Jeb Loy Nichols brings an organic warmth to his down-home fusion of retro soul grooves that call to mind Al Green and Bobby Womack and country-folk arrangements (guitars that sound like dulcimers or mandolins). Though some hear a vocal resemblance to James Taylor in Nichols's quavery tenor, he also recalls the Band at their most liltingly melodic and John Hiatt without the angst. This release sets the title's mood with some comparatively slight, wispy fare (the tone and textures of "Letter to an Angel" and "Better Than Beautiful" leave more of an imprint than the songs) before progressing to more substantial material. With the harmony-laden balladry of "Heaven Help Me," the solo "Mostly Bittersweet," and the spare transcendence of "Not the Only Man," Nichols finds a perfect marriage of sound and sense. --Don McLeese
Easy Now,Jeb Loy Nichols,Rykodisc,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop
Easy Now
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What the World Needs Now: Burt Bacharach Classics
Burt Bacharach Manufacturer: A&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000AKY48 Release Date: 2003-08-05 |
Tracks:
- Something Big
- Do You Know The Way To San Jose?
- What The World Needs Now Is Love
- I Say A Little Prayer
- Walk On By (Live)
- Nikki
- This Guy's In Love With You
- Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head
- The Look Of Love
- Message To Michael
- (There's) Always Something There To Remind Me
- I'll Never Fall In Love Again
- A House Is Not A Home
- One Less Bell To Answer
- Reach Out For Me
- Make It Easy On Yourself
- (They Long To Be) Close To You
- Trains And Boats And Planes
- Any Day Now
- Alfie
- Knowing When To Leave
- Promises, Promises
- Medley: Don't Make Me Over/Anyone Who Had A Heart/What's New Pussycat/Wives And Lovers/24 Hours From Tulsa (Live)
Amazon.com
Five decades strong, Burt Bacharach's songwriting career has influenced artists as diverse as Marty Robbins and Oasis and brightened stages from the Great White Way to Tinseltown, forging a body of work that rivals any of the great pop composers of the last century. But as this generous, 23-track compilation skillfully underscores, there was considerably more at work in Bacharach's canon than mere golden formula. Like Gershwin, Bacharach suffused his songs with jazz (and other) influences, giving their laconic rhythms and loping melodies a distinctive, yet deceptively straightforward elegance. More importantly, Bacharach's talents as a producer and arranger insured an unencumbered musical vision, as these largely instrumental arrangements (most culled from a series of 60s/70s solo albums for A&M and Kapp) of many of his biggest hits attest. While his guileless vocals charm "Something Big," "A House is Not a Home," "Close to You"and especially the cabaret drama of "Make It Easy On Yourself," it's his deft way with a studio ensemble that's center stage here. Breezy, often inflected with a Brazilian sense of jazz-cool, these tracks may have originally been intended as an easy-listening alternative during the height of the rock era; ironically, they ended up as a warm musical bridge between the generations. --Jerry McCulleyAlbum Description
This 23-track collection assembles Burt's own versions of his most popular songs, all remastered 96k/24 bit from the original master tapes. A&M Records. 2003.Customer Reviews:
Muzak...a.k.a. Elevator Muzak on this one ONLY! BLAH..........2007-05-19
NOTES OF EXCELLENCE AND DISTINCTION.......2007-04-24
'What The World Needs Now.'
I enjoyed this CD tremendously, as all the songs are top notch. Just wait until you hear the medley at the end, for it blows you away with an electrifying climax sending the listener into shivers of admiration and pleasure. May God continue to bless Burt Bacharach, and may he continue to thrill audiences the world over.
Very highly recommended!!!
Reviewed by Heather Marshall Negahdar (SUGAR-CANE 24/04/07)
What the World Needs Now; Burt Bacharah Classics.......2007-03-16
King of cool.......2007-02-09
burt's classics.......2004-03-20
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Cinema Paradiso
Monica Mancini Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00006LSQE Release Date: 2002-11-05 |
Tracks:
- Cinema Paradiso (from Cinema Paradiso)
- A Day In The Life of a Fool (from Black Orpheus)
- A Love Before Time (from Croutching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)
- Senza Fine (from Ghost Ship)
- I'll Never Say Goodbye (from The Promise)
- The Shadow of Your Smile (from The Sandpiper)
- Alfie (from Alfie)
- Soldier in the Rain (from Soldier in the Rain)
- Too Late Now (from Royal Wedding)
- The Summer Knows (from The Summer of '42)
- Baby Mine (from Dumbo)
- Somewhere Over The Rainbow (from The Wizard of Oz)
Album Description
Featuring the title track from the Warner Bros. Motion picture 'Ghost Ship.' The love theme from the film Cinema Paradiso has been given an English lyric for the first time and makes its debut on this recording. Until now the composer Ennio Morricone has never accepted an English lyric for Cinema Paradiso. Concord Records. 2002.Customer Reviews:
"The Summer Smiles, The Summer Knows".......2006-01-07
Dave Grusin, an expert arranger, conductor, pianist, film scorer himself has described this album so perfectly. The choice of material in this CD is impeccable with Monica Mancini's graceful interpretations and not to mention the flawlessly beautiful arrangements by Torrie Zito, John Calandrelli, Michael Lang, Patrick Williams, George Doering, Ray Ellis, Harvey Cohen and John Frizzell. There are twelve theme songs from various remarkable films in this recording and most of the tracks were backed up by an orchestra with the exception of a few.
The theme song from the movie "Summer of '42" penned by the creative husband-and-wife-team of Alan & Marilyn Bergman and composer Michel Legrand "The Summer Knows" is one of my top choices from this collection. Splendidly arranged by Michael Lang and Harvey Cohen on string section, she renders this timeless song so true to its essence and making it the most beautiful version, bar none!
Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "Alfie" (from the movie of the same title), is a moving song accompanied only by the sublime piano playing of Michael Lang. She has an exquisitely beautiful voice, the kind that still shines without the trimmings and backing up of an orchestra, (the kind that still glows even on A Cappella singing). Another affecting song and a favorite of mine is "Too Late Now," a Burton Lane and Alan Jay Lerner treasure and theme from the movie "Royal Wedding." The orchestral arrangement was done by Torrie Zito, a fine pianist/arranger/conductor who worked briefly with the legendary musical icon, Frank Sinatra. I loved the way he injected a classical touch on his arrangement, almost sounding like one of Claude Debussy's masterpieces. I would say that this is one of the best tracks. Ditto with another Torrie Zito arrangement, Johnny Mandel and Paul Webster's "The Shadow of Your Smile" from the movie "The Sandpiper." Ms. Mancini gave these classics the retire-the-trophy-treatments and made them her very own.
The lovely opener, Ennio Morricone and Gregg Field's "Cinema Paradiso," arranged by Jorge Calandrelli, is also one of the standouts. Another beauty is "I'll Never Say Goodbye" from the movie "The Promise" with piano accompaniment by Michael Lang. The finale "Over The Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz" is simply divine with orchestral arrangement by Ray Ellis.
This recording produced by Ms. Mancini's musician husband, Gregg Field, truly showed off not only the singer's vocal artistry, but her classy and elegant style of singing. Thank you Ms. Mancini for your wonderful gift of music. Music to enjoy forever!
Magnificent Monica!.......2004-06-28
She's chocolate and creme!.......2004-01-29
Monica does not belt you to death, she does not yell at you, she does not punch notes into your being... she soothes you to her, lures you, with a voice that has been hidden for years.
Her voice is perfect in pitch, tone, and her ability to hit every single note as if she were born to sing. Clearly having inherited talent from her mom Ginny and her dad Henry.
On this cd I love the way she embraces other composers songs..."Baby Mine" just one of them. I about melted when she sang that song.
She has a great sense of humor on stage, is spontaneous, and is herself.
She has a great secure personality and stage persona and she has the family roots to give you a chill in your bones when she shares them with you in stories and song.
Hearing her sing live is like being home!
Astonishing.......2003-09-04
Monica's Latest is the best yet.......2003-06-04
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Never Till Now
Gordon MacRae Manufacturer: Jasmine Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000O77SEA Release Date: 2007-04-30 |
Tracks:
- Face To Face
- I Am Loved
- Use Your Imagination
- Brotherly Love
- One Misty Morning
- Chapter In My Life Called Mary
- YouRe Gonna Lose Your Gal
- How Close
- Love Can Change The Stars
- You Love Me
- My Love
- Gentle Hands
- Peace In The Valley
- These Things Shall Pass
- HereS What IM Here For
- CowboyS Lament
- San Antonio Rose
- Soothe My Lonely Heart
- Last Round-Up
- How Green Was My Valley
- Oklahoma Hills
- Red River Valley
- Tumbling Tumbleweeds
- Wagon Wheels
- Green Grow The Lilacs
- CowboyS Serenade
- I Went To The City
- Stranger In Paradise
- Woman In Love
- Some Enchanted Evening
- Bella Notte
- Little Old Church Near Leicester Square
- I Get Up Every Morning
- I Asked The Lord
- Straight And Narrow
- Follow Your Heart
- Never Till Now
- Backward Turn Backward
- Mansion Over The Hilltop
- Long, Long Ago
- Juanita
- In The Gloaming
- Last Night
- Stars Of The Summer Night
- Sweet And Low
- LoveS Old Sweet Song
- Now The Day Is Over
- Songs Of Christmas-(Part 1)
- Gesu Bambino
- Adeste Fideles
- Songs Of Christmas-(Part 2)
- Merry Christmas Waltz
- Wonderful Christmas
Album Details
A Fantastic Double CD Covering Various Aspects of Gordon Macrae's Career Including Two Full-length LPs and One EP, with Many Duets with Jo Stafford. The Orchestrations of Van Alexander, Paul Weston, Frank Devol and George Greeley. In Addition Are Many Show Tunes, Country and Western Favourites and Inspirational Seasonal Songs. Featuring "Stranger in Paradise" which was One of the Most Popular Songs in 1954 Remaining in the Billboard Charts for Nineteen Weeks. Consistent with Many of Our Releases We have Sourced Tracks that have Never Been Released on CD Before Making this a Must.Customer Reviews:
GREAT SOUND, GREAT SELECTION.......2007-05-24
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Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Various Artists Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005R5UJ Release Date: 2001-11-20 |
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 DanceDisc 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
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
ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21
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
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
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!
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The Michael Feinstein Anthology
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000065DVH Release Date: 2002-05-21 |
Tracks:
- Nice Work If You Can Get It
- Isn't It Romantic
- Swinging On A Star
- Ask Me Again
- Rhode Island Is Famous For You
- 'S Wonderful
- Wonder Why
- Too Marvelous For Words
- Where Do You Start
- Theme From The Bad And The Beautiful
- Easy To Love
- Alexander's Ragtime Band
- Who Are You Now?
- You're An Education
- You Are There
- Sophisticated Swing
- Love Can Change The Stars
- Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are
- Half Of April (Most Of May)
- Marianne
- They Can't Take That Away From Me
- I Love A Piano
Tracks:
- That's Entertainment
- My Favorite Year
- Ten Feet Off The Ground (With Rosemary Clooney)
- I Never Felt Better
- Someone To Watch Over Me
- Kiss Her Now
- The Ugly Bug Ball
- For You, For Me, Forever More
- The Mole People
- And So To Bed
- You're All The World To Me
- Old Friend
- Isn't It A Pity (with Rosemary Clooney)
- Pattisserie
- Open Your Eyes
- For Love Alone
- I Won't Send Roses/Time Heals Everything
- Get Out And Get Under The Moon (with Page Cavanaugh)
- My Romance
- Love Is Here To Stay
- Violin (with Liza Minnelli)
Amazon.com
The line between evangelist and entertainer has always been somewhat indistinct. But as showcased on this 43-track, double-disc collection culled from his '87-'96 recordings for Elektra/Nonesuch/Atlantic, Michael Feinstein's dedication to spreading the gospel of the American song often blurs it beyond recognition. While the singer's pedigree for the task is impeccable (a long-term stint as Ira Gershwin's assistant and early career sponsorship by Liza Minnelli), his interpretations often succeed by playing off a tense axis of fervent emotionalism and a joyous sense of irreverence.If his readings of romantic standards can sometimes tend toward the precious, they're often balanced here by sheer dramatic power and telling insights ("Isn't It Romantic" fairly bristles with ironic chauvinism) and a few loopy curves ("The Mole People," the Sherman Brothers' "The Ugly Bug Ball," and the previously unreleased "Rhode Island Is Famous for You"). Feinstein's dedicated song archaeology is also showcased on several gems: "Violin," a duet with Liza Minnelli; "My Favorite Year," a rejected ballad for the film of that name; the sublime "lost" Gershwin classic "Ask Me Again."
Sprinkled with live performances (the forum where Feinstein's talents seem most energized) and studio outtakes and featuring a lengthy print interview with the singer, the set chronicles both the pioneering efforts of one of pop music's most successful revivalists and, crucially, the cream of his beloved American songwriters, from stalwarts Gershwin, Berlin, and Porter to later legends like Herman, Styne, Lane, Martin, and Mercer. --Jerry McCulley
Album Description
The definitive collection of performances by the Grammy nominated singer features 43 tracks from 14 albums released by Elektra, Elektra Nonesuch, and Atlantic labels from 1987-1996. Plus 8 previously unreleased live tracks only available here 'Rhode Island is Famous For You', 'S Wonderful', 'Alexander's Ragtime Band', 'I Love A Piano', 'Patisserie', 'Get Out And Get Under The Moon' (with Page Cavanaugh), 'Love Is Here To Stay' & 'Violin' (with Liza Minnelli). 2 Digipacks housed in a slipcase with a booklet. Rhino Records. 2002.Customer Reviews:
Mixed feelings.......2005-10-05
Your love for this superb collection will be here to stay..........2002-07-18
He's done it again.......2002-07-15
This is perfect background music for a dinner party for a whole group but especially for two. Light, romantic and just gorgeous. You just can't go wrong when Michael Feinstein is your musical choice.
Way to go Michael, you've done it again!
Absolutely 'S WONDERFUL!.......2002-06-10
This collection not only contains all the favorites one would expect, but a neat group of surprises too. I especially love the duets with people like Liza Minnelli and Rosemary Clooney, and the various collaborative efforts with songwriters like Jule Styne and Burton Lane accompanying Michael at the piano.
This collection is a classic to be treasured. Bravo Michael!
Bravo Rhino!
A beautiful 2 disc CD-another hit for Michael.......2002-06-09
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The Best of Wayne Newton Now
Wayne Newton Manufacturer: Curb Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000000CSO Release Date: 1990-04-03 |
Tracks:
- You Don't Know What You've Got (Until You Lose It)
- U.S. Male
- Danke Schoen
- Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast
- Is She Dancing Tonight
- She's My Saturday Night Special
- Here Comes My Baby
- Red Roses For A Blue Lady
- Years
- T-R-O-U-B-L-E
Customer Reviews:
This is "Wayne Newton Now".......2007-05-24
Favorite Wayne Newton CD.......2005-11-13
Wayne on record is better than he's given credit for being. He's top notch and very unique.
You can't stop a U.S. Male!.......2005-04-04
Who does not love WAYNE.......2000-05-25
Excellant combination of songs........1998-12-31
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CBS Masterworks Dinner Classics: American Picnic
Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000027X9 Release Date: 1992-04-07 |
Tracks:
- Summertime - Jean-Pierre Rampal
- Simple Gifts - Aaron Copland
- Saturday Night Waltz - Aaron Copland
- Hoedown - Aaron Copland
- Maple Leaf Rag - Jean-Pierre Rampal
- On The Trail - Ferde Grofe
- Very Slowly; Allegro - Aaron Copland
- Bethena - A Concert Waltz - Jean-Pierre Rampal
- Andante con moto e poco rubato - Jean-Pierre Rampal
- Bess, You Is My Woman Now - Jean-Pierre Rampal
- A Ragtime Two Step - Jean-Pierre Rampal
- The Story Of Grover's Corners - Scott Joplin
- Souvenir D'Amerique, 'Yankee Doodle,' Op. 17 - Henri Vieuxtemps
- Andante - George Gershwin
Customer Reviews:
An American Picnic.......2002-08-11
and "A Cocktail Party" All are wonderful cd's and I would like to find more, other than what is listed here. "An American Picnic" is good but I like "Dinner For Two" the best.
Worth It.......1999-11-29
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Can't Stop Us Now: Linval Thompson Productions
Manufacturer: Easy Star ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000069RP6 Release Date: 2002-07-16 |
Tracks:
- They Can't Stop Us Now - Viceroys
- Jah Help The People (Extended Mix) - Freddie McGregor
- Mr. Big Man - Junior Reid
- Jah Help Us - Barrington Levy
- Give A Little - Dennis Brown
- They Can't Stop Me - Johnny Clarke
- Night Fall (Extended Mix) - Johnny Osbourne
- Sensi Party - Eek-A-Mouse
- Poor & Humble - Wayne Wade
- Tenement Yard - Gregory Isaacs
- Sensimilla - Barrington Levy
- Africa - Anthony Johnson
- Jah Jah Is Calling - Rod Taylor
- Bad Boys - Barrington Levy
- Move Up - Sugar Minott
- Sweet Africa - Don Carlos
- Happy Song - Triston Palma
- You Can Stay - Wailing Souls
- Guide Us Jah Jah - Freddie McKay
- Love Is What The World Wants (Extended Mix) - Barry Brown
Customer Reviews:
GREAT COMPILATION.......2005-05-04
Buy This CD.......2003-04-08
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I Can See Clearly Now: Harmony
Ray Conniff Manufacturer: Collectables ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000244F6Y Release Date: 2004-05-11 |
Tracks:
- I Can See Clearly Now
- If You Don't Know Me by Now
- It Never Rains in Southern California
- Ben
- Summer Breeze
- Clair
- I Believe in Music
- If I Could Reach You
- Something's Wrong With Me
- I Am Woman
- I'd Love You to Want Me
- Harmony
- Playground in My Mind
- Morning After
- Young Love
- Live and Let Die
- How Can I Tell Her
- Say Has Anybody Seen My Sweet Gypsy Rose
- Yesterday Once More
- Delta Down
- Touch Me in the Morning
- Here Today and Gone Tomorrow
Album Description
1973's "I Can See Clearly Now" features orchestral versions of "contemporary" songs by the likes of Johnny Nash, Helen Reddy, Gamble & Huff, Albert Hammond, Seals & Crofts and Mac Davis. Released the same year, "Harmony" includes orchestral versions of hits of the day by Paul & Linda McCartney, Wayne Newton and Elton John.Customer Reviews:
Conniff does it again!!.......2007-05-26
Two of the Very Best.......2006-04-05
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Return to Romance
Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000001FP2 Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- The Shadow Of Your Smile
- Annie's Song
- Memory
- Danny Boy
- Birds Of Winter
- What Now My Love
- All I Ask Of You
- Midnight Blue
- Beautiful Dream
- Plaisir D'Amour
- Somewhere My Love
- Amazing Grace
Customer Reviews:
Peaceful and Soothing.......2000-06-23
Peaceful and Soothing.......2000-06-23
Rap Music:
- Essentially Naked [Import]
- From Bliss to Devastation [Explicit Lyrics]
- Go Go Graveyard Rockin'
- Grow Fins: Rarities 1965-1982 [ENHANCED CD] [Box set] [Enhanced]
- Harbinger
- Heart Like a River
- Higher Ground [Import]
- Holy Roller Novocaine [EP]
- Home Is Where You Hang Yourself 2.0
- Hourglass [SACD]
Recommended Music:
Song Cycles for Bass and Piano
Sonny Stitt with the New Yorkers [Import]
Music: Got Things Sewed/Suicide, Suicide [CD-single]
The Polar Express [Soundtrack]
State Vs. Poohman Straight from San Quentin [Explicit Lyrics]
Sergey Rachmaninov: String Quartet No. 1 & No. 2; Trio Elegiaque, Op. 9