Fools In Love [EP]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
The first German act on Matinée, The Happy Couple live in Hamburg and also run the excellent Félicité Singles Club record label. A follow-up to their sold out debut single, the ‘Fools in Love’ EP is an instant classic incorporating all the right influences but with a thoroughly modern sound. Lead track ‘Another Sunny Day’ is an immediate pop hit sounding nothing like the band of the same name but perhaps a little bit like Sarah labelmates Even As We Speak. ‘Hopeless Case’ and ‘The Pop Kid’ turn up the guitars a notch for two potential indie club hits that could double as long lost Shop Assistants gems, while ‘Don’t Call It’ is a hypnotic song that recalls classic recordings from Marine Girls or Revolving Paint Dream. The single was masterfully produced by Ulric Kennedy (The Golden Dawn, The Catalysts, The Void, The Mixers) and Dannie Vallely (The Void, The Catalysts) who helped provide a bright glossy finish to the four songs. Fans of the abovementioned bands or! current indie stars Pipas, Tender Trap or Club 8 take notice! Limited to 1000 copies in custom minijacket sleeve.

Tracks:

Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman

Tracks:

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir

Tracks:

Oh What A Circus - David Essex
Memory - Betty Buckley
The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
With One Look - Petula Clark
You Must Love Me - Madonna
The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
No Matter What - Boyzone
The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church

Tracks:

Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
Try It And See - Rita Pavone
Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
Disillusion Me - Gary Band
The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
Magdalena - Tony Christie
Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers

Album Description

Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance

Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love

Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game

CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church

Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers

Customer Reviews:

I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30

Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
It was worth the wait.

The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.

I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.

There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."

But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.

First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.

Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?

On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?

The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).

There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.

With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?

Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.

In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.

Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10

Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.

ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21

Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.

Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.

Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:

* Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.

* Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.

* ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.

* Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.

* The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.

Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.

SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19

"Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.

A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21

This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!

Average customer rating:

Sheri Petta - who would a thunk?
great music and "match"
Smooth Renditions
Beautiful Fresh New Voice
Magical!

this is why
Sherry Petta
Manufacturer: Sherry Petta Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

What Love Is
Surrender
Last First Kiss
Taking a Chance on Love
Renee Olstead

ASIN: B000BUWE7G
Release Date: 2005-10-12

Tracks:

If I Had You
Until The Real Thing Comes Along
I Wish You Love
Falling For You
Teach Me Tonight
Fools Rush In
Let Me Love You
Summer Wind
Watch What Happens
Everybody Loves Somebody
Waiting
You Don't Know Me
Blue Ain't Just A Color

Product Description

Sherry Petta sings popular standards and three originals soon to be favorites. Enjoy her textured velvet vocals on songs that will keep music in your heart. Tracks include Waiting, You Don't Know Me, If I Had You, Fools Rush In, Until the Real Thing Comes Along, Summer Wind, and more.

Customer Reviews:

Sheri Petta - who would a thunk?.......2007-02-17

I heard a cut from Sheri Petta and enjoyed it so I ordered her only album and have played it over and over. She is gifted with a silky smooth syrupy voice - a torch singer with soul and perfect pitch - a real find.

great music and "match".......2007-01-08

I believe Sherry has a beautiful voice, and her music is quite entertaining and enjoyable. I would like to hear and learn more...

FrankCaruana (from hotmail)

Smooth Renditions.......2006-03-20

A superb CD. Silky voiced, smooth renditions of classic numbers excellently produced with very professional backing. Well worth a listen.

Beautiful Fresh New Voice.......2006-01-22

Sherry Petta's music resonates with a fresh new sound. Her voice is clear and clean...reminds me of listening to jazz in a hot club, but without any smoky haze... a contemporary sound for today. I have given Sherry's CD as a gift to many friends and they all enjoy listening to it over and over again. The lilt in Sherry's voice is just charming. Buy this CD today for hours of listening pleasure.

Magical!.......2006-01-18

You must buy this CD. While visiting Arizona recently, I heard a song from this CD on the radio. I figured the singer was some famous person, and then I heard the DJ say it was from an "upcoming star". Well he was right. This woman can sing! All of the songs put you in a calm, relaxing, and "feel good" state of mind. In short, Sherry Petta's music is magical! I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

The best from The Best Singer and Tenor of all time.
Gorgeous
Another great CD by the greatest singer of all time!!!

Mario Lanza: My Romance

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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Similar Items:

You'll Never Walk Alone
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Be My Love

ASIN: B000056BUT
Release Date: 2001-01-09

Tracks:

All The Things You Are
Kiss
Song Is You
Where Or When
Love Is The Sweetest Thing
I'll See You Again
Night & Day
Your Eyes Have Told Me So
They Didn't Believe Me
If I Loved You
Only A Rose
You & The Night & The Music
Sylvia
On The Street Where You Live
Fools Rush In
Beautiful Love
I've Got You Under M
Long Ago & Far Away
You Are Love
I'll Be Seeing You
My Romance

Customer Reviews:

The best from The Best Singer and Tenor of all time........2007-04-24

This is a beautiful collection of songs. Once again it exhibits the depth and breath of Mario Lanza's vocal abilities. It is wonderful to hear him sing such lovely melodies. It is also splendid to read Derek Mannering's explanation of how Lanza interpreted each song with his heart and soul. For anyone who is a fan of Mario's, this collection is worth the price.

Gorgeous.......2001-11-25

Most of these songs are from the popular radio show he did in the 50's, when his voice was at it's best. I own numerous Lanza cds, and I can never get enough of his glorious voice and these beautiful songs. A lot of them can be found on other albums, it's true, but the first song is a previously unreleased gem, which was a big selling point with me. How could I pass this up? Also a lot of the songs are different versions from others I have, so this album was definately a must have, for me. I think that anyone who is a true Lanza fan, will love this cd.

Another great CD by the greatest singer of all time!!!.......2001-07-17

Derek Mannering has done it again in releasing yet another first class CD collection by the "Voice of the Century", Mario Lanza. Most of the items on this album have been previously released either on vinyl, CD, or both, but this collection is worth having nonetheless. The one item here never before released is the beautifully sung "All the Things You Are" and did Lanza ever serve this one up in first class fashion. The singing here is extremely fresh and vibrant. A recording that I don't believe has been on CD before is the "You Are Love", from Showboat, presented here (different from the performance on the definitive "Don't Forget Me" C). Lanza shows us here a truly passionate and ardent Gaylord Revenal. No other singer sang this song as well. "On the Street Where You Live" is given a very virile and beautiful rendition by Lanza. I don't know where or when I have ever heard the song "Where or When" sung this well. The rest of the selections on this offering are terrific as well, but can be found on other collections. This collection is worth owning, if for no other reason than for the four selections previously mentioned. The sound quality is excellent, giving the Mario Lanza voice the benefit of its full presence. Lanza definitely had a true flair for the popular song and Broadway ballad, as well as the ringing operatic aria, no doubt about it. If you're looking for a collection of classic standard and Broadway tunes performed with the mastery and excellence that only Mario Lanza could deliver, this CD is the one for you. Highly recommended!!!

Average customer rating:

The RCA Debut
Diana Ross' Commendable RCA/Capitol Debut
The One Hit Album of The RCA Years
WHY DO FOOLS BUY THIS!
IT WASN'T THAT BAD

Why Do Fools Fall in Love?
Diana Ross
Manufacturer: Bmg Special Product
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

Motown | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Red Hot Rhythm & Blues
Swept Away
Silk Electric
Touch Me in the Morning
Ross

ASIN: B000001U3P
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

Why Do Fools Fall In Love
Sweet Surrender
Mirror, Mirror
Endless Love
It's Never Too Late
Think I'm In Love
Sweet Nothings
Two Can Make It
Work That Body

Customer Reviews:

The RCA Debut.......2006-05-15

Diana Ross' brand new life at RCA Records kicked off to a promising start both personally and professionally. She enjoyed the satisfaction she'd craved for so long in producing and generally being a more creative force with her studio albums. Diana virtually controlled every aspect of this album right down to the revealing cover shot where she is dressed in a startling zebra-skin outfit which she had incidentally designed herself.

Aided by six studio technicians, Diana produced all 9 tracks on the Why Do Fools Fall In Love album which was belatedly released in September 1981, six months after its origanal schedule date. For somebody who had never produced an entire album before she certainly did remarkably well.

Oddly enough the premier RCA single would be the cover version of Frankie Lymon And The Teenagers classic hit of the late 1950's. Why Diana felt the need to immediatley cover an old song when she was seemingly attempting to move on in life and create a fresh, vital sound was a mystery though she could of perharps felt secure with the fact that the song was already enduringly popular and, as everyone knew including Diana herself, leaving Motown had been a huge gamble.
Dianas bouncy and bubbly version of this classic, loses its origanal streets-of-New York vibe and is re-worked into what is, for all intents and purposes, pure Las Vegaz. Though typically meeting a negative response from critics, the recording was still a winner and quickly bounced into the Top 10 Singles Charts on both sides of the Atlantic.

This hastily leads into the slick, sultry, Sweet Surrender. This evocative, sexually charged number careers along at a hypnotic pace and through its trance-like arrangements, contains mild undertones of erotic fantasies. Diana was being artistically creative on Sweet Surrender though the rhythm is quickly shaken up on the startling and fantastic Funk-Rock driven track, Mirror, Mirror. She really takes a bite into this recording and her considerably stark delivery blends neatly into the driving production.
Mirror, Mirror would be lifted as the projects next single release and this quickly secured her another Top 10 hit to her credit in the U.S though it barley trailed onto the U.K Top 40.

However the surprise stand-out recording is served in Dianas gutsy, solo renedition of the classic Endless Love. Belting and bellowing out those long, lingering notes at the climax of this surprisingly (though arguably) more effective version, captures oe of her strongest performance on record.

The album then takes a bit of a slide with the bland, unadventurous It's Never Too Late which sounds very dated. The laid back musical arrangements distinctley lack and pale in comparison to the razor sharp edge of some of her other disco classics like Love Hangover, The Boss and I'm Coming Out. It's Never Too Late was lifted as a single in the U.K where it faltered within the Top 50 Charts.

Getting back on the right track is the next recording on the album, Think I'm In Love, which had far stronger musical merits. The smooth, lush rhythm, accompanied by a gentle Reggae beat is coated with a full throated vocal performance from Diana. Diana has always had that unique sounding quality in her voice that makes even the soppiest song sound strikingly appealing.

She then proceeds to deliver a sassy, funk-driven version of the classic Sweet Nothins'. The track loses its country sound of the origanal format and is shaken up into a more slick, soulful interpretation. Adding to that effect is a roaring saxophone played throughout the vast majority of the recording.

She returns back to pure schmaltz on the pleasantly mellow ballad, Two Can Make It which is still immensley soothing by just listening to Dianas cool and crystal clear delivery.

This steadily leads up to the albums final track, Work That Body, a track that blatantly seemed Dianas answer to Olivia Newton Johns, Physical. Work That Body was shook up into a contemporary R&B/Disco number and whilst this was hot at the time, its very dated to its era when listening to this today. Still it became another U.K Top 10 seller whilst struggling to No.37 in the U.S.

The Why Do Fools Fall In Love project proved a success, sailing into the U.K and U.S Top 20 Album Charts Charts. Slick and unpretentious.

Diana Ross' Commendable RCA/Capitol Debut.......2005-09-07

Firstly, the facts: "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" was NOT Diana Ross' first venture as a producer, despite what a few un-informed reviewers have written. The diva had produced the "Brown Baby/Save the Children" tracks on her "Touch Me In The Morning" album, and this was only 3 years into her solo career. No one complained then, I suspected.

"Why Do Fools Fall In Love" is a light hearted, fun album. The music itself has a clean, acoustic sound to it and it's not that bad. The title track, a brassy, breezy number, was an instant Top Ten hit on both the US and UK pop charts. I still occasionally hear this on the radio, proof that Diana's version has stood the test of time.

The most outstanding track on the album has to be the awesome rock/funky tones of "Mirror Mirror", which is probably one of the strongest songs that the lady has ever produced - it sure has tons of attitude.

I love "Sweet Nothings", with its catchy sax solo and Diana's playful, sassy vocal performance.

People ridicule "Work That Body", but it was a huge Top 5 UK pop hit that cashed in on the wave of aerobic songs that abounded at that time. Do people laugh at "Let's Get Physical" by Olivia Newton John?

The rest of the album borders on the schmaltzy but overall, Diana did a good job. Ok - it's not the strongest album of her career (neither were a few of her misses with Motown), but it's certainly not the worst. You'll have to make up your own minds.

The One Hit Album of The RCA Years.......2005-08-18

OK, so this album is not THE peak of Diana's career (see my review of "The Boss"), BUT this is a FUN record, and was what could have been a great springboard for the RCA years.

Her cover of the title track is lite, breazy and fun (and there is nothing wrong with that), and comes from an artist that frankly has at times taken herself far too seriously. Mirror Mirror is a great post-Disco dance track, and the late Paul Jabara's Work That Body took full advantage of the early 80's fitness craze. Sweet Nothings is another playful track that showed us another (better) side to Diana.

To me the biggest surprise was the solo verson of Endless Love, this song was already a mega hit on Motown for Ross and Lionel Richie, yet her solo take on this track was a home run, and she elevated the song to a more intense decleration of love.

To me this album and the 1 year later release Silk Electric (see my review) were the best of the RCA offerings.

WHY DO FOOLS BUY THIS!.......2005-03-06

No doubt DIANA ROSS is an ICON of MUSIC, but this album was the beggining of the END. Fool was she to not record again with the producers of her superior DIANA album(Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards). Foolish is the one who say this an underrated album, fool was Miss Ross to promote a teenage oriented song as the leading single when she was already 40. To be fair MIRROR MIRROR is the highlight and only track that it's safe. Forget about this album, and if you ever hear WORK THAT BODY you will either cry for help, or laugh by the foolish lyricks, surely foolish people will fall for this downhill record, RCA producers were killing themselves after hearing this. Okay it sold Platinum....but that is stated by RIAA that certifies shipped copies to stores, but not how many actually been sold.

IT WASN'T THAT BAD.......2005-03-02

WHILE THIS DEBUT ON RCA WAS NOT ALL THAT IMPRESSIVE, THIS ALBUM OVER ALL WASN'T THAT BAD. AND UNLIKE OTHER REVIEWERS, I ACTUALLY LOVED "WORK THAT BODY." IT WAS KIND OF A NOVELTY NUMBER, BUT WAS GREAT FOR DANCING AND ACTUALLY PRETTY GOOD FOR WORKING OUT. I USED IT THEN AS BACKGROUND FOR MY AEROBICS ROUTINE AND STILL DO SOMETIMES. IT'S A GOOD THING.

Average customer rating:

Why Do Fools Fall in Love
Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers
Manufacturer: Collectables
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Doo Wop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000268QDK
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Tracks:

Why Do Fools Fall In Love?
Who Can Explain?
Baby, Baby
I'm Not A Know It All
The ABC's Of Love
Little Bitty Pretty One
Thumb Thumb
Portable On My Shoulder
Teenage Love
I Want You To Be My Girl

Album Description

A budget-priced 10-track collection of favorites from Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers. All original recordings.

Average customer rating:

A Comic-Opera Treasure!
an obscure delight!

Dittersdorf: Arcifanfano, King of Fools

Manufacturer: Video Artists Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Anna Russell Takes On... Nabucco & The Magic Flute
Anna Russell Again?
The Anna Russell Album
Encore?
Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy

ASIN: B000003LIK
Release Date: 1994-12-12

Tracks:

Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Overture
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Chorus - We've Traveled Far (Semplicina, Gloriosa, Garbata, Sordidone, Malgoverno, Furibondo)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Recitative - Approach! What Is Your Name, Sir? (Furibondo)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Aria - With A Sword That Is Sterner Than Moses (Furibondo)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Recitative - Unhappy Oddling (Gloriosa)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Aria - My Fair Skin, My Bare Chin (Gloriosa)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Recitative - Was Ever There Insanity (Sordidone)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Aria - Snugly Hidden Safe From Prying (Sordidone)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Recitative - Madness Beyond All Measure (Malgoverno)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Aria - When The Purse Is Clinking (Malgoverno)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Recitative - There, Like A Vapor (Semplicina)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Aria - O Look So Woeful (Semplicina)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Recitative - Such As She Seems To Be Frigid (Garbata)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Aria - Let's Sing, Let's All Be Jolly (Garbata)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Recitative - For All Types Of Confusion
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act I: Aria - The Fierce One Lives Only For The Slaughter
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - I Beg You To Stop (Malgoverna, Gloriosa, Garbata)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Aria - We Praise The Sun For Beauty (Malgoverna)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - Bumpkin, Coarse-grained (Gloriosa, Garbata)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Aria - If You Will Love Me, I Will Love You (Garbata)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - No, They Cannot Persuade Me! (Gloriosa)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Aria - Lovely Ladies, You Enjoying (Gloriosa)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - Where's My Lover, Sweetheart (Sordidone)

Tracks:

Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Aria - Sordidone, Be A Bunny
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - Are You Hiding? (Sordidone, Garbata)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Duet - See Comely Phyllis Wander (Garbata, Sordidone)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - Don't Come Near Me (Semplicina, Furibondo)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Aria - The High And Mighty Lion (Furibondo)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - Quiet At Last (Semplicina)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Duet - Semplicina, Do You Hear Me? (Semplicina)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Quartet - Ever More Bitter Shall Be My Raging (Gloriosa, Garbata, Malgoverno, Furibondo)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Recitative - What Now? What New Forms Of Madness? (Gloriosa, Sordidone, Malgoverno, Furibondo)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act II: Chorus - Long Live King Arcifanfano (Semplicina, Gloriosa, Garbata, Sordidone, Malgoverno, Furibondo)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - Earth, Our Dearest, Good And Nearest (Sordidone)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - That His Sowing Yield A Growing (Malgoverno)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - What Has The Fool Committed (Malgoverna, Gloriosa)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - Ask Of Beauty, She Will Answer (Gloriosa)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - Hop And Stop It! (Furibondo, Gloriosa)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - All Of This Planet, I Cry To Each Man (Furibondo)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - What's Unleashed These Dreadful Roars? (Garbata, Furibondo)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - I'm Simple And I'm Candid (Garbata)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - What Mischief And Load This Purse Is!
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - Goddess Bright As Morning
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - Mother Always Used To Tell Me (Sordidone, Semplicina)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - What A Lot I Need What I Need Lot's Of! (Sordidone)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - May He Not Come To Harm (Semplicina)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Aria - There's A Devil In A Ducat (Semplicina)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - Gather, O Subjects, About Us (Gloriosa, Garbata, Semplicina)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Duet - If You Marry Me (Semplicina)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Chorus - With Curiosity All Aflame (Semplicina, Gloriosa, Garbata, Sordidone, Malgoverno, Furibondo)
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Recitative - Quiet, Please, We Implore You!
Arcifanfano, King Of Fools: Act III: Chorus - The Wise And The Mad Have Got One Word For Their Dwelling

Customer Reviews:

A Comic-Opera Treasure!.......2007-01-28

Dittersdorf is a sort of working-man's Mozart; in fact, this opera sounds similar to some of Mozart's early operas. But Mozart sought to break the rules and to explore new musical ideas; Dittersdorf is not an innovator...yet he is no less a master! This performance, too, is a materpiece of refined (not always!) comedy; the arias include some extremely difficult vocal leaps and trills, yet the primary joy is the witty verse. W.H. Auden (no less!) ramrodded this translation to English. And Anna Russell, famed for her "Analysis of Wagner's Ring Cycle" steals every scene she's in! Ad-libbing shamelessly, her introductory aria, all by itself, is worth more than the purchase price!

an obscure delight!.......2002-07-31

Eleanor Steber's image on the cover of this set caught my eye while rummaging through the cut-out bins of San Francisco on a recent opera whirlwind. What a lost treasure this performance is - recorded "LIVE" in NYC 1965! All the principles shine, their energy ebullient. Don't hesitate, buy it and smile before it disappears.

Average customer rating:

Why Do Fools Fall In Love!

Why Do Fools Fall in Love
Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers
Manufacturer: Remember
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Doo Wop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Very Best of Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers

ASIN: B000005MWV
Release Date: 1998-11-01

Tracks:

Why Do Fools Fall In Love?
Please Be Mine
Love Is A Clown
Am I Fooling Myself Again?
I Want You To Be My Girl
I'm Not A Know It All
Who Can Explain?
I Promise To Remember
The ABC's Of Love
Buzz Buzz Buzz
I'm Not A Juvenile Delinquent
Baby, Baby
Paper Castles
Teenage Love
Out In The Cold Again
Goody Goody
Creation Of Love
I'm Not Too Young To Dream
Portable On My Shoulder
Little Bitty Pretty One
Little Girl
Silhouettes

Customer Reviews:

Why Do Fools Fall In Love!.......1999-12-08

This was an excellent album. Frankie's sweet voice make's it a one of a kind. This album has many popular songs on it such as :why do fools fall in love and out in the cold again and baby baby and little itty bitty pretty one and goody goody and abc's of love. I love frankie's style it has such an upbeat to it and frankie and the teenagers help make a dynamic new type of music rock and roll. in my opinion this is the greatest album i have ever heard.

Average customer rating:

Norman Luboff Remembered
Please, more Choir, less Instruments!
"A" FOR EFFORT
Norman
The choir is superb

Norman Luboff Remembered
Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum , Conductor Almeda Berkey , Composer/Pianist Jackson Berkey , Norman Luboff , Johnny Mercer , American Traditional , Spiritual Traditional , Stephen Foster , John Holt , Leslie Adams , L. Vance P. / Pockriss , Rube Bloom , Barb Thornburg , Camille Metoyer-Moten , Daniel Schultz , Laureen Pickle , Michael Jewell , Paul Rath , Rebecca Noble , and Stephanie Voss
Manufacturer: Soli Deo Gloria
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Ticket to the Movies
Songs of the World, Vols. 1 & 2
Songs Of The South/Songs Of The Sea
Calypso Holiday/Songs of Christmas
Forever Frank

ASIN: B000077DDR
Release Date: 2002-10-15

Tracks:

Canto de Granada
Tender Love
Colorado Trail
Shenandoah - Solo: Dan Schultz
Catch a Falling Star
Dream
Fools Rush In - Solo: Rebecca Noble
Sence You Went Away
Show Me the Way - Solo: Laureen Pickle
Old Time Religion
Just a Closer Walk - Solo: Camille Metoyer-Moten
Stranger - Solo: Paul Rath
Amazing Grace - Solo: Dan Schultz
Steal Away
Great Day - Solo: Laureen Pickle
Joshua - Solos: Catherine Vouk - Michael Jewell
Bye and Bye - Solo: Barb Thornburg
When the Saints Go Marching In

Album Description

A beautiful tribute to a great American musician. Folk songs, spirituals, and ballads popularized by Norman Luboff Choir, performed lovingly by some who toured and performed with him for more than a decade.

What a joy this CD is for Jackson and me! It allows us to celebrate Norman's universal influence and to share some of his greatness as musician.

I met Norman at a Choral Associates Workshop, a week-long educational feast introducing the writer behind those fabulous choral arrangements. I auditioned for him, met Jackson, and entered a beautiful world intertwined with impeccable musicianship, personal inspiration, friendship, and deep affection. The circle of musicians with whom I have come into contact since that week in June 1973 continues to nourish my musical soul today. So many of my life's connections were established that week, including meeting Jackson's touring friend, tenor-percussionist and then budding composer Chip Davis. The thread binding us and igniting a strong influence of excellence is Norman Luboff.

Norman's arrangements are exemplary of his genius. His appreciation for folk music is evidenced by his sincere and respectful treatment of each melody. Texts literally come alive with his nuance on important words, sensitive rubato, and expansive harmonizations. He always implored singers to sing folk or popular songs in the vernacular, as they are spoken.

Norman would enjoy the Cantorum's wonderful singing -- their robust voices, their natural sentimentality toward the lyrics, and the depth of their passion. These are the kinds of musicians that Norman engaged: fascinating singers with great voices, differing vocal timbre and energies. The fantastic mix of solo voices comfortable in both the popular and classical worlds contributes to the unique Luboff choral sound.

Almeda Berkey Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum, Conductor

Customer Reviews:

Norman Luboff Remembered.......2007-01-10

A very poor recording,almost amateurish. The voices seem to be adequate but the recording is so poor it is difficult to tell. This recording goes into my "I heard it once and that's enough" pile. The purchase was a mistake.

Please, more Choir, less Instruments!.......2005-06-08

I agree with the first reviewer. At age 56, I heard these guys live, and the arrangements were sublime. The vocals were amazing. Here, the instruments almost drown out the choir! Perhaps the pianist and bass player were relatives of the producer?? I would recommend almost any other Luboff CD over this one, even the ones reproduced with pops and hisses from the LP.

"Colorado Trail" is OK. "Shenandoah", one of the Choir's signature songs, is totally messed up.

Very disappointing, I'm sorry.

"A" FOR EFFORT.......2004-06-28

As a Norman Luboff Choir fan, I was extremely pleased to hear that a modern high fidelity remake was available of some of Mr. Luboff's works. Thank you to Mr. Berkey for resurrecting Mr. Luboff. I hope more discs are in the works or planned without the following shortcoming.

Unfortunately, the disc was disappointing because of what may appear to some to be a silly reason but not to me. The recording engineer probably did everything right except establish the presence of the choir relative to the instruments. Listen to a Norman Luboff Choir vinyl album or re-release on CD to hear what I mean.

In the original records, the choir is acoustically featured while in this CD, it's just another choir with equal emphasis placed on the orchestra. I hope that in future releases if any, the producer demands the same emphasis be placed on the choir voices as was originally applied in the recordings. After all, it is the Norman Luboff Choir voices I want to hear.

Norman.......2003-05-16

...I want to thank Almeda and Jackson Berkey for helping to keep Norman's legacy alive and Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum is wonderful.

The choir is superb.......2003-03-20

This CD is a Nebraska product, and a fine one it is! The director of the choir, Almeda Berkey, has combined with her husband, composer and professional pianist, Jackson, to produce this nostalgic look at the wonderful arrangements of their former mentor and employer, Norman Luboff. The liner notes in the accompanying booklet tell of the surprising association of Omaha's Chip Davis as a singer in the Luboff choir, along with Almeda. The choir is superb, well balanced, displaying beautiful voices and a thoroughly professional sound equal to that any of the Luboff choirs on the twelve LPs this author owns...Good variety in programming is a plus, as folk songs, pop songs, folk hymns and spirituals are all presented. Congratulations to the Berkeys, Recording Engineer Clete Baker and all involved on a first-rate recording!"

Average customer rating:

Shakespeare's Songbook, Vols. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Azica
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Shakespeare's Songbook
Songs and Dances from Shakespeare
Shakespeare Songs
Shakespeare's Musick (Songs & Dances from Shakespeare's Plays) / Pickett, Musicians of the Globe
William Shakespeare's Hamlet (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B0002IQL08
Release Date: 2004-07-06

Tracks: