Way with Words

Track Listings

1. Children of the Dust

2. I Could Have Missed It All

3. Graveclothes

4. Man Is Quicker Than the Eye

5. He's Got a Way With Words

6. I Want to Praise Him One More Time

7. Something from the Throne Room

8. Something Out of Nothing

9. Living in Canaaland

10. There's Something About That Name

Way with Words, Music, The Freemans, Gospel, Gospel/Christian Music, Pop, Southern Gospel

Mendelssohn: Elijah
Average customer rating:

Wonderful, but not my first choice

THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever...

Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah

Mendelssohn: Elijah

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation

Mendelssohn - Elijah / Terfel, Fleming, Bardon, Ainsley, Fulgoni, Paul Daniel

Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde

Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) / Auger, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Robert Shaw

Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem]

ASIN: B0002XV31A
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
Overture
No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
No.4: If With All Your Hearts
No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
No.20: Thanks Be To God!

Tracks:

No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
No.31: O Rest In The Lord
No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07

I believe this was the first recording of Elijah in English that used an "international" conductor and some international singers. Fruhbeck gives a good, dramatic sweep to the piece, with some wonderful dramatic moments. This is an old fashioned performance, with only a solo quartet, and if there is a semi-chorus, I can't tell the difference. This means that the soprano is the Widow, and an Angel, the mezzo the Angel and Queen Jezabel, etc. You really should have a libretto, but you don't get one at this price.
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.

THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15

Okay, I'm gonna admit I'm biased- I first sung in the chorus of Elijah when I was 14 and it made a BIG impression on me!
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.

That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.

All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.

Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03

This is a good recording of an oratorio that deserves more attention. The chorus and soloists are very good--I just wish Fischer-Diskau wouldn't slide around so much in singing the title part!

Steel Pier (1997 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Kander and Ebbs' Score Stands Alone
Great Score, lousy show.
Kander and Ebb in a Major Key
Weak Plot ... Nice Score
WONDERFUL!

Steel Pier (1997 Original Broadway Cast)
Fred Ebb
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Act (1977 Original Broadway Cast)
The Rink (1984 Original Broadway Cast)
The Happy Time (1968 Original Broadway Cast)
Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000003GAQ
Release Date: 1997-07-29

Tracks:

Overture - Orchestra
Prelude - Orchestra/Daniel McDonald
Willing To Ride - Karen Ziemba
Everybody Dance - Gregory Harrison/Mary Illes/Rosa Curry/Sarah Solie Shannon/Ronn Carroll/Gregory Mitchell...
Second Chance - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba
A Powerful Thing - Gregory Harrison/Ronn Caroll
Dance With Me/The Last Girl - Gregory Harrison/Mary Illes/Rosa Curry/Sarah Solie Shannon/Daniel McDonald/Ensemble
The Shag - Orchestra
Everybody's Girl - Debra Monk
Two Step - Orchestra
Wet - Karen Ziemba/Daniel McDonald
Harmonica Specialty - John C. Havens
Lovebird - Karen Ziemba/Adam Pelty/Gregory Mitchell/Daniel McDonald/Ensemble
The Sprints - Gregory Harrison/Ronn Carroll/Daniel McDonald/Company
Entr'Acte - Orchestra
Leave The World Behind - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba/Ensemble
Somebody Older - Debra Monk/Jim Newman
Running In Place - Karen Ziemba
Two Little Words - Kristin Chenoweth/Gregory Harrison/Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba/Adam Pelty/Company
First You Dream - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba
Steel Pier - Gregory Harrison/Mary Illes/Rosa Curry/Sarah Solie Shannon
Steel Pier (Reprise) - Karen Ziemba/Gregory Harrison/Company
Final Dance - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba/John Kander

Customer Reviews:

Kander and Ebbs' Score Stands Alone.......2007-01-21

The biggest criticism of this Broadway musical was the book. It allegedly meandered, bored the audience and included unfocussed or unnecessary sequences such as the "dream sequence". Well, I never saw the show and can only evaluate this score on its own merits. Based on that alone, it's a complete winner. Memorable songs, great performances, and the score itself tell a clear story that might have been muddled by an overly fussy book (again, that's from heresay...I never saw the show, which flopped in its initial presentation -- unfortunately, because there is much to admire and enjoy in this typically complex Kander and Ebb score).

First of all, top-rate performances abound here. Karen Ziemba makes every one of her songs sail into the stratosphere. She is a true wonder and deserved her Tony nomination against incredible competition (Bebe Neuwirth got it for the much more popular "Chicago", but Ziemba's her equal). Debra Monk once again makes her mark as a Broadway character actress, although her song "Everybody's Girl" is easily the worst song in the show and certainly beneath Kander and Ebbs' standard, but she wins you over with her energetic and well-placed rendition. Daniel MacDonald does a suberb job as the ill-fated hero, exposing innocence and wry commentary in his very presence, but he is equalled by Gregory Harrison's slimy and ultimately ferocious performance as Mick, the emcee.

The score evokes the time (the 1930s) without relying on pastiche to put it over. Of note, Ziemba's intro, "Willing to Ride", the ensemble "Everybody Dance" (which gives Harrison his chance to shine), "Two Little Words" (which provides the auspicious debut of a most impressive Kristen Chenowith and augers the great things yet to come for her), the touching "First you Dream" and, finally, the both ferocious and mournful reprises of the title song display a powerful and underrated score that deserves reevaluation.

If the book got it wrong, the composers and actors got it quite right the first time. This Original Cast Recording will always be proof positive of that undeniable fact. Always "dream".

Great Score, lousy show........2006-07-22

I think it's one of Kander and Ebbs best, better than Chicago and close to Cabaret. Sadly, the book ruined the show, it bored people. Yet, listening to the ravishing music on the CD, it's hard to realize that it all didn't come together. Maybe someday, someone will revise the book and make it work. Till then, enjoy the CD, it's absolutly gorgeous, had great character numbers, spirited dance numbers and dazzling ballads. The performances are wonderful, with Gregory Harrison (who knew Trapper John could sing?) , Daniel MacDonald and Karen Ziemba shining through on every song. The opening and closing theme is haunting.

Kander and Ebb in a Major Key.......2006-02-09

I first heard excerpts from this on Accuradio.com, and thought it sounded great. It is. In the Kander and Ebb canon, Steel Pier may not rank with Chicago, but I enjoy listening to it as much as to Cabaret. It's sweeter and less dark than either of those, but set in the same period (1933) and just as evocative of that period.

First, the performances of the leads are excellent. Karen Ziemba is superb. Daniel McDonald has a wonderful light baritone, and who knew Gregory Harrison (Trapper John, M.D.) could sing, let alone sing well. Debra Monk performs an excellent comic turn. Kristen Chenoweth's Broadway debut number was corny as can be, but did show off her talent and range well.

The music is just wonderful. Willing to Ride is a spirited waltz. Everybody Dance is a near-perfect Charleston opener top the dance marathon that forms the backbone of the plot. Power is a Powerful Thing may be a little weak in the lyrics, but its set to a spirited and charming ragtime melody. Dance with Me and The Last Girl are sung in a medley format. This is almost a shame because both numbers are excellent in their own right. In fact, The Last Girl is as gorgeous a ballad as you can find anywhere.

Wet is a tinkling, sparkling number in which Ms. Ziemba charms, and Mr. McDonald has a teriffic counterpoint melody. Ms. Monk has a showstopper in Everybody's Girl and a torchy number with Somebody Older. The Shag is a dance piece that may be the best number of all. It seems to alternate between twenties hot jazz and the swing that was just starting to be heard around then. There's also a great bluesy harmonica specialty number, whose only flaw is that it's too short. All in all, the score is a gem, especially compared to most of what we've heard in the last twenty years or so.

This is one of those recordings that makes you wonder why the show was a flop. I went back and read the reviews. Basically they didn't like the plot and felt the production strained too hard to be likeable, but lacked energy at the same time. The show also suffered from comparison to the stunning revival of Chicago that opened in the same season. The critics even managed to be lukewarm on the score. The show closed shortly after being nominated for eleven Tony's and winning none - that was the year Titanic swept the boards. With all that, I'd still say the score is marvelous when heard on its own merits. And I'd go to see a revival if someone would do it. Buy it. I recommend it without reservation.

Weak Plot ... Nice Score.......2005-08-06

The overall plot for Kander & Ebb's 1997 "Steel Pier" is fairly weak, but the score is actually quite good and sung by a terrific cast (Karen Ziemba, Daniel McDonald, Debra Monk, Gregory Harrison, and Kristin Chenowith). Not in the same league as their brilliant "Chicago", "Cabaret" or "Kiss Of The Spider Woman", but a worthy effort with several nice tunes.

Best tracks:

Willing To Ride
Second Chance
Running In Place
First You Dream

Unfortunately, "Steel Pier" was overshadowed by that season's remarkable revival of "Chicago" and dreadful "Titanic". A fine addition, however, to a theatre-lover's collection!

WONDERFUL!.......2005-04-28

I love this album! I bought it a few weeks ago and from the moment I listened to "Two Little Words" I knew this was going to be one of my favorites! The music absolutely gorgeous! I reccomend it!

Average customer rating:

What!? How is this possible?
Beauty and grace, charm and wit - Maury's got it all
A perfect marriage of music and lyrics
The Maury Yeston Songbook
One of the best broadway/composer compilations ever made!

The Maury Yeston Songbook
Maury Yeston , Christine Andreas , Brent Barrett , Betty Buckley , Liz Callaway , Alice Ripley , Sutton Foster , Brian d'Arcy James , and Philip Chaffin
Manufacturer: P.S. Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Maury Yeston Songbook
The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
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December Songs
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ASIN: B00008H2LJ
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

Please Let's Not Even Say Hello - Alice Ripley
Only with You - Brent Barrett
I Want to Go to Hollywood - Sutton Foster
Danglin' - Johnny Rodgers
I Had a Dream About You - Betty Buckley
My True Love - Philip Chaffin
A Call from the Vatican - Alice Ripley
Now and Then - Laura Benanti
You're There Too - Christopher Fitzgerald
Is Someone Out There? - Eden Espinosa
New Words - Brent Barrett
My Grandmother's Love Letters - Christine Ebersole
By the River - Christine Andreas
I Am Longing - Philip Chaffin
Home - Laura Benanti & Robert Cuccioli
Another Day in the Modern World - Michael Holland
Simple - Liz Callaway
Unusual Way - Brian d'Arcy James
Be On Your Own - Betty Buckley
No Moon - Howard McGillin

Amazon.com

Despite racking up Tony nominations and/or box-office success with Nine, Grand Hotel, and Titanic, Maury Yeston remains a relatively unknown Broadway auteur. And yet, what a fabulous songwriter he is. Listen to "Home," for instance: This excerpt from Phantom (the other adaptation of Phantom of the Opera) has great melodic hooks, along with natural sweep and unrestrained emotion. Like every song on this CD, it also has such dramatic drive that it easily stands on its own outside of its regular narrative frame. This collection of new recordings provides an excellent overview of Yeston's talent, juxtaposing numbers from his three best-known scores (though there's only one from Titanic) with rarities and a generous selection from his 1991 song cycle December Songs. Christine Ebersole, Liz Callaway, and Betty Buckley turn in expectedly strong performances, but watch also for Laura Benanti (the star of the 2003 revival of Nine), Christine Andreas, and Foster Sutton, who completely make the material theirs. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Description

The Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist -- who's given us the smash hit musicals Titanic, Phantom and Grand Hotel, and whose first stage show, Nine, is currently being revived in New York with Antonio Banderas -- is celebrated in song by the best stars o

Customer Reviews:

What!? How is this possible?.......2007-01-20

How could one put together a Maury Yeston Songbook cd without a track from Andrea Marcovicci? He wrote a song cycle for her. Granted there are some great singers here but a grave oversight to not include Ms Marcovicci.

Beauty and grace, charm and wit - Maury's got it all.......2006-11-14

Maury Yeston may be musical theatre's unsung genius to the public at large, but I've heard his praises sung many times. A friend convinced me to buy the original Broadway cast of "Nine", and while there were some fantastic songs and an undeniable melodic gift throughout, it left me lukewarm. The same with "Grand Hotel". And I couldn't stand "Titanic" - too big, too self-important, too reliant on booming low brass and bombastic orchestral swells.

"Phantom" was the only one of his scores that touched something other than distanced admiration in me. It was everything Sir Lloyd Webber's popera travesty could never quite aspire to - epic yet human, beautiful and touching, with songs that showed actual details and emotions. So it was with that in mind that I purchased this, figuring that maybe Maury could prove me wrong, shorn from the restrictions of a book musical format.

And by God, did he prove me right and then some.

Maybe it's the singers. Maybe it's the perfect orchestrations. Maybe it's just the absence of a plot to follow. More than likely, it's all three, but this is one of the most gorgeous, enjoyable, heartbreaking albums I've ever purchased. Yeston has assembled an impressive cast to give voice to his music - such heavy Broadway hitters as Alice Ripley, Brent Barrett, Betty Buckley, Christine Ebersole and Howard McGillin mix with up-and-comers like Eden Espinosa, Sutton Foster, and Brian d'Arcy James. But the most impressive turns are given by people I'd never heard of before - Johnny Rodgers (who?) has a voice spun from gold, and he's absolutely perfect in "Danglin'", a simple and powerful song despite some odd lyric choices by Yeston. Likewise Philip Chaffin in "My True Love" and "I Am Longing", and Michael Holland displays a warm and untrained performance of "Another Day in the Modern World". These three men, who I'd never heard of before, absolutely stole the show. It doesn't hurt that they're given some of the best songs from the album.

Of course, the rest of the ensemble uniformly turns in worthwhile performances. The professionalism of Broadway is gloriously evident here, each singer making their song uniquely theirs. Brent Barrett made me hear "Only With You" as if for the first time. Betty Buckley is surprisingly vulnerable in "I Had A Dream About You". Alice Ripley is her usual bundle of raw emotion in "Please Let's Not Even Say Hello", and turns in a rare comic performance in "Call From The Vatican" to great effect (listen to that surprise high note near the end! Wow, Alice!). Christine Ebersole is heartbroken, elated, vulnerable, and tough all in the course of "Grandmother's Love Letters"' 4 minutes.

There are some weak spots - Eden Espinosa is mostly one-note during her song, and while it's certainly a high note, it's nothing you haven't heard her do better elsewhere. Laura Benanti's "Now and Then" goes by without much notice, which is a shame for this talented actress. And Betty Buckley goes back to her usual high-volume stridence in "Be On Your Own", which despite its chilling music deserves a more nuanced performance than Buckley gives here. But these songs would be standouts on any other album, and it's only the company they keep that prevent them from being excellent.

Oh, and "Unusual Way", possibly Yeston's best-known song, is so beautifully performed here by Brian d'Arcy James and a three-piece band that I nearly cried hearing it. And that's quite a feat for a song that I swore never to listen to again after the seventeenth girl in a day auditioned with it (badly). But the gender swap works perfectly, and d'Arcy James' golden Irish tenor swings through the music effortlessly.

As for the band - there are no missteps here. Each song is given exactly what it needs, from the Romantic-with-a-capital-R string section on "Home", to the jazzy saxophone on "Letter From the Vatican", to "Be On Your Own", which is given a Herrmann-esque string section. Some particular touches stand out - that lovely acoustic guitar on "Danglin'", the simple piano line on "Modern World", and the sublime cello/piano outro in "Unusual Way" really stuck with me after the album stopped playing. And the recording is without fault - crisp, encompassing, personable and expansive as the mood requires. The whole album sounds fantastic.

There is such a wide range of style and substance here that each song would deserve purchasing individually. As a collection? It's bliss. If you're a fan of theater music, appreciate great vocals, or just need something to keep you company on long nights, this is required purchase.

A perfect marriage of music and lyrics.......2006-09-07

I think Yeston must be the most underrated talent in music theatre. And not just music theatre ... for as far as I know, "Danglin'" is not from a show - a jewel of a song ... and a disarmingly honest rendition from Johnny Rogers (what a beautiful voice! Why hasn't he made more CD's?) Some other favourites are "New Words" (not enough parent-child love songs out there ... and I can't imagine it could be sung any better than this), "You're there too" (with a charming and unexpected twist), "Simple" (Callaway is superb), "Only With You" (loveable rogue!) ... to name but a few. Inspired music theatre writing. A must for any musical buff, composer or singer seeking repertoire that will help them stand out from the crowd.

The Maury Yeston Songbook.......2006-08-30

A good album sung by good singers. I have been an admirer of Maury Yeston for a number of years . I am a great fan of "Nine"
which I consider his best work.(If possible try to listen to the
Australian Cast Recording with John Diedrich) I enjoy listening to artists like Alice Ripley, Brent Barrett, Sutton Foster,and my very favourite singer Liz Callaway. All in all a great CD to just sit back ,relax and enjoy Les Breen

One of the best broadway/composer compilations ever made!.......2006-06-29

There are so many brilliant performances on this CD that I don't even know where to begin. From start to finish, this CD sweeps you away on a rollercoaster of emotions. Now, this CD isn't perfect by any means; a few of the artists are performing songs that aren't really suited to their abilities, but the heart is there and that's really all that matters in the end.

If you love Broadway, if you love GOOD music in general, and you want to be moved by songs rather than merely entertained, you must get this CD.

Average customer rating:

Unsurpassed vocal artistry!
Richard Conrads singing is heavenly
Noel Coward without Noel

Coward: Songs "A Room with a View"

Manufacturer: Newport Classic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000JCA4
Release Date: 1999-06-15

Tracks:

Where Are The Songs We Sung?
Mrs. Worthington
A Room With A View
Josephine
Poor Little Rich Girl
Parisian Pierrot
You Were There
Medley: I Travel Alone
Why Does Love Get In The Way?
Never Again
If Love Were All
Matelot
Sigh No More
I Saw No Shadow On The Sea
Dance, Little Lady
Uncle Harry
The Party's Over Now

Customer Reviews:

Unsurpassed vocal artistry!.......1999-08-14

These selected Noël Coward songs are beautifully rendered. Mr. Conrad's singing is unique and of an artistic caliber seldom heard in any genre let alone in popular and stage music. He sings as if he's lived these songs, all the wit and pathos of Coward's writing manifested with immediacy and heart. Mr. Merrill's piano accompaniment is also wonderful. Listen to the enticing play with rhythm that occurs between these two artist. This album will last. I only wish there were many more like it.

Richard Conrads singing is heavenly.......1999-06-14

The Beautiful Melodies of Richard Conrad make these Noel Coward songs so wonderful. I just loved it!

Noel Coward without Noel.......1999-06-10

Coward was not only a clever chap with lyrics ("Mad Dogs and Englishmen") and now and then with a hauntingly beautiful melody ("Some Day I'll Find You"), but he was also a masterful interpreter of his own songs. On this Newport offering, we must be content with Richard Conrad, a pleasant singer who makes this Coward-sans-Coward concert very easy to take. Running a little short at 52:04 minutes, this CD gives us 17 tracks of vintage and not so vintage Coward that is a wonderful salute to the man by "the acclaimed Coward stylist...in celebration of Sir Noel's 100th birthday" (as the liner notes say). With a capable piano accompaniment, Conrad's delivery is well sung (perhaps a bit too well, compared with Coward's famous non-singer delivery); but as with most offerings of this kind, do not attempt the whole disc at one hearing. Perhaps someone will put out a "Sons of Gilbert" program with Coward, Porter, Wodehouse, and Larry Hart lyrics. Perhaps.

Average customer rating:

A century of British art songs to delight those who love them

English Song

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Treasury of English Song
Favorite English Songs
The Complete Songs, Vol. 4
Songs by Roger Quilter
The Complete Songs of Charles Ives, Vol. 3

ASIN: B0002JEG6I
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

A Soft Day - Bernadette Greevy
Irish Skies - Bernadette Greevy
Cherry Ripe - Janice Watson
Mustard And Cress - Neal Davies
The Lily Of A Day - Janice Watson
Henry King - Neal Davies
Fain Would I Change That Note - Graham Johnson
In Summer-Time On Bredon - Christopher Maltman
The Lads In Their Hundreds - Christopher Maltman
Among The Rocks - Graham Johnson
It Was A Lover And His Lass - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
The Water Mill - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
On Wenlock Edge - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
The Call - Graham Johnson
Silent Noon - Graham Johnson
Now In These Fairylands - Philip Langridge
The Dream-City - Philip Langridge
Margrete's Cradle Song - Susan Gritton
The Heart Worships - Christopher Maltman
Take, O Those Lips Away - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal - Graham Johnson
Love Calls Through The Summer Night - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
I Will Go With My Father A-Ploughing - Graham Johnson
The Rio Grande (Capstan Shanty) - Ian Partridge
Theodore, Or The Pirate King - Ian Partridge
A Long Time Ago (Hilliard's Shanty) - Ian Partridge
Oh Dear, What Can The Matter Be? - Bernadette Greevy

Tracks:

The Grenadier - Richard Edgar-Wilson
The Young Lover - Richard Edgar-Wilson
Betty And Johnny - Richard Edgar-Wilson
Rise Up And Reach The Stars - Richard Edgar-Wilson
The Bells - Nik Hancock-Child
Ann's Cradle Song - Nik Hancock-Child
As I Lay In The Early Sun - Nik Hancock-Child
The Cherry Tree - Nik Hancock-Child
Dusk - Nik Hancock-Child
Peter Warlock's Fancy - John Constable
The Frostbound Wood - John Constable
Chopcherry - John Constable
A Sad Song - John Constable
Rutterkin - John Constable
Bethlehem Down - John Constable
Wapping Old Stairs - Felicity Lott
Long Steel Grass - Martyn Hill
Tango-Pasodoble - Martyn Hill
Popular Song - Martyn Hill
Beatriz's Song - Felicity Lott
Lay Your Sleeping Head, My Love - Philip Langridge
Early One Morning - Felicity Lott
The Foggy, Foggy View - Philip Langridge
Now The Leaves Are Falling Fast - Philip Langridge
Tell Me The Truth About Love - Della Jones
The Choirmaster's Burial - Philip Langridge

Customer Reviews:

A century of British art songs to delight those who love them.......2006-06-26

These 53 songs have been collected by Naxos from their extensive acquisitions from Collins Classics, and perhaps other British sources now out of business. There's a steady cottage industry, year after year, producing the typical English art song, which is usually based on folk songs, but even in more modern idioms is profuondly conservative and nostaligic. Half these songs, not to mention half the composers, are totally unknown to American audiences, but the familiar names of Vaughan Williams and Britten represent high quality, and the lesser lights, such as Warlock and Quilter, are mainstays in this repertoire.

I'd challenge all but the most addicted listener to make it through more than ten songs at a sitting, and many of these pieces are tepid, offering comfort rather than inspiration. The singers are among the best, but Graham Johnson and Steuart Beford, who do most of the accompaniments, are lackluster. I know that won't be a popular comment, yet if you compare any of these songs with rendiitons done by Janet Baker, John Shirley-quirk, and most recently Bryn Terfel and Ian Bostridge, you immediately notice how much more intensity and drama is pesent than htis colleciton reveals.

Average customer rating:

Keelaghan hits 'HOME' once again...
Solid modern folk music
James is picking up where Stan Rogers left us

Home
James Keelaghan
Manufacturer: Appleseed Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Then Again
Road
A Recent Future
My Skies
Timelines

ASIN: B000060P8L
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Tracks:

Red-Winged Blackbird
Henry's Downfall
Sinatra And I
The Flower Of Magherally
October 70
Woodsmoke And Oranges
Sing My Heart Home
Stonecutter
Nothing
You Know Me

Amazon.com

"I have to admit there's a strange tale between us," sings James Keelaghan at the start of "Sinatra and I," a song from Home. It's only after a couple of verses that the Juno-winning folkie lets on he's talking about a four-legged companion--the Sinatra of the title. Sinatra is named for his eyes, although it "Turns out as well/He's a pretty good singer/Though he tends more to blues/Than to strangers at night." A talented storyteller, songwriter, and guitarist, Keelaghan fills his sixth solo album (he also released a collaboration with guitarist Oscar Lopez in 1997) with stories and songs about home, nature, and politics. Some are achingly beautiful, such as "Red-Winged Blackbird" and "Sing My Heart Home"; others are whimsical, such as "Sinatra and I" and the closing love song "You Know Me." A couple of cautionary tales and the traditional "The Flower of Magherally" bring some sober moments to the disc. For the most part, the songs use minimal backing; the album crests with the jubilant violin of "October 70" while Keelaghan backs up his anti-rhetoric statement "Nothing" with harsh, windy electric guitar. Throughout, the Calgary native's voice is even and sturdy, his words poetic ("My best laid plans gone like chaff upon the wind"), and his playing graceful, making Home a warm, comforting place to visit. --Shawn Conner

Customer Reviews:

Keelaghan hits 'HOME' once again..........2002-10-09

Every time JK releases a new album I think it can't possibly live up to the last but he's done it again with Home! Every album has at least one song that reaches out and touches your heart - this one is no exception - Stonecutters brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it... it's up there with Captain Torres, Cold Missouri Waters, and Kiri's piano...

If you don't own any James Keelaghan recordings yet, do yourself a favour and order one (or them all!) today...

Solid modern folk music.......2002-09-10

The earnest, urgent folkie crowd has a long tradition of gravelly-voiced, old-man-ish crooners, those who prefer gruff utterances over sensitive guy warbliness -- Stan Rogers, Ewan MacColl and Roy Bailey all come to mind. James Keelaghan is currently one of the best practitioners of this style; his burnished, hushed tones have a pleasant timbre, and when combined with strong, tasteful arrangements, sound quite compelling. This album is one of his best -- the backup music is melodic and rich, it sticks to the backwoods/back porch side of things doesn't stray into New Agey synthiness or other musical goop. And the songs are also pretty good... there's the occasional forced moment, as on the political tune, "Nothing," but the preachiness is saved for the album's end, and by then Keelaghan should have won you over. If you're looking for a record to redeem your faith in modern folk music, give this one a shot.

James is picking up where Stan Rogers left us.......2002-07-06

Garnet Rogers is Stan's brother, and he is a talent in his own right. I don't feel a comparison of him to Stan is just or required.
But James reminds me of Stan often. His grand songs and stories of (Canadian) history. The deep voice. The wicked sense of humour. The great live performances. The wonderful renditions of other writer's songs or those by "Trad."
In terms of this recording, it is less 'produced' than some of James' other releases. It is also kind of low-key, so it feels like a sing-along in your living room.
Highly recommended to those who love the voice of James Keelaghan.

The Water Gipsies (Original London Cast) with Bonus Tracks

Average customer rating:

The Water Gipsies (Original London Cast) with Bonus Tracks

Manufacturer: Sepia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Buccaneer (Original London Cast) and Bonus Tracks
Salad Days (1954 Original London Cast)
Baker Street, A Musical Adventure of Sherlock Holmes (1965 Original Broadway Cast)
The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000CNDXH2
Release Date: 2005-12-26

Tracks:

Overture - Orchestra
Why Did You Call Me Lily? - Dora Bryan
Clip-Clop - Laurie Payne
I Should Worry - Dora Bryan
When I'm Washing Up - Pamela Charles
Jane's Prayer - Pamela Charles
Lily's Tale - Dora Bryan
He Doesn't Care - Peter Graves
Castles And Hearts And Roses - Laurie Payne
Peace And Quiet/Little Boat - Laurie Payne
Why Should Spring Have All The Flowers? - Doris Hare
This Is Our Secret - Peter Graves
It Would Cramp My Style - Dora Bryan
You Never Know With Men - Dora Bryan
Here's Mud In Your Eye - Chorus
I'm Not A Jealous Woman - Joan Sims
Finale - Chorus
I'm So Terribly In Love With You - Robert English
I Never Dreamt (You'd Fall In Love With Me) - Lido Dance Orchestra
My Heart Is Saying - Billy Milton
Selections From 'Little Tommy Tucker' - The Million-Airs
You Looked At Me - Olive Groves
My Heart's A Compass - Olive Groves
You Have That Extra Something - Phyllis Stanley
Three Songs From 'Big Ben' - Vivian Ellis
Three Waltzes From 'Big Ben' - Vivian Ellis
Selections From 'Tough At The Top' Part One - Vivian Ellis
Selections From 'Tough At The Top' Part Two - Vivian Ellis
The Music From 'And So To Bed' Part One - Vivian Ellis
The Music From 'And So To Bed' Part Two - Vivian Ellis

Album Description

English composer Vivian Ellis had a prolific career spanning five decades, during which she wrote nearly 70 West End shows. The Water Gipsies was a 1955 collaboration between Ellis and A.P. Herbert. Contains the cast recording of The Water Gipsies plus bonus tracks including early Ellis compositions, many appearing on CD for the first time!

Average customer rating:

thoroughly enjoyable
quirky....and worth it

Unsung Musicals III (Studio Cast)
Jolie Jenkins , Judy Malloy , Kristine Fraelich , Melissa Joan Hart , Patricia Ben Peterson , Patrick Levis , Sal Viviano , Tammy Minoff , and Steve Orich
Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Unsung Musicals II (Studio Cast)
Unsung Musicals (Studio Cast)
Lost in Boston, Vol. 4
Lost in Boston II Unsung Musicals
Unsung Musicals - The Ultimate Collection

ASIN: B000001506
Release Date: 1997-05-20

Tracks:

Nothing To Do With Love: From Personals - Burstein, Hindman, Malloy, Simard, Timmerman Tisdale
At The Same Time: From Freaky Friday - Tammy Minoff, Patrick Levis
Penny By Penny: From A Christmas Carol - Sal Viviano
A Wonderful Life: From A Wonderful Life - Glory Crampton
Jenny Rebecca: From To Whom it Concern - Alet Oury
Maria's Song: From Smile - Diana Canova
Reveille Sun: From Here's Where I Belong - Glory Crampton
Don't Live Inside Of Yourself: From A Mother's Kisses - Melissa Hart
Wishes Won't Wash Dishes: From The Bone Room - Guy Haines
In A State: From A Wonderful Life - Brent Barrett
Simple Words: From Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen - Patricia Ben Peterson
Didn't Leave It Here: From Brownstone - Kristine Fraelich, Jolie Jenkins
Hundreds Of Hats: From Diamonds - Jason workman
Hero: From Babe - Debbie Gravitte
Do It With Drums: From Murder At The Vanities - Harry Groener

Customer Reviews:

thoroughly enjoyable.......1999-08-12

The melodic hramonies and at times humorous themes to these songs are catchy and enjoyable; they may be unsung but once heard they will not be forgotten.....it makes you wonder why didn't this show make it and yet Cats has been around forever?

quirky....and worth it.......1999-03-07

this one will leave you humming strange dittys and will allow you to entertain even the most die hard broadway musical buffs with things they have never heard

Growing Up With the Classics, A Children's Treasury of Piano Music Classics & Favorite Poems

Average customer rating:

Growing Up With the Classics, A Children's Treasury of Piano Music Classics & Favorite Poems

Manufacturer: Classic Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Musettes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000GBTD
Release Date: 1998-11-01

Tracks:

A Kite/ F.D. Sherman
About Foreign Places and People/ Robert Schumann
Venetian Gondola Song II/ Felix Mendelssohn
In the Meadow/ Christina Rossetti
The Breeze/ Old English Rhyme
May Sweet May/ Robert Schumann
Who Has Seen the Wind? / C. Rossetti
Trees/ H. Behn
Moonlit Meadows/ Sergei Prokofiev
Haiku
The Moonship
Nocturne in Eb/ Frederic Chopin
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star/Nursery Rhyme

Album Description

The only CD of it's kind to provide both spoken poetry and classical piano music for children and adults. Contains 33 tracks of poetry with sound effects and piano music for children by 23 master composers and authors from around the world. From Bach to Brahms to Bartok and Mozart to Mendelssohn to Mother Goose, these selections are originally intended for children. Works included span the last 200 years. Some of the poetry includes works by Robert Louis Stevenson, Christina Rossetti and Kate Greenaway. The selections are arranged so that first 15 tracks of the recording contain soothing selections such as imagery filled poems, a nocturne, and lullabyes with the next 18 tracks being more energetic containing rhythmic poetry, marches and dances and even ragtime. Each poetry section gently leads the listener into it's paired musical selection.

Average customer rating:

Up to My Neck
Delmark Goldfarb
Manufacturer: Tone Pome Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0009R1SJ6
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Tracks:

Shoot the Angels Down
I Need Your Love
Portable Man
Got Something Good With Her
Hungry For My Baby's Love
Don't Bring Me No Flowers
Somebody's Got the Blues
If You Lose Your Money
Mr. Jailer Man

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Children of the Dust
2. I Could Have Missed It All
3. Graveclothes
4. Man Is Quicker Than the Eye
5. He's Got a Way With Words
6. I Want to Praise Him One More Time
7. Something from the Throne Room
8. Something Out of Nothing
9. Living in Canaaland
10. There's Something About That Name