Copacabana [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Japanese 20 bit K2 digital remastered reissue of 1990 album (originally recorded in 1979) for Fantasy. Packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve.

Tracks:

Just Arrived
Dancin' Fool
Who Needs To Dream?
Sweet Heaven (I'm In Love Again)
Bolero De Amor
This Can't Be Real - duet with Olivia Newton John
Copacabana (At The Copa) 2005 Dance Mix
Harmony
And What Do You See?
Every Single Day
This Is Our Time!
Where You Go
In This World
Stars In The Night

Amazon.com

Like many pop artists of his generation, Barry Manilow has long wanted to find a home for his tunes on the theater stage---and as Bette Midler's longtime music director and arranger, he was more fitted than most. On this recording, he performs excerpts from two shows he wrote in collaboration with lyricist and book writer Bruce Sussman; overall he comes across a lot better as a composer than a performer. Manilow starts by letting loose on the seven tracks from the flashy Copacabana. Like the song of the same name, on which it is based, that show is an all-out cry for razzamatazz entertainment. "Sweet Heaven (I'm in Love Again)" feels Bacharachian, while "Bolero de Amor" uses Ravel's "Bolero" as a foundation and "This Can't Be Real" is a smooth duet with Olivia Newton-John. The second show, Harmony, strikes a different mood---after all, it evokes not a snazzy nightclub but pre-WWII Germany. The tunes are solid and sport lovely arrangements, though one gets the nagging feeling they would have been ever better sung by more versatile interpreters. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

I Know the Score--Copa & Harmony.......2006-08-08

This CD is a compilation of 14 songs from the 2 musicals Barry wrote: "Copacabana" and "Harmony," so, as you may have guessed, this CD has that "Broadway Musical" flair. They are all great arrangements. My personal favorites of this album are: "Sweet Heaven, I'm in Love Again" from Copa, "Every Single Day" and "Stars in the Night" from Harmony. Of course, the more I listen, the more favorites I have. "Who Needs to Dream" has such beautiful words. Copa is kickin' and done just a wee bit different this time. Olivia Newton-John does a duet with Barry in "This Can't be Real".

"Every Single Day" is a story about two people in love. She can't decide if it would be a mistake to get married, because things aren't perfect. He's saying how much he loves her. Very beautiful. "Stars in the Night" is about finding hope, from inside a prison cell in Germany, just when things seem hopeless. A very moving piece.

Inside the CD case is a booklet with all the words to the songs, so you can sing along. All great songs, from the Magic of Manilow.

I didn't expect to like this .......2005-09-01

This album surprised me -- I bought it only because it's his most recent work. The songs from "Copacabana" are great, of course -- Barry Manilow is a remarkably talented composer, arranger, producer. Everyone raves about the duet with Olivia Newton-John, but I thought it was merely okay (Barry still has a great voice, but I'm not sure about Olivia). The song that really haunts me is "Where You Go," which is quite moving and powerful (it's a romantic interpretation of Ruth 1:16-17, set to music). The more I listen to this album, the more I like it.

If you like mucicalls and lovesongs........2005-08-20

If you are just a little bit romantic and like the voice of manilow you should buy this album. It's easy-listening music wonderful to hear over a candlelight dinner or in the car. F.ex the tune "sweet heaven I'm in love again". If you like BM you will love this album.

Great Musicality.......2005-05-08

I love this album its full of great musicality from both of Barry's musicals, Copacabana's jazz & dance to Harmony's drama a melody...both reflect a sadness of tragedy within the stageplay
in some songs and others with happiness and showmanship.
Who Needs to Dream and Stars in the Night are my favourites...Barry just goes on getting better and better...what a writer, what a performer!!

Quintessential Mr Manilow.......2005-03-20

Barry was quoted as saying that his true love was composing and arranging as opposed to performing. In this CD one can hear the genius that is he. For example in the first piece 'Just Arrived' He captures the sound of the Track 17 train, the traffic and, along with the changes of key and tempo and the many 'Barry' overlaying voices, take one into the experience of young Lola arriving in New York City and the accompanying exhilaration. The ' Who Needs to Dream' is a perfect example of a song which should be played at the first dance of a bride and groom at their wedding. Olivia Newton-John is such a wise pairing with his voice. So in conclusion , the orchestration on this CD is exceptional and one can see why he exclaimed it a favorite of his. Looking forward to Harmony on the stage.

Average customer rating:

A piece of GARBAGE!!!! (On stage and on CD!)
Copacabana
On further review, I LOVE THIS SHOW!
A fine, nearly traditional musical score!
Manilow at his best!

Copacabana (1994 Original London Cast)
Original London Cast Recording , Bruce Sussman , and Jack Feldman
Manufacturer: Relativity
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Copacabana (1982)
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ASIN: B00004WF7S
Release Date: 2000-08-22

Tracks:

Overture
Copacabana [Opening Sequence]
Just Arrived - Nicola Dawn
Dancin' Fool - Gary Wilmot
Night on the Town
Man Wanted - Nicola Dawn
Lola - Gary Wilmot
Who Needs to Dream? - Gary Wilmot
Ay Caramba!
Bolero de Amor - Richard Lyndon
Sweet Heaven - Gary Wilmot
Who Am I Kidding? - Howard Attfield, John Derekson, Jenny Logan, David Olton
Who Am I Kidding? (Reprise) - Jenny Logan
This Can't Be Real - Nicola Dawn, Gary Wilmot
Welcome to Havana - Anna Nicholas
Mermaid's Tale - Tracy Darnell, Petrina Johnson, Nicola Smythe, Melanie Stace
Bravo! - Nicola Dawn
Who Needs to Dream? (Reprise) - Gary Wilmot
Copacabana (Finale) - Gary Wilmot

Customer Reviews:

A piece of GARBAGE!!!! (On stage and on CD!).......2004-02-04

It's NOT a good idea to take a 3-minute pop song and try to spin it out to a full fledged stage musical.

I saw this in the theatre in a pre-Broadway tour that folded on the road..with good reason: The New York critics would pan it! I and the other Toronto critics sure did.

If Barry Manilow is serious about writing for Broadway someone with his talent would certainly be welcome, but he had better learn HOW to create a musical: How and where to use music to enhance key dramnatic moments; how to structure songs so thay make plot points effectively; and how to develop interesting plot lines and characters. Start by studying some of the great hits: OKLAHOMA!; MY FAIR LADY; CABARET; COMPANY; etc and study how Hammerstein, Sondheim, Comden & Green, Kander and Ebb and others use songs to support the book and concept of the show.

COPACABANA looks like some high school kid watched some old 1940s movie musicals and decided to write one of his own based on the popular song hit. The one song aside there is nothing memorable in this score and the songs onm this CD have almost nothing to do with the plot or characters. In 25 years of reviewing theatre I have never seen such an amaturish show being passd off as something worthy of Broadway.

Copacabana.......2003-11-05

I don't know what took me so long to buy this CD. I think Barry is very good in Copa and should have been in movies. He is a natural and has a great sense of humor, again a natural. I love Barry because he makes me feel young and everyday I listen to his music whether it is a video or in my car. There just aren't enough nice things to say about this man. I have never seen him in concert, but plan on attending one as soon as he comes to my area. He has such an enduring talent and I only wish I could know him personally. He is just like the kids I grew up with when I lived in New York. Fun and just full of life. I Love You Barry!!!!

On further review, I LOVE THIS SHOW!.......2001-10-27

I have reviewed the albumn before and was too reticent. On further examination and listening, I am prepared to say that this show should be a smash success! I love it, and Barry Manilow and I am not afraid to admit it - All other Manilow addicts are welcome to agree with me. I've been in love with Barry since his "Mandy" days. I love "Copa" so much that I am about to direct a production of it. I will let you all know how it all turns out!... In the meantime, BUY THE ALBUMN!

A fine, nearly traditional musical score!.......2001-10-27

"Copacabana" has rhythms for everyone - swing, jazz, ballad and Latin! The music is energetic and full of fine percussion and horn - it should get anyone on their feet! There are a few recognizable tunes a la Barry Manilow (aside from the title song). The composers and lyricist have taken time to develop catchy tunes and some clever and excellent lyrics in most cases. For musical theatre buffs, the tale of Lola and Tony and the obstacles which, true to musical theatre, ALMOST keep them apart is a familiar but never tiring story. The albumn is a must for Barry Manilow fans - and if you aren't a Manilow fan, give it a listen. I think you will find some nice surprises.

Manilow at his best!.......2001-01-06

One of the best musicals touring the country! With it's popluar title song and wonderful Latin beat throughout, it is certain to make its mark with this era's contemporary, modern musicals. This soundtrack is a winner: almost like sitting in the theatre. Worth every penny, and cheaper than tickets! Have a front row seat every time!

Average customer rating:

Great stuff!
Wonderful arrangements of music from all over the world.
Beautiful collection of Music

Fiesta!
Erich Kunzel , and Cincinnati Pops
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sailing
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ASIN: B000003CWL
Release Date: 1990-10-10

Tracks:

Tico Tico No Fuba
Granada
La Virgen De La Macarena
Espana Cani
Estrellita
El Carretero
El Cumbanchero
Brazil
Carioca
The Girl From Ipanema
South Of The Border
Sweet And Gentle
Tequila
Lambada
Siboney
Desafinado
Besame Mucho
Chiquita Banana Song
Mexican Hat Dance
Cielito Lindo
Copacabana

Customer Reviews:

Great stuff!.......2002-10-24

Erich kunzel has recorded a wonderfully exhilerating item this time! Wonderfully exhuberant is mild compared to the lively playing Kunzel always gets from this great orchestra! Arrangements are mostly by Tommy Newsome who knows how to write charts of varying degrees of excellence, particularly the winsome "Girl from Ipanema" which compliments the lyrics endless reflections on a beautiful, bikini-clad young woman. "Sweet and Gentle" is a saucy number while Eric Knight, the only arranger to get the Boston Pops under Fiedler to swing to new heights, contributes an unforgettably boisterous account of "Lambada." The sound is full of punch and contrast. And Doc Severinsen plays in "Virgen" a marvelous soloistic stratospheric account. My advice is to buy this immediately. It's one hot album!

Wonderful arrangements of music from all over the world........2001-10-26

Telarc and Eric Kunzel never fail to amaze at the quality of their selections.

Even tough some of the arrangements here have a little too much
fanfare at the start they are still great to listen to.

Most of these melodies you have heard them at least once in you life. And they are reproduced here with the Kunzel magic.

Beautiful collection of Music.......2001-10-26

A Beautiful collection of music from all over the world.
(latin world that is)

Tracks:

West Side Story: Something's Coming
You Needed Me
All By Myself
Short People
Lost In Love
Betty Grable
Because
Della And The Dealer
Music - I Believe In Music - I've Got The Music In Me - Thank You For The Music
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Theme From 'Mahogany' - (Do You Know Where You're Going To?)
Save Your Kisses For Me - Hasta Manana
How Did We Fall In Love?
(At The) Copacabana

Customer Reviews:

This CD will make you believe in music.......2005-02-04

I picked up this CD on a whim in the early 90's as a last minute purchase added to other CDs I was buying. I've been a fan since the early 80's & they never cease to amaze me. Although this is now an older CD I believe it is one of the King's Singers best. I'd put it right up there with Madrigal History Tour & Good Vibrations. This saucy sextet delivers the goods time & time again with perfect diction, phrasing & pitch. Take a listen & just lose yourself in the harmonys, you won't regret it.

This is the best thing the King's singers have performed.......1999-08-16

I can have many chances to meet Albums the king's singers have performed. This 'Believe in Music' is not one of their best albums, but THE BEST of all their albums. I dont need to explain about this album with long and boring words. Just say "The Best"!.

Average customer rating:

A classic version of Piazzolla's Le Grand Tango

Le Grand Tango: Music of Latin America

Manufacturer: Helicon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Cello, Celli!
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ASIN: B000005BIQ
Release Date: 1997-10-29

Tracks:

Astor Piazzolla: Escualo (Tango)
Saudades do Brasil: Corcovado
Saudades do Brasil: Ipanema
Milonga en Re (Tango)
Saudades do Brasil: Copacabana
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Amazon.com

Carter Brey, who recently tied himself down to the position of principal cellist of the New York Philharmonic, has put together a most entertaining collection of Latin American music (including some excerpts from Milhaud's Saudades do Brasil). The most substantial pieces are Ginastera's Pampeana No. 2 and Cello Sonata, both wonderful. But they don't overshadow some excellent arrangements of Piazzolla tangos, which are fine music too. With prize-winning pianist Christopher O'Riley, Brey turns in scintillating performances of all this music, giving us a collection that is as stimulating as it is entertaining. The recording is fine, the price reasonable. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

A classic version of Piazzolla's Le Grand Tango.......2000-06-21

Piazzolla's Le Grand Tango, which gives its name to the album, was one of his masterpieces. It has now been recorded more than half a dozen times. Easily the best are the Brey-O'Riley version heard on this record, and the performance recorded by Rostropovich (to whom the work was dedicated). Carter Brey and Christoper O'Riley really capture the essence of this piece. A superb performance.

Average customer rating:

More of Brazilian takes by Sarah Vaughan: Just Great!
mellow Sarah
Where's my CD
Divine Bossa Nova
superb

Copacabana
Sarah Vaughan
Manufacturer: Pablo
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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I Love Brazil

ASIN: B000000XLM
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Copacabana
The Smiling Hour (Abre Alas)
To Say Goodbye (Pra Dizer Adeus)
Dreamer (Vivo Sonhando)
Gentle Rain
Tete
Dindi
Double Rainbow (Chovendo Na Roseira)
Bonita

Customer Reviews:

More of Brazilian takes by Sarah Vaughan: Just Great!.......2004-11-22

This the second bunch of Brazilian standards by Ms. Vaughan who was backed by the same musicians as in the former album (titled 'I Love Brazil' here @Amazon). Features the great Helio Delmiro on guitar.

All material is Bossa Nova except the title song, an old traditional samba and also a smash hit in Brazil. 4 out 8 tracks are compositions by Antonio Carlos Jobim. Also includes an Ivan Lins' smash hit 'Abre-Alas'.

mellow Sarah.......2003-03-16

I'm actually not particularly fond of the title track, or the second song on the album. But the rest are perfect. Dreamer, a Jobim song, is one of her best. The others are super-laidback, relaxing. The album doesn't necessarily stand out, but it is one of her best nonetheless. I'd get it while it's still in print.

Where's my CD.......2002-09-02

Sorry to have to contact you this way, but your out-source for used CDs sent the wrong CD. the back and side cover says one thing. the front cover and CD are something else. yes, i have contacted them, but i thought you'd like to know as well.

Divine Bossa Nova.......2000-06-29

My initial reason for purchasing the Copacabana CD was to hear Sarah's interpretation of Antonio Carlos Jobim's music. However, after listening to the entire recording several times I realized that this CD was a much more valuable find than I had anticipated. This, the second recording in Sarah's Brazilian trilogy was actually recorded in Brazil featuring native Brazilian musicians.

Variety is the keynote of this CD. On the first two songs, Sarah is accompanied by backup singers. The third song "To Say Goodbye" reminded me of the tonal quality of her memorable treatment of "Key Largo" (Jazz Profile) a song made popular by the recent Accura commercial. Additionally, if you are a Jobim fan as I am, you'll be pleased to know that four of the nine songs are his compositions. Of the four songs, I liked her interpretation of Dreamer and Double Rainbow best. If you liked the way Frank Sinatra's voice floats and rides the wave of the bossa nova during his session with Jobim, (Francis Albert Sinatra and Antonio carlos Jobim) you'll have a feel for Sarah's performance of Dreamer.

Fortunately, Copacabana was recorded during the period when producers engineered CD recordings with critical listeners in mind. You won't find any added booming bass as commonly found today. The technique of layering extra bass produces a muffled effect on the listening space, especially noticeable when headphones are used. Instead, you will hear crisp, clear stereo separation with each instrument being heard distinctly. The actual production technique utilized analog technology for recording and editing and digital technology for mastering. I prefer this technique because the sound of each instrument appears to stand out three dimensionally in contrast to the flat one dimensional sound quality of a totally digitized recording.

Though not technically perfect, if you appreciate quality, this is a recording that you'll enjoy for years to come.

superb.......2000-06-26

sarah vaughan is probably the jazz singer best suited to give full development of these brazilian songs. her voice is so full and so expressive, she does credit to the women who originally sang these in portuguese, most notably elis regina. sad, sweet, joyous, powerful - all often in the same song.