It Started With A Dream

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Unlike what happens in the pop field, where singer-songwriters are far from uncommon, few musical-theater writers and composers ever step to the mike. There are exceptions, of course: Noel Coward, Harold Arlen, and now Cy Coleman. Coleman is responsible for some of Broadway's swingiest, punchiest, most energetic scores (Sweet Charity may well be his masterpiece). But don't expect "Big Spender" here. Coleman set out to explore the more obscure corners of his catalogue, so this means the likes of "Somebody," which was supposed to be recorded by Pearl Bailey but wasn't, and "Meat and Potatoes," a collaboration with lyricist Dorothy Fields for a show that never happened. Backed by a discreet orchestra and proving himself a nimble pianist, Coleman also displays an assured set of pipes; he certainly doesn't sound out of place next to guest Tony Bennett, who performs the positively Michel Legrand-esque "The Colors of My Life" (from Barnum). Lillias White, who brought the house down in Coleman's The Life, duets with the composer on the title track. Oddly enough considering the two principals, the song's a bit too blandly uplifting, but it shouldn't prevent you from enjoying this otherwise excellent collection of adult pop. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Tracks:

Some Kind of Music
Witchcraft
The Colors of My Life (w/ Tony Bennett)
Nothing To Do But Dance
I Love My Wife/It Amazes Me
September's Coming
The Best Is Yet to Come
I Really Love You
Atlantic City
Bad Is for Other People
I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out of My Life
Real Live Girl/Sweet Talk/Meat & Potatoes (Medley)
Somebody
It Started With a Dream

Amazon.com

Unlike what happens in the pop field, where singer-songwriters are far from uncommon, few musical-theater writers and composers ever step to the mike. There are exceptions, of course: Noel Coward, Harold Arlen, and now Cy Coleman. Coleman is responsible for some of Broadway's swingiest, punchiest, most energetic scores (Sweet Charity may well be his masterpiece). But don't expect "Big Spender" here. Coleman set out to explore the more obscure corners of his catalogue, so this means the likes of "Somebody," which was supposed to be recorded by Pearl Bailey but wasn't, and "Meat and Potatoes," a collaboration with lyricist Dorothy Fields for a show that never happened. Backed by a discreet orchestra and proving himself a nimble pianist, Coleman also displays an assured set of pipes; he certainly doesn't sound out of place next to guest Tony Bennett, who performs the positively Michel Legrand-esque "The Colors of My Life" (from Barnum). Lillias White, who brought the house down in Coleman's The Life, duets with the composer on the title track. Oddly enough considering the two principals, the song's a bit too blandly uplifting, but it shouldn't prevent you from enjoying this otherwise excellent collection of adult pop. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Great, Timeless Music!.......2003-02-07

Listening to this cd makes you feel that you're out on a wonderful night on the town on Broadway. Cy sings beautiful songs with passion and heart. Cy is a dynamic artist with a melodious touch on his grand piano.

This is the perfect cd for your next roadtrip. You can sing along as you enjoy the scenery going by, where-ever you are!

Every song is great. One flows into the next, inviting your ears and senses to just listen. You will find yourself singing along. This is evocative, easy listening music with positive undertones. It's mood lifting to hear his interpretations (because at one point in your life or another - you can relate to what he sings about.) The songs, The Colors of My Life, Bad is for Other People, It Started with a Dream, and all the others featured will have you believing that The Best is Yet to Come... I love this cd. I may need to buy another one, because I've played my disk so much!

High quality songwriting.......2002-12-28

If you love masterful songwriting, you'll love this CD. Lyrically and musically this is top drawer. I discovered Cy's music when listening to Barry Manilow's Showstopper album, and I'm so glad I did. "Some Kind Of Music" was worth the price of the CD alone.

A terrific piece of work.......2002-03-09

I have always been a sucker for composers and lyricists singing their own songs, and Cy Coleman is perhaps the best at it, followed closely by Martin Charnin and Burton Lane.
The orchestrations are superb, easily the best I've heard in the genre. There is wonderful passion in these songs, which are excellently crafted.
Sometimes, Coleman's songs have seemed to me to be derivative of other songs. His "Hooray for our Favorite Son", from The Will Rogers Follies is really a dressed up version of his own "Pass Me By",from the movie "Father Goose". It was camouflaged by girls and tambourines.
The first track, "Some Kind of Music" seems an awful lot like Sinatra's "Let's Take It Nice and Easy".
The eighth track, "I Really Love You" is perilously close melodically to Frankie Valli's "My Eyes Adored You".
Why,then,5 stars? Because the songs are still wonderful, and spectacularly performed. Plus, I enjoy playing Tune Detective.

What a delightful gem!.......2002-02-12

Cy Coleman has written some great shows and showtunes. Here's his chance to sing them his way. Wait until you hear "Witchcraft"... an amazing version that you'll want to play over and over. Tony Bennett's on the CD and he's never sounded better. If you're a Broadway show fan, this is an album you will enjoy. Even if you're not, that version of "Witchcraft" is worth the price of the CD....

Average customer rating:

It Started With a Dream
Cy Coleman
Manufacturer: Sony/Columbia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000065VNV
Release Date: 2002-06-19

Tracks:

Some Kind of Music
Witchcraft
Colors of My Life - Tony Bennett
Nothing to Do But Dance
I Love My Wife/It Amazes Me
September's Coming
Best Is Yet to Come
I Really Love You
Atlantic City
Bad Is for Other People
I'm Gonna Laugh You Right out of My Life
Three by Three (Jazz Waltz Medley): Real Live Girl/Sweet Talk/Meat and
Somebody
It Started With a Dream - Cy Coleman, Lillias White

Music:

Music

Music