Reluctant Pilgrim
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
In 1999, The Stephen Schwartz Album collected hit songs from shows and films such as Godspell, Pippin, and The Prince of Egypt, interpreted by a variety of Broadway stars. Yet many listeners were surprised to find that the most moving track was Schwartz himself performing "Fathers and Sons" from Working. Reluctant Pilgrim captures Schwartz performing vocals and keyboards on a set of highly personal songs, a result of a challenge from fellow songwriter John Bucchino to write songs based on his own experiences rather than those of his shows' characters. The result is 11 excellent pop songs punctuated by rollicking Bruce Hornsby-esque piano riffs, beautiful melodic lines, and a dash of old-time rock & roll, highlighted by the opening "Dreamscape" (discussing the perils of unknown roads) and the ballads "Life Goes On" (saying goodbye to a deceased friend) and "Code of Silence" (chronicling an empty relationship). Schwartz has an immediately appealing voice, and the band and soulful backup vocals are solid. This is a somewhat surprising but highly enjoyable find for Stephen Schwartz fans. --David Horiuchi
Don Heckman - Los Angeles Times, April 7, 1997
"Of the darker numbers, Stephen Schwartz's tender anthem to the death of a friend, "Life Goes On," was a revelation of the potential power - too rarely realized - of contemporary songwriting.
Album Description
Oscar and Grammy-winning songwriter Stephen Schwartz, composer and lyricist f Godspell and Pippin, Lyricist of Disney's Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame and composer and lyricist of DreamWork's Prince of Egypt, has recently released his first solo CD, Reluctant Pilgrim. Stephen, who is providing the music and lyrics for Disney's up-coming Geppetto, wrote and sung all 11 songs on Reluctant Pilgrim. In addition, he plays keyboards on the CD as well and is joined by a small group of New York's finest pop musicians and back-up vocalists. For the many fans familiar with Stephen's Broadway and film work, this CD shows a new side of the songwriter and may surprise some. But if the tunes are more pop-oriented than expected, the lyrics still contain Stephen Schwartz's accustomed honesty, wit, and sharpness of observation. The songs rage from funny (as in "Crowded Island" a mordant reflection on looking for love in New York City) to hopeful (as in "So Far", the tale of a relationship which has survived bumps and bruises) to poignant (as in "Life Goes On", a memory of a friend who died of AIDS) to downright weird (as in "Prestidigitation", the strange tale of a down-and-out magician with one last great trick up his sleeve.) Other highlights are the parent's lament "The Hardest Part of Love", the ode to second chances, "Cactus Flowers", and the evocative "Dreamscape", which provides the CD with it's title line: "Time to sail, reluctant pilgrim/My fear is all I've got to lose/Life is nothing/Nothing but a dreamscape, and the dream is mine to choose." The songs are all passionate, thought-provoking, memorable and above all, entertaining.
Reluctant Pilgrim
Reluctant Pilgrim, Music, Stephen Schwartz, Pop, Popular Music, Showtunes / B'way, Traditional Pop
Average customer rating:
- Schwartz is a national treasure
- From Olivor to Schwartz
- Reluctant Pilgrim, Contemporary Adult Music Fans Rejoice!
- AS DREAMY AS HIS 'DREAMSCAPE'
- A delightful showcase by one our most underrated songwriters
|
Reluctant Pilgrim
Stephen Schwartz
Manufacturer: Independent Nat'l Di
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
 Contemporary
| Vocal Pop
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Traditional Pop
| Oldies
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Traditional Vocal Pop
| Broadway & Vocalists
| Styles
| Music
Traditional & Vocal Pop
| Pop
| Indie Music
| Stores
| Music
Similar Items:
- Uncharted Territory
- Uncharted Territory
- The Stephen Schwartz Album
- The Baker's Wife (Members of the 1976 Original Cast)
- Working (Original 1978 Broadway Cast)
ASIN: B000005AB3
Release Date: 1997-06-10 |
Tracks:
- Dreamscape
- Crowded Island
- So Far
- More Than This
- Life Goes On
- The Hardest Part Of Love
- Prestidigitation
- Ten-Day Heartbreak
- Code Of Silence
- Snapshots
- Cactus Flowers
Amazon.com
In 1999, The Stephen Schwartz Album collected hit songs from shows and films such as Godspell, Pippin, and The Prince of Egypt, interpreted by a variety of Broadway stars. Yet many listeners were surprised to find that the most moving track was Schwartz himself performing "Fathers and Sons" from Working. Reluctant Pilgrim captures Schwartz performing vocals and keyboards on a set of highly personal songs, a result of a challenge from fellow songwriter John Bucchino to write songs based on his own experiences rather than those of his shows' characters. The result is 11 excellent pop songs punctuated by rollicking Bruce Hornsby-esque piano riffs, beautiful melodic lines, and a dash of old-time rock & roll, highlighted by the opening "Dreamscape" (discussing the perils of unknown roads) and the ballads "Life Goes On" (saying goodbye to a deceased friend) and "Code of Silence" (chronicling an empty relationship). Schwartz has an immediately appealing voice, and the band and soulful backup vocals are solid. This is a somewhat surprising but highly enjoyable find for Stephen Schwartz fans. --David Horiuchi
Album Description
Oscar and Grammy-winning songwriter Stephen Schwartz, composer and lyricist f Godspell and Pippin, Lyricist of Disney's Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame and composer and lyricist of DreamWork's Prince of Egypt, has recently released his first solo CD, Reluctant Pilgrim. Stephen, who is providing the music and lyrics for Disney's up-coming Geppetto, wrote and sung all 11 songs on Reluctant Pilgrim. In addition, he plays keyboards on the CD as well and is joined by a small group of New York's finest pop musicians and back-up vocalists.
For the many fans familiar with Stephen's Broadway and film work, this CD shows a new side of the songwriter and may surprise some. But if the tunes are more pop-oriented than expected, the lyrics still contain Stephen Schwartz's accustomed honesty, wit, and sharpness of observation. The songs rage from funny (as in "Crowded Island" a mordant reflection on looking for love in New York City) to hopeful (as in "So Far", the tale of a relationship which has survived bumps and bruises) to poignant (as in "Life Goes On", a memory of a friend who died of AIDS) to downright weird (as in "Prestidigitation", the strange tale of a down-and-out magician with one last great trick up his sleeve.) Other highlights are the parent's lament "The Hardest Part of Love", the ode to second chances, "Cactus Flowers", and the evocative "Dreamscape", which provides the CD with it's title line: "Time to sail, reluctant pilgrim/My fear is all I've got to lose/Life is nothing/Nothing but a dreamscape, and the dream is mine to choose." The songs are all passionate, thought-provoking, memorable and above all, entertaining.
Customer Reviews:
Schwartz is a national treasure.......2004-08-17
It is quite an accomplishment for a songwriter who writes grand and glorious shows to create an intimately emotional CD such as this one. It is a gem. Schwartz proves that his ability to empathize with the characters for whom he writes is equaled by his ability to share his own interior feeling life with his audience. I know I will enjoy this CD for many years to come.
From Olivor to Schwartz .......2004-08-03
I got to know three of these tracks in the early 90's when Jane Olivor made a comeback and performed "Dreamscape", "Crowded Island" and "Harderst Part Of Love" (latter to appear in his show "Children of Eden") and only "Dreamscape" has yet to be recorded by Ms. Olivor I wondered how Mr Schwartz would perfrom this tunes. While, not quite the Style of Jane Olivor, like other excellent Singer/songwriters his personal touch of his songs make them totally enjoyable.
Reluctant Pilgrim, Contemporary Adult Music Fans Rejoice!.......2000-12-14
Over the din of hip-hop, pop and top 40 tunes comes the deeply moving and intellectual musical genius of Stephen Schwartz. After 30 years of writing Broadway musical and motion picture soundtrack music, Schwartz reveals to his audience bitter-sweet reflections within the celebration of life. I strongly recommend this album for listeners that wish to escape predictable pop and will appreciate an ecclectic blend of introspective tunes. "Fathers and Sons" can truly bring tears to your eyes. I can't wait for Schwartz' forthcoming album "Uncharted Territory" due out early 2001. For more information on Schwartz, check out www.stephenschwartz.com or www.musicalschwarz.com
AS DREAMY AS HIS 'DREAMSCAPE'.......2000-04-05
Stephen Schwartz is a wizard of words and music, and I've long admired his superb songs for Broadway, from ''Corner of the Sky'' to ''Day to Day.'' So it's a real treat and a treasure to listen to this collection of his pop songs. My favorites here include ''More Than This,'' ''Life Goes On'' and ''Crowded Island.'' Besides penning these gems, Schwartz sings them, and there's always something so special about hearing a songwriter do his own material. I first saw him in concert a few years ago, joined by two spectacular soloists, Tom Andersen and Lisa Vroman (and I heartily recommend their CDs, too), and I hope Schwartz finds time to perform live again!
A delightful showcase by one our most underrated songwriters.......1999-06-04
This is just a delightful album. Mr Schwartz has a wonderful sense of style. The title song is most inspiring. I absolutely adore "Crowded Island". Plus, "Ten Day Heartache" is so much fun. Thankfully, Mr Schwartz continues to write music for theatre and movies, but this album does show he can write pop music with the best of them. But then, his music always has been pleasing. I was quite pleased with this purchase and find myself going back it again and again despite all my newer purchases.
Average customer rating:
- Schwartz is a national treasure
- From Olivor to Schwartz
- Reluctant Pilgrim, Contemporary Adult Music Fans Rejoice!
- AS DREAMY AS HIS 'DREAMSCAPE'
- A delightful showcase by one our most underrated songwriters
|
Reluctant Pilgrim
Stephen Schwartz
Manufacturer: Lml Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Musicals
| Broadway & Vocalists
| Styles
| Music
Traditional Vocal Pop
| Broadway & Vocalists
| Styles
| Music
Contemporary
| Vocal Pop
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Traditional Pop
| Oldies
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Broadway & Vocalists
| Indie Music
| Stores
| Music
Traditional & Vocal Pop
| Pop
| Indie Music
| Stores
| Music
Similar Items:
- Uncharted Territory
- Uncharted Territory
- The Stephen Schwartz Album
- The Baker's Wife (Members of the 1976 Original Cast)
- Working (Original 1978 Broadway Cast)
ASIN: B00000J6K7
Release Date: 1999-05-04 |
Tracks:
- Dreamscape
- Crowded Island
- So Far
- More Than This
- Life Goes On
- The Hardest Part of Love
- Prestidigitation
- Ten-Day Heartbreak
- Code of Silence
- Snapshots
- Cactus Flower
Amazon.com
In 1999, The Stephen Schwartz Album collected hit songs from shows and films such as Godspell, Pippin, and The Prince of Egypt, interpreted by a variety of Broadway stars. Yet many listeners were surprised to find that the most moving track was Schwartz himself performing "Fathers and Sons" from Working. Reluctant Pilgrim captures Schwartz performing vocals and keyboards on a set of highly personal songs, a result of a challenge from fellow songwriter John Bucchino to write songs based on his own experiences rather than those of his shows' characters. The result is 11 excellent pop songs punctuated by rollicking Bruce Hornsby-esque piano riffs, beautiful melodic lines, and a dash of old-time rock & roll, highlighted by the opening "Dreamscape" (discussing the perils of unknown roads) and the ballads "Life Goes On" (saying goodbye to a deceased friend) and "Code of Silence" (chronicling an empty relationship). Schwartz has an immediately appealing voice, and the band and soulful backup vocals are solid. This is a somewhat surprising but highly enjoyable find for Stephen Schwartz fans. --David Horiuchi
Album Description
Oscar and Grammy-winning songwriter Stephen Schwartz, composer and lyricist f Godspell and Pippin, Lyricist of Disney's Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame and composer and lyricist of DreamWork's Prince of Egypt, has recently released his first solo CD, Reluctant Pilgrim. Stephen, who is providing the music and lyrics for Disney's up-coming Geppetto, wrote and sung all 11 songs on Reluctant Pilgrim. In addition, he plays keyboards on the CD as well and is joined by a small group of New York's finest pop musicians and back-up vocalists.
For the many fans familiar with Stephen's Broadway and film work, this CD shows a new side of the songwriter and may surprise some. But if the tunes are more pop-oriented than expected, the lyrics still contain Stephen Schwartz's accustomed honesty, wit, and sharpness of observation. The songs rage from funny (as in "Crowded Island" a mordant reflection on looking for love in New York City) to hopeful (as in "So Far", the tale of a relationship which has survived bumps and bruises) to poignant (as in "Life Goes On", a memory of a friend who died of AIDS) to downright weird (as in "Prestidigitation", the strange tale of a down-and-out magician with one last great trick up his sleeve.) Other highlights are the parent's lament "The Hardest Part of Love", the ode to second chances, "Cactus Flowers", and the evocative "Dreamscape", which provides the CD with it's title line: "Time to sail, reluctant pilgrim/My fear is all I've got to lose/Life is nothing/Nothing but a dreamscape, and the dream is mine to choose." The songs are all passionate, thought-provoking, memorable and above all, entertaining.
Customer Reviews:
Schwartz is a national treasure.......2004-08-17
It is quite an accomplishment for a songwriter who writes grand and glorious shows to create an intimately emotional CD such as this one. It is a gem. Schwartz proves that his ability to empathize with the characters for whom he writes is equaled by his ability to share his own interior feeling life with his audience. I know I will enjoy this CD for many years to come.
From Olivor to Schwartz .......2004-08-03
I got to know three of these tracks in the early 90's when Jane Olivor made a comeback and performed "Dreamscape", "Crowded Island" and "Harderst Part Of Love" (latter to appear in his show "Children of Eden") and only "Dreamscape" has yet to be recorded by Ms. Olivor I wondered how Mr Schwartz would perfrom this tunes. While, not quite the Style of Jane Olivor, like other excellent Singer/songwriters his personal touch of his songs make them totally enjoyable.
Reluctant Pilgrim, Contemporary Adult Music Fans Rejoice!.......2000-12-14
Over the din of hip-hop, pop and top 40 tunes comes the deeply moving and intellectual musical genius of Stephen Schwartz. After 30 years of writing Broadway musical and motion picture soundtrack music, Schwartz reveals to his audience bitter-sweet reflections within the celebration of life. I strongly recommend this album for listeners that wish to escape predictable pop and will appreciate an ecclectic blend of introspective tunes. "Fathers and Sons" can truly bring tears to your eyes. I can't wait for Schwartz' forthcoming album "Uncharted Territory" due out early 2001. For more information on Schwartz, check out www.stephenschwartz.com or www.musicalschwarz.com
AS DREAMY AS HIS 'DREAMSCAPE'.......2000-04-05
Stephen Schwartz is a wizard of words and music, and I've long admired his superb songs for Broadway, from ''Corner of the Sky'' to ''Day to Day.'' So it's a real treat and a treasure to listen to this collection of his pop songs. My favorites here include ''More Than This,'' ''Life Goes On'' and ''Crowded Island.'' Besides penning these gems, Schwartz sings them, and there's always something so special about hearing a songwriter do his own material. I first saw him in concert a few years ago, joined by two spectacular soloists, Tom Andersen and Lisa Vroman (and I heartily recommend their CDs, too), and I hope Schwartz finds time to perform live again!
A delightful showcase by one our most underrated songwriters.......1999-06-04
This is just a delightful album. Mr Schwartz has a wonderful sense of style. The title song is most inspiring. I absolutely adore "Crowded Island". Plus, "Ten Day Heartache" is so much fun. Thankfully, Mr Schwartz continues to write music for theatre and movies, but this album does show he can write pop music with the best of them. But then, his music always has been pleasing. I was quite pleased with this purchase and find myself going back it again and again despite all my newer purchases.
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