Lee Lessack

My Shining Hour
Medley: Too Marvelous For Words/Day In-Day Out/That Old Black Magic
Medley: Dream/Laura
The Air-minded Executive
I Thought About You
Medley: The Travel Medley/Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home/On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe/Jeepers Creepers/Glow Worm/Lazybones/I'm An Old Cowhand/Come Rain Or Come Shine/Blues In The Night
Medley: Days Of Wine And Roses/Charade/Moon River
I Wanna Be Around
Medley: I Remember You/Skylark
Whatcha-Ma-Call-It
When October Goes
Pineapple Pete
The Bathtub Ran Over Again
Medley: Whistling Away The Dark/Autumn Leaves
Out Of This World

Album Description

A live concert recording celebrating the work of Johnny Mercer, one of the most prolific songwriters of our time.

Customer Reviews:

Lee Lessack is "To Marvelous For Words"..........2005-09-11

It seems with every CD of Lee Lessack's I buy, I fall more in love with his man.....his voice is at times unexplainable...his vocal range is astounding, you can hear the passion of love in his voice when he sings! I highly recommend this CD among the countless others I cannot seem to stop playing!!!!!

Lee Lessack is the voice of this century and beyond! To have this man's voice playing through your home is like living every day in a dream!....you will always have a never ending smile on your face, and you may catch yourself just singing and dancing a little more than you are used too!

I will say his rendition of "Out of This World"...is amazing! But don't stop with this CD....get all of them...I DID!

Lee Lessack...Truly "Too Marvelous For Words" in more ways than one!

I hope this review prompts you to click on "Shopping Cart" now!

Marvelous Indeed.......2004-10-06

Since everything I've ever heard Lee Lessack do is too marvelous for words, this CD is very aptly named. And when you're talking about a tribute CD to Johnny Mercer, how CAN you go wrong? This CD is a great combination of better- and lesser-known songs by Johnny Mercer, and really shows what a versatile songsmith he was. But an even bigger selling point for me is that the CD is recorded live, so you get to find out more about the artist performing -- and Lee Lessack is a very charming, witty, SUPER talented performer. I think he's got to be the best male voice in cabaret, and one of my favorite male voices in any genre. His version of "When October Goes" (featured on both this recording and "I Know You By Heart") is heartbreaking and in my opinion, the definitive version. My suggestion -- snap up this and Lee Lessack's other recordings ASAP.

Just Beautiful!.......2002-06-13

I just received this excellent CD from Amazon and I have to say I was so impressed with the excellence...in all aspects..of this CD recording. Lee Lessack, a supreme artist and musician, has a voice that is communicative, expressive and, more important, genuine. As a musician, I really appreciate hearing this superior level of artistry. Each track is a winner!

Special mention as well to all the musicians that accompanied Lee Lessack on this CD...it doesn't get much better than this!

Marvelous Words For Lee Lessack.......2001-05-04

Lee Lessack has a beautiful voice. He has shown us that on his previous recordings. Can he also be funny? Absolutely. Is he smart? You better believe it! This live CD is a must for all cabaret lovers and music lovers in general. It is the perfect combination of song, singer and delightful details about the composer, Johnny Mercer, possibly the greatest songwriter in the Great American Songbook. Do yourself a favor...If you're a fan like I am, buy it. This one's a keeper!

Lee Lessack Score Again With the Songs of Johnny Mercer.......2000-11-27

Since the untimely passing of the late cabaret chanteuse Nancy LaMott there has not been a singer as accomplished as Lee Lessack. This is Lee Lessack's third solo recording (fourth overall) and first live recording. Lessack grows in stature and maturity as an artist with each new CD release. He has previously recorded Mercer songs on his earlier two releases ("I Know You By Heart" and "Lee Lessack".) Beyond Lessack's astonishing voice, his lyric interpretation has always been one of his strongest characteristics. He does not just croon a song he intertwines a story through the music and lyrics. We often identify a singer with a particular songwriter; Lessack should forever be associated with Johnny Mercer. His comprehension of Mercer's lyrics is fresh and Lessack makes the listener believe that you are hearing them for the first time. The principal reason for this is Lessack's musical director and arranger, John Boswell, who once again stands out in his masterful position. Boswell's beautiful and soaring arrangements allow the songs to bear repeated listening. His excellent piano playing stands out and at the same time complements Lessack voice. Lessack's diversity of songs range from the familiar ("Moon River", "Days of Wine and Roses") to the less familiar (I'm an "Old Cowhand", "I Wanna Be Around", "I Wanna Be a Around") On the song "Pineapple Pete", Lessack accompanies himself on the Fluke (An ukulele type instrument) and flawlessly sings the original French lyrics of "Autumn Leaves". The crown jewel in this collection is the underrated "Whistling Away the Dark" The song was nominated for an Academy Award from the underrated film "Darling Lili" If Julie Andrews was the best female singer of this song then Lee Lessack is the best male singer of this song. Lessack recorded the album, Too Marvelous for Words: The Songs of Johnny Mercer, live at the Cinegrill in Los Angeles. Engineer Eric Fahlborg has produced one of the best live cabaret performances I have ever heard. The audience does not overwhelm the recording with their reaction that often detracts from the artist's performance. On this recording it is Lee Lessack front and center. If you are a fan of the late singer Nancy LaMott then you must purchase not only his Mercer CD, but his other two albums as well.

Average customer rating:

Perfect Vocal Delivery Backed by Perfect Arranging
He Certainly Has Heart
Truly for Dreamers....!
Class-A Cabaret
One of very few can move me...Lee does every time

I Know You By Heart
Lee Lessack
Manufacturer: Lml Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Cabaret | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | 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:

Too Marvelous for Words: The Songs of Johnny Mercer
An Enchanted Evening: The Music of Broadway
In Good Company
Lee Lessack
Brian Lane Green

ASIN: B00000I8CK
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

Dreamers
It Feels Like Home
Storybook
The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress
I Know You By Heart
Dreamscape
When October Goes
Much At All
I Can See It
I'll Imagine You A Song
Endless Night
Right As The Rain/Soon It's Gonna Rain
Perfect

Amazon.com

With a lovely tenor that might remind you of Michael Ball without the angst, cabaret veteran Lee Lessack fills his second solo album with romantic ballads from contemporary songwriters. "Dreamers" was written by Marvin Hamlisch for the quickly defunct show Jean Seberg, while Frank Wildhorn's "Storybook" is from the slightly more successful Scarlet Pimpernel. Other gems include John Bucchino's "It Feels Like Home," Jimmy Webb's "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress," Stephen Schwartz's "Dreamscape," Ann Hampton Callaway's "Perfect," and "Endless Night" from The Lion King. Turn on this gentle collection and start dreaming. --David Horiuchi

Album Description

The follow-up to his critically-acclaimed, self-titled solo recording, I Know You By Heart, features musical arrangements and orchestrations by Hearts of Space recording artist, John Boswell, and material by an eclectic mix of some of the most talented songwriters from the worlds of Broadway, cabaret and pop music including, Stephen Schwartz, Frank Wildhorn, Marvin Hamlisch, Barry Manilow, Harold Arlen, Hans Zimmer, Ann Hampton Callaway and John Bucchino, to name a few.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect Vocal Delivery Backed by Perfect Arranging.......2006-12-26

In short, this album masterfully combines vocal artistry with perfect arranging. Lessack's voice soars yet retains a softness, caressing rather than belting the notes and effectively merging lyrics and delivery. The opening song "Dreamers" sets the album's lyrical and musical tone--great music performed perfectly. Check Lessack's delivery of Manilow's "When October Goes." If you don't sense the song's bittersweet combination of reminiscing and anticipation, you're not listening. Then listen to the album's centerpiece, "Dreamscape." An incredible work that has been recorded by several artists; Lessack nails it, however, creating what other artists fall short of. Other favorites include "Storybook," "Much at All," "I'll Imagine You a Song," and "Right as the Rain." However, the album provides such a complete experience that listeners will want to listen to it as a unified work.

He Certainly Has Heart.......2005-10-10

Not only does Lee Lessack have the best voice around today, his heart must be bigger than all outdoors. That's the only way I can explain how he managed to take three of my favorite songs by three immensely talented singer-songwriters and record, what in my opinion are the definitive versions of all three songs - "When October Goes," with lyrics by Johnny Mercer and music by Barry Manilow, "Much At All" by Susan Werner, and "Perfect" by Ann Hampton Callaway. How often do you find a singer that can seemingly take a song to a completely different level -- I hesitate to say "better" -- than the person who wrote it? From my years of listening to and loving music, I would say it almost never occurs. It is because of the song, "Perfect," that I found Mr. Lessack's recording in the first place. I love that song so much I was looking for sheet music for it, and stumbled across Lee's recording. I am eternally grateful that I did.

I don't understand why some other reviewers find fault with the orchestration on this CD - I love it and find it complements Lee's voice perfectly. But like all reviews - just my opinion. And it's my opinion that he's the best singer around in any genre. I don't think I've ever heard a singer who can move me so, and with whose music I feel such a connection. This CD - as are all of Lee's recordings - is truly a joy to hear.

Truly for Dreamers....!.......2005-09-17

"I Know You By Heart" is truly a CD of songs for the Dreamer in all of us!.....Lee's voice, his presentation of these songs is SPECTACULAR...! This man is truly brilliant and everyone needs to hear his voice at least once. But then again...once is not enough....you will play his music from here to the end of eternity!

I have played this CD and find myself singing, dancing and crying from the beautiful touching words.....Lee's voice pulls you in once again, his voice hugs you and you never want him to let go....He makes you feel like a close personal friend...someone he is singing too while expressing heartfelt emotions through a voice that is second to none!....The passion and love in his voice cannot be missed....This man has it...it is part of his DNA!

I am overwhelmed by his artistry on a daily basis....Lee's voice commands you to sit still and listen...for each word will enter your soul....and remain there.....He shares his feelings so deeply through these songs....this man is gifted beyond words...

Powerful songs, sung with an overwhelming feeling of love, joy and happiness.

Lee....You are am amazing artist...your voice feels like the softness of velvet....so perfectly smooth. A picture is worth a thousand words they say, and the cover photo says it all....for I smile just listening to these tracks...I can only imagine the joy you had in your heart while making this CD....

Again chills up and down my spine.....

"I Just Believe in Music!" and so will everyone who hears this CD....this voice....the pure MAGIC!

Love, Maureen

Class-A Cabaret.......2001-10-22

I discovered this CD as I was tracking down covers of John Bucchino's songs. Lee Lessack does a fine job with "It Feels Like Home," which is a gorgeous, soul-stirring work (although I think the best version is by Daisy Prince on "Grateful: The Songs of John Bucchino").

I'm very happy to discover Lee Lessack. This collection offers an interesting assortment-- "I Know You By Heart" (also covered by Eva Cassidy, beautifully); When October Goes (timely!); "Endless Night" (sparse, stirring); "I Can See It" (gorgeous harmonies thanks to Brian Lane Green and John Boswell); Jimmy Webb's "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress."

Producer and pianist John Boswell deserves much credit for making this CD such a delight. Unlike some reviewers here, I fell the arrangements and accompaniment complement Lessack's voice perfectly. As to his voice: I think it is marvelous-- clear, crisp, powerful, poignant. It is "theatrical" in the most glowing connotations of that word.

If you are a fan of cabaret, great voices, and/or moving music, this CD is for you.

One of very few can move me...Lee does every time.......2001-09-14

This album is beautiful in every way. The orchestrations and arrangements are so wonderful and fresh, the songs are rich in story and sentiment, and Lee is no less than brilliant. Mr. Lessack connects with each song and entrances me when I listen to him. Bravo!