hear something new. When I first heard the CD, I was not fascinated by the countertenor voice. After seeing Victor Trent Cook's heartwarming performance on the DVD, and hearing his comment about his mother's definition of a countertenor, I have been granted a new appreciation for his voice. Here it is, years later, and I'm still enamored, remembering Roderick Dixon's "Make Them Hear You" elicits tears, Thomas Young's "Twisted" makes me laugh, and the duet with Victor and Thomas (see, I'm now on first-name basis with them) is so beautiful. I could to on and on. In fact, it's time for another listen.



5. I would rate this CD more than five stars if I could! I picked up this CD not knowing anything about these guys, but, knowing that I liked some of the songs contained on it. I was absolutely blown away by this collection! These guys have it all. Voices, talent, showmanship, style, technique, etc. Everytime I listen to it, I feel like I'm sitting right there in the theatre. I am a huge fan of opera, jazz and gospel. This CD covers it all! Although my favorite tracks are La Donna e Mobile, Make Them Hear You, and Nessun Dorma, they are all so good! I wouldn't hesitate to buy this again. You have to hear them to believe them!

4 comments about 16 Most Requested Songs of the 1950's, Vol. 1.

1. 16 Most Requested Songs of the 1950's, Vol. 1 boasts great sound and a wide diversity of artists to bring back those memories of the fabulous fifties! The artwork is great and the songs are sure to put a smile on your face.
   
   "My Heart Cries For You" starts the CD off with a most passionate love ballad that is sure to pull at your heartstrings; and "Jezebel" by Frankie Laine features Frankie singing squarely in the spotlight. The percussion adds a lot to the musical arrangement for "Jezebel." "Jezebel" is a steamy number that works well on many levels.
   
   Johnnie Ray's "The Little White Cloud That Cried" shines as brightly as it ever did; and The Four Lads back Johnnie up so smoothly. Johnnie belts this out very well and his performance of "The Little White Cloud That Cried" is masterful and sensitive both at the same time. Great!
   
   Doris Day's "Secret Love" retains its incredible, timeless appeal all these years later; and Doris never sings a superfluous note! Her performance is sensitive and very emotional; this makes "Secret Love" a fine tune for slow dancing with your sweetheart. In addition, Joan Weber's "Let Me Go Lover" is another highlight of this album; Joan sings this with all her heart and soul. Joan really sings this well and I enjoy this song whenever I hear it.
   
   "Mambo Italiano" by Rosemary Clooney is always one of my very favorites from this era; Rosemary Clooney belts this out strong and her backup vocalists enhance the number all the more. Listen also for Mitch Miller and The Gang on "The Yellow Rose Of Texas." "The Yellow Rose Of Texas" is a memorable number and "The Gang" sings this very well. The Four Lads also do a magnificent job on "Moments To Remember." I predict that you will like The Four Lads doing "Moments To Remember."
   
   Ray Conniff and His Orchestra do an excellent job on "S'Wonderful;" and the album ends with Johnny Mathis performing his stunning hit "Chances Are." Johnny sings with a power and sweetness that I rarely hear or enjoy and "Chances Are" is a prime example of Johnny's singularly fine talent.
   
   This fine album will, without a doubt, remind you of the days when you first heard these songs on the radio. Younger people who want to hear great songs from the 1950s would do well to choose this CD.



2. Overall, this and Volume II are good collections with nothing really strange or jarring. The quality of the discs is excellent. No complaints at all.



3. This collection is a great mixture of the songs I was listening to on the radio in my pre-teen years. But they are 1000 times clearer now, the talent of the singers is more evident and the melodies are much more enjoyable.



4. I've heard and played all of these song's from back in the 50's on this CD. Some of the greatest music of all time's came from that era. I am looking for the song's "Love Walked Right In" & "Hernandoes Hideaway" from that era. The Singer's I can't remember. If you can be of help, I am Larry F. Rees "E" mail - lfr@ee.net Thank You

5 comments about Scrooge: The Musical (1992 Birmingham Cast).

1. I bought this CD originally because my 7 yo son was cast in a local production. I figured it would help him learn the words. For that reason, the CD did its job. It's turned out to be one of his favorite Christmas CDs.
   I must admit that the Albert Finney version of Scrooge has always been my favorite, even as a child. I had to listen to it a few times to digest it. Eventually it grew on me. First off, Track 1, A Christmas Carol only played for about 1 minute and then would go to track two. That was a disappointment because as someone else said, the first song is wonderful. I liked all the songs and the added one, Good Times, that the Cratchit family sings.
   What surprised me was the quality of some of the voices. Some of the ensemble actually go flat (off key)in a few of the songs, especially in the Entr'acte (I Like Life Reprise), Bob Cratchit in Good Times, and some Cratchit Family members when they all sing with Tiny Tim in The Beautiful Morning.
   Anthony Newly does a great job on some of the songs where there's talking and singing like in I Hate Christmas and It's Not My Fault. I find I don't like when he sings the higher or sustained notes in some songs such as I'll Begin Again or A Better Life. I feel he uses too much vibrato at the end, instead of having a full and solid voice.
   Overall, I would recommend this to others.



2. Scrooge the movie is my absolute favorite Christmas movie. Apparently, you can't get the soundtrack on CD because of some kind of legal hangup. Until they make a real version of this CD, go to http://falalalala.com/?p=129 and make your own Scrooge the movie CD! That website has everything you need in one place. If you love the movie, like me, go download it now. Then life will be fine, good, and just as it should be.



3. The reason for all the negative reviews isn't necessarilly a reflection on the Birmingham cast. It's because the FILM was so wonderful and the songs were spectacular and memorable as done by THAT cast, and everyone is looking for a recording from THAT!!!
   
   Unfortunately, unless you get the DVD and hook it up to make your own bootleg recording, there isn't any soundtrack from the film available.
   
   This version isn't misleading - it clearly identifies itself as the STAGE soundtrack. But most likely, it isn't what you were looking for.
   
   Let us all know when the Albert Finney film cast version is ready! It's long overdue for release.



4. For all of you who carry the memories and the magic from the 1970 original musical film of Scrooge, this "production" will destroy that magic. Anthony Newly is indeed, wrongly cast, and is an absolutely horrendous, egotistical and overdone [his style] obscenity to the gorgeous songs of Leslie Bricusse and to Albert Finney's characterization of such.



5. This is rather a labored effort. Anthony Newley is not well-cast. The extra songs are nothing else but extra and take away from the story.

5 comments about The Wedding Singer (2006 Original Broadway Cast).

1. I am surprised this did not make it on Broadway longer. What a great trip back in time! Saw the touring show and I had to get the soundtrack.



2. I'm a big Stephen Lynch fan, but this is pretty dull. Rent the movie, or buy one of his comedy albums instead.



3. For Christmas, my parents gave me two tickets to see The Wedding Singer. Although I saw the movie, I had no idea what to expect from the musical. So, I purchased the soundtrack and was very pleasantly surprised. Anyone who listens to this CD will find something to whet their musical appetite. Now that I've heard the CD, I can't wait to see the show!



4. The Wedding Singer was a fun Broadway show. I am giving this cd along with 2 tickets to the touring production as a wedding gift.



5. The songs on this CD are hilarious! I love Broadway musicals as does my daughter...she aspires to be an actress/singer when she grows up.

5 comments about Reflections From Broadway.

1. I'm not really a Broadway fan at all, so I only recognized 3 of the songs. The only reason I bought it was b/c someone recommended it at his book signing. I absolutely fell in love with the album. My only problem is that when I try to import the CD on iTunes, it messes up some of the songs. If I listen to it on a personal CD player it's fine. Any one else having this problem?



2. John has such an amazing singing voice. Which will have you listening to the cd over and over again.



3. I received the CD quickly after ordering, and could not wait to hear it. And I was not disappointed. Great songs sung well. Instantly became a pivotal disk in my collection.



4. Slouch in your chair, lean back, shut your eyes, and let Barrowman's voice wash over you. Loved Red Red Rose; I remember an interview that said Barrowman's father recited this poem by Robert Burns for John and Scott's Civil Union ceremony. Changing the pronouns a little, of course. Another song, Tell My Father, is dedicated to Barrowman's father, and then there is Proud of Your Boy which is dedicated to both his parents. I like things like this, it seems to make the songs warmer, knowing the personal information behind them. Reading the liner notes, it looks like this was a personal work of love for Barrowman. I think I would have slowed down a couple of them (a production issue, not Barrowman's), but all in all, the songs were well done and very enjoyable to listen to.



5. I am upset to say that I was not overly thrilled with this CD. I really like John Barrowman as a performer but I didn't like the style of the work on this CD. I think that some of the songs sound great, however I think the orchestrations for it could be a lot better. I would say buy this CD to have in your collection, but if you like to hear songs done the way they should be, don't expect them all to be done that way.

5 comments about Lord of the Rings - Original London Cast Recording with Bonus DVD.

1. When I saw that the cast album came with a bonus DVD, I naturally made the assumption that there would be some VIDEO of the show on the disc. All that is on the DVD is a reprint of the audio disc with montages of STILLS - many of them black and white, and WAY too many of them backstage and rehearsal shots. I would've loved to have seen some actual video of the production!! I'm giving it 3 stars because I actually enjoy a great deal of the score (though it sounds more like a movie soundtrack than a musical theatre piece).



2. When I heard there would be a musical of The Lord of the Rings I thought it would be horrible. How could they ever make something as brilliant as the books or even the movies? Well, I saw th Hobbits for the first time in photo and slowly changed my idea. I didn't get to hear the music until much later when I went onto the website. I fell in Love with Lothlorien and The Cate & Moon. I finially got to buy the cd this month. I am in love with this album. Any Lord of the Rings fan needs this album! It's captivating. I hope the show goes on tour in the US because I'd love ot see it.



3. I saw the show in London and wasn't blown away but did enjoy the music. My 3-star rating, therefore, isn't for the music but for the awful packaging. The discs are held in hard, bottomless cardboard cases within the CD "book," which means that every time the discs slide in or out they are scratched. I received my new copy with multiple light scratches before they had even been played! Would it have been such a problem for the manufacturer to put disc plates on both ends of the book? Not impressed. For those who don't care about such things, it won't matter; for avid collectors, it sucks.



4. Seriously, though?! I cried. I cried because it was SO flipping beautiful. The music with the set constantly changing and the costumes and the actors taking on such a monolith, all the while this GORGEOUS music is swirling around you lifting your emotional response to what you are watching to a new height.... it seriously BLEW. ME. AWAY. Better than any new musical here in America, and I live in NYC so don't right me off thinking I've only seen one Broadway musical or something. Holy BeJESUS it is SO good.



5. This cd is Wonderful! I have listened to it a lot since I received it on Monday. I hope it comes to the US so that I can see it on stage. This cd is great for every Lord Of The Rings Fan!!
   
   I was also surprised to see that the DVD worked on all of my DVD players.

5 comments about Anything Goes (1962 Off-Broadway Cast).

1. I was in the Chorus for "Anything Goes," in Summer Stock this past summer. I bought this CD before my audition to help prepare myself for it. I still listen to it sometimes. Eileen Rodgers has a really nice voice. And the songs are almost top quality. As you listen to the tap numbers, you can almost see the dancers doing their routines.
   
   I would definitely recommend this CD to anyone, who loves Theatre. So buy yourself a copy and set sail with Cole Porter and the cast of "Anything Goes." All Aboard!



2. I'm really happy with the CD. I'm rehearsing this show right now and it is a great audio aid to learning the music. But what I'm not happy about is that as I openned the package, the CD case was so cracked that it was not usable. Fortunately, I had another empty case, so I can protect the CD, but I'm surprised that the case arrived in pieces.



3. I love this CD - I am participating in a local community performance of Anything Goes and this CD is perfect for listening to the music. Also, great buy.



4. I currently own the 1988 Studio recording and this recording of Anything goes. While they are two different musicals (1988's Cast does the "original" Anything Goes, and this CD is the revamped version) this CD is more enjoyable than the other. Mainly because all the voices are smoother, and nicer to the ear. Both CDs have tracks that the other does not, but the story lines are pretty similar. The 1988 recording seems to have a much bigger ensemble feel to it, with huge company numbers, while this one has many more character ballads. Of course I would suggest getting both, but if you had to choose one, I would pick this one. I would suggest this for people who like Broadway, but aren't brand new to it. Its not too old, nor too new, so its just right. Favorite Song: "Anything Goes"



5. Unfortunately no audio files exist from the 1934 broadway debut of this play so this is as close as you can get. Very enjoyable and true to the original play. A necessary addition for any Cole Porter fan.

5 comments about Tick, Tick... Boom! (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast).

1. I'd never heard of Tick Tick Boom until XM radio played a few tracks. This is already one of my favorites. If you enjoyed Rent, you'll love this as well.



2. Though most people only know Jonathan Larson for his spectacular Tony & Pulitizer-winning "Rent", his lesser-known effort, "tick, tick...Boom" displays Larson's amazing & evolving talent. Like "Rent", "Boom" is personal - though the score is not nearly as strong.
   
   This 2001 Off-Broadway production (almost five years after Mr. Larson's death), starring Raul Esparza ("Company", "Taboo", "Rocky Horror") & Amy Spanger ("Kiss Me Kate", "The Wedding Singer"), sounds terrific and has several highlights:
   
   30/90
   Johnny Can't Decide
   Why
   Louder Than Words



3. Perhaps it's a coincidence that the immensely talented Raúl Esparza plays a character dreading his 30th birthday in this 2001 recording of the hit off-Broadway show by the late Jonathan Larson, while five years later, he would play the elliptical Bobby dreading his 35th birthday in the enthralling 2006 Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Company. In both performances, Esparza shows a true affinity for capturing the angst of men undergoing transitional points in their lives which render them emotionally paralyzed. At first glance, Sondheim and Larson would not seem like kindred spirits, but both share a gift for sophisticated lyrics in an unmistakable musical style defined by their oeuvres. Larson even pays tribute to Sondheim in the story's climax and with the sardonic, work-is-hell "Sunday", a take-off of the song with the same name in Sunday in the Park with George.
   
   However, it is the familiar Larson sound of Rent that is heard most in this score - driving, rock-out rhythms with unavoidable pop hooks and yearning, piano-driven ballads. Even the opener, "30/90", is a virtual sound-alike of the bigger show's title tune. If the songs are not quite as polished or even memorable as those in Rent, they feel more personal because the autobiographical story is far more intimate in scale. Set in 1990 in the same SoHo neighborhood as Rent, it's a simple three-character piece about Jon, an aspiring composer who considers giving up his dreams on the verge of his 30th birthday. With charismatic fire, Esparza is equally adept using his beautifully expressive voice in a rock milieu as in a Sondheim character study. He brings energetic brio to finger-snapping rockers like the Twinkie-induced "Sugar" and especially shines on the ballads, "See Her Smile" and the revelatory "Why".
   
   With a slightly pinched voice that reminds me a bit of the Bangles' Susanna Hoffs, Amy Spanger as girlfriend Susan duets nicely with Esparza on the touching "Johnny Can't Decide", the rocking "Green Green Dress", and the comical self-help wordplay of "Therapy". Her shining solo moment comes with the knockout ballad, "Come to Your Senses". As Jon's embattled pal Michael, Jerry Dixon provides powerful vocals, bringing particular warmth to "Real Life" and grit to the fed-up rave "No More". The trio closes the show powerfully with the anthem-like "Louder Than Words". The overall score is a bit derivative and a tad too earnest, but the youthful zest of the cast and Larson's pop craftsmanship more than compensate. Two bonus tracks are offered at the end - an instrumental replay of the opener, "30/90 Playout" and a rare recording of Larson singing "Boho Days" a capella with propulsive hand claps.



4. If you are a fan of the late great Mr. Larson you will love this music. Okay, I have seen the play a couple of times so I know what happens between the songs but this, his autobiography, really moved me. Even my kids like the Green Dress Song.
   
   I hope you like it... The theme is "Actions Speak Louder Than Words" rings true today as the day he wrote it.
   
   John we miss you.



5. I saw this play a few weeks ago, and really enjoyed the music, so I got the CD. The voices, and lyrics are amazing! However, as I often find with CDs of musicals, there wasn't always the right feeling in the voice, particularly in "Therapy" where couple ought to be angry at each other, and it seems more cute on the CD.

5 comments about Seasons of Love.

1. Again I was unable to find this CD locally and thru Barnes and Nobles it was over 30.00 shipped directly to me. Its just unbelievable that he's not popular in the U. S. Truly a great CD.



2. How can this not be a good CD?...good musical selections, great orchestration, and of course, the magnificent voice of Michael Ball...this one is a total winner!



3. Michael at his best. Powerful voice, great lyrics, and a very dynamic
   entertainer. Just love this CD. A must to own.



4. I love anything this man sings. His voice is heavenly. He sings adult songs for adult people!



5. I am a huge fan of Michael Ball, and have been for years. This is a great album, and has amazing songs. My only "cautionary tale" is that nearly all the songs on this album are on other albums, including "The Very Best of Michael Ball" and "This Time... It's Personal," so if you're a big fan, check your collection before you pick this one up. The music, however, is wonderful, delivered with Ball's signature style, and if it is your first CD, or if you need a generalised overview of love songs (for a wedding, or similar occassion), this is a great choice.

5 comments about Passion (1994 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Sondheim defies classification, after the fact. His 'Sweeney Todd' has been presented on the operatic stage (not everyone was pleased). Other plays are typically Broadway, like 'Sunday in the Park with George' and 'Into the Woods'. 'Passion', like 'Sweeney', is continuous music, with dialogue and 'arias'. I would class both as 'operetta' ('opera-comique' in the literal sense), but in these times, the distinctions are blurred. Is Sondheim the Lehar, or J. Strauss, or Kalman, or even the Gilbert-and-Sullivan of the day, with a contemporary message ? Never mind.
   
   'Passion' is quintessential Sondheim. Words and music in tandem, evoking moods, and yes, passions.
   
   The cast is first class, especially Donna Murphy as 'Fosca', and the ensembles are vocally near to being 'visual'. I have never seen this musical play on stage - but judging from the music and plot - it is probabaly best heard than seen, as are some other Sondheim efforts.
   
   If you like Sondheim's music and his own lyrics - you get both in this musical. Note, here there are no set pieces. (One reviewer complained that there were no memorable, extractable, numbers. That's the very point of this kind of Sondheim theatre !) When you start, there is no stopping until the end, if you want to get the full force of this play.
   
   This recording, with the original cast, is it. Great sound, great vocal actors, and the only recording available to date. Based on its short run, this may be the ONLY recording of one of Sondheim's more adventurous but moving plays (based on Ettore Scola's Passione d'amore).



2. I bought 3 cds from amazon and was happy that I received them days earlier and excited to listen to all of them, the first one I opened was Passion. To my great disappointment, when I played this recording, half of the tracks sounded like the cd was scratched. Tried it on to other players and it's the same, while the other two cds I bought with Passion seemed perfectly fine.



3. received the cd in a cracked case which is always irritating. But when the cd didn't play, it was time to start shopping locally again.



4. This is my favorite Sondheim musical. For me that's a big statement, but this musical is beyond brilliant. Based on a 19th century Italian novel that was later made into a film, the dark nature of this story might alienate some listeners at first. We open on a scene where Giorgio, a handsome young soldier is bidding farewell to his beautiful mistress, Clara- he has been sent to a remote outpost. They are young and in love but Clara is married. Still they are hopeful for their future. When Giorgio arrives at his new location he finds a remote, provincial town where his Colonel lives with his cousin Fosca, a repulsive, terminally ill woman. Fosca falls hopelessly in love with Giorgio and the love triange makes up the crux of the plot.
   
   Many listeners may have a hard time understanding why Giorgio's affections turn from the beautiful young (albeit married) Clara to the sickly, repulsive Fosca, but the lyrics and the score weave such a spell that you are caught up in it. Love here is not necessarily a happy thing. Yes, the opening song, a duet sung by Giorgio and Clara, is an ode to the joy of being in love, but Giorgio's idea of love progresses to something darker and deeper as he comes to know Fosca more and more. As Clara attempts to schedule her affair with Giorgio around her husband, Giorgio arrives at a conclusion that his feelings were something else: "Love isn't something scheduled in advance/Not something guarenteed/You need/For for fear it may pass you by/You have to take a chance/You can't just try it out/What's love unless it's unconditional?/Love doesn't give a damn about tomorrow and neither do I!"
   
   He comes to know his feelings for Clara as "Love within reason/ that isn't love". At the same time Fosca is literally staking him, which at first he resents and later relents to an idea of: "Love without reason/ Love without mercy/ Love without pride or shame/ Love unconcerned with being returned/No wisedom, no judgement, no caution no blame". It is Fosca that loves him with this completeness, and he can't help but return it.
   
   Many of the songs are letters written from one character to another and that stucture takes some getting used to. In fact it's hard to isolate individual songs here. Each one flows into the next to create the effect of a unified whole. At the end all the characters sing bits of each song in the show as Giorgio reads Fosca's final letter to him they come together in a musical climax before fading out, leaving only Giorgio and Fosca softly singing "your love will live in me"
   
   Marin Mazzie is a gorgeous Clara who's voice shimmers in a luminious way. As Giorgio, Jere Shea sounds fine but falls rather short emotionally. He hits all the notes but with little feeling (Michael Ball of the London cast is far better, I think). However as the doomed, dark Fosca Donna Murphy gives one of the most stunning performances I've ever heard. Her understated delivery is devistating. Her voice is perfectly suited to the score and we have one of those all too rare perfect combinations of actor and material.



5. I ordered a Passion CD but when I tried to play on all my players (Computer, Bose) it would "screw-up" on the first 8 or 9 tracks. I returned and Amazon quickly replaced. But when I the second CD it also did the same thing. I returned the CD and Amazon would not send a replacement due the fact that all may be defective. They did refund my money. Hopefully the manufacturer will get this fixed.