The Way Up

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
For nearly 30 years, guitarist Pat Metheny and his longtime musical cohort, pianist/keyboardist Lyle Mays, have covered an incredible amount of diverse material. On their debut recording for this label, they and their international group--bassist Steve Rodby, Mexican drummer Antonio Sanchez, Vietnamese trumpeter Coung Vu, and the Swiss-born harmonica virtuoso Gregoire Maret--distill that diversity into a continuous 68-minute opus. The challenge here lies in sustaining the melodic narrative thread while keeping the sound of surprise. Thanks to Mays's evocative pianisms and Metheny's array of acoustic, electric, and synthesized guitars, the group pulls it off. For Metheny fans this disc contains elements of his most acclaimed recordings, from the straight-ahead swing of Question and Answer and the folk-fusion of Offramp, to the Afro-Latin tinges of We Live Here, the atonally adventurous Zero Tolerance for Silence, and the Asian impressionism of Secret Story. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Product Description
The Way Up represents, in the words of guitarist Pat Metheny himself, "our most ambitious undertaking ever as a group"-a single, brilliant 68-minute piece composed by Metheny and his collaborator of 28 years, Lyle Mays. Metheny has likened the creation of The Way Up to making a film, and in some respects, the album feels like a vividly rendered journey, its moods shifting like scenes glimpsed from a fast-moving vehicle.

The Way Up,Pat Metheny Group,Pat Metheny,Nonesuch,Contemporary Jazz,Folk-Jazz,Jazz,Modern Creative,Pop,United States of America
Mendelssohn: Elijah
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 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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  1. Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation
  2. Mendelssohn - Elijah / Terfel, Fleming, Bardon, Ainsley, Fulgoni, Paul Daniel
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  5. Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem]

ASIN: B0002XV31A
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

4 out of 5 stars 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!
Greatest Hits: Broadway
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great to Hear All those great Voices from the Past
  • A Good One!
Greatest Hits: Broadway

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000029PM
Release Date: 1996-10-29

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  2. On The Town: New York, New York - Michael Kermoyan/Adolph Green/John Reardon/Cris Alexander & Chorus/Leonard Bernstein
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  4. Fiddler On The Roof: If I Were A Rich Man - Topol/Gareth Davies
  5. West Side Story: Tonight - Larry Kert/Carol Lawrence/Max Goberman
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  8. Annie: Tomorrow - Andrea McArdle/Peter Howard
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  10. Anything Goes: You're The Top - Eileen Rodgers/Hal Linden/Julian Stein
  11. Bye Bye Birdie: Put On A Happy Face - Dick Van Dyke/Elliot Lawrence
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  13. Strike Up The Band: Strike Up The Band - The Chestnut Brass Co.
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  15. Bells Are Ringing: Just In Time - Judy Holliday/Sydney Chaplin/Milton Rosenstock
  16. Gypst: Together, Wherever We Go - Ethel Merman/Jack Klugman/Sandra Church/Milton Rosenstock
  17. Cabaret: Cabaret - Jill Haworth/Harold Hastings
  18. Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - The Boston Pops Orchestra/John Williams
  19. Show Boat: Ol' Man River - William Warfield/Franz Allers
  20. A Chorus Line: What I Did For Love - Priscilla Lopez & Cast/Don Pippin
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Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great to Hear All those great Voices from the Past.......2007-07-05

I just wanted to confirm what the first reviewer had to say about this CD. To hear Ethyl Merman, Mary Martin, Andrea McCardle etc. singing their trademark songs brought a lot of memories from the mid-centry musical theater back again. The last song by Glynis Johns is especially poignant.
You certainly can't beat the price!

5 out of 5 stars A Good One!.......2006-11-10

This is a very good CD, mostly because it's the original artists. I've had some that were re-recorded by no name artists that were ghastly. This one is a really good one--including the sound quality. If I had one wish, I would wish it were longer!
All Shook Up (2005 Original Broadway Cast) (Featuring the Songs of Elvis Presley)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Elvis Does Broadway Well
  • We're left not right, and Elvis Presley Is Gone
  • Fun
  • A Rollicking Good Time
  • LOVE IT!!!
All Shook Up (2005 Original Broadway Cast) (Featuring the Songs of Elvis Presley)
Cheyenne Jackson , Jenn Gambatese , and Alix Korey
Manufacturer: Bmg Marketing
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009941TI
Release Date: 2005-05-31

Tracks:

  1. Overture
  2. Love Me Tender
  3. Heartbreak Hotel
  4. Roustabout
  5. One Night With You
  6. C'mon Everybody
  7. Follow That Dream
  8. Teddy Bear/Hound Dog
  9. Teddy Bear Dance
  10. That's All Right
  11. (You're The) Devil In Disguise
  12. It's Now Or Never
  13. Blue Suede Shoes
  14. Don't Be Cruel
  15. Let Yourself Go
  16. Can't Help Falling In Love
  17. All Shook Up
  18. It Hurts Me
  19. A Little Less Conversation
  20. The Power Of My Love
  21. I Don't Want To
  22. Jailhouse Rock
  23. There's Always Me
  24. If I Can Dream
  25. Fools Fall In Love
  26. Burning Love
  27. C'mon Everybody Encore

Amazon.com

One more in Broadway's series of "jukebox musicals" (Mamma Mia, Movin' Out, Jersey Boys, etc.), All Shook Up features the songs of Elvis Presley. Cheyenne Jackson stars as Chad, the guitar-playing, pelvis-swiveling, blue-suede-shoe-wearing roustabout who arrives to shake up a mid-America town that's so buttoned up it forbids public necking, interracial dating, and loud music. Various romantic entanglements arise among Chad, grease-monkey/tomboy Natalie (Jenn Gambatese), her father (Jonathan Hadary), her friend Lorraine (Nikki M. James) and her mother (Sharon Wilkins), her best buddy (Mark Price), the mayor (Alix Korey), and the sexy new museum caretaker (Leah Hocking). The rest of the plot? Well, that's pretty much it, as the characters mostly run around trying to figure out who they're in love with, fitting in excuses to sing such Elvis hits as "Jailhouse Rock," "Can't Help Falling in Love," and "Don't Be Cruel." Jackson won the lead shortly after arriving on Broadway by way of Seattle community theater, then took a role in the movie of United 93. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Elvis Does Broadway Well.......2007-01-05

The music in this show is great. They didn't hire some Elvis impersonator to come and do this show. These are Elvis songs that have been reinvented in a musical theater style, and they sound great. That being said, just from listening to this CD you get very little about the actual plot of the musical. After reading the synopsis you can listen and understand what is going on, but just popping this CD in without glancing at the production notes will lead you to musical theater Elvis songs. I really enjoyed the music on this CD. Some of the voices need a little work, but overall my toe was tapping and my head was bopping. Good for new musical fans, as well as musical collectors. Probably not good for Elvis purists. Favorite song: "Teddy Bear/Hound Dog"

1 out of 5 stars We're left not right, and Elvis Presley Is Gone .......2006-08-09

If you like songs recorded and performed by Elvis Presley, this Compact Disc may not be to your music liking.
Despite the #1 HIT record title, there is no song by Elvis Presley. There are no images/pictures of Elvis Presley.
In minimized text on the back of the CD there is:
"Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley."
The CD is fom SONY and BMG 2005 issue, RCA who released the title song is not mentioned. Also, there seems to be no 33/1/3
12" vinyl record album for this title. The music industry has created something out of nothing. I started enjoying Elvis Presley in October 1957 "Jailhouse Rock", and it still does, but this ALL SHOOK UP seems bogus, without songs by Elvis Presley.
>The cartoon cover is cute, but Elvis Presley is missing.
For Elvis Presley singing his #1 hits, there are none on this CD.

4 out of 5 stars Fun.......2006-03-01

Once I saw that this musical was had a soundtrack cd, I just had to have it!! I saw this play on broadway in NYC and fell in love with it even though I didn't know any Elvis music. This is such a fun soundtrack and keeps you singing and dancing along.

5 out of 5 stars A Rollicking Good Time.......2005-12-08

Over the summer I got to experience the Broadway show All Shook Up and it was highly enjoyable. Because critics don't like shows that are based off unoriginal music, they missed the point of All Shook Up. It was a fantastic tribute to one of the greatest singers of all time.

The cast of the show puts every ounce of energy behind the songs and fills them with such zest and pep that it is impossible not to see the charm. Some of the best numbers come when the cast all join in together in such ensemble efforts like "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Can't Help Falling in Love" to produce rousing chorus numbers. The voice talent matches expectations for the songs, as Cheyenne Jackson nails a good mix of Elvis with roustabout charisma in his spotlight songs like "Roustabout" and "C'Mon Everybody."

What the show does a fantastic job of is mixing up the songs, how they are song, and the different voice talent put into each piece. There is a wonderful cross of "Teddy Bear" and "Hound Dog" (words are changed around to make it work), that is fun back and forth song.

The same can be said for "Don't Be Cruel", which is one of the best adaptations of Elvis' songs. It mixes cool, slick, and humor to give another quick duet, back and forth piece to the show.

In short, there are so many fun songs on this CD that you won't be able to stop listening to it for weeks. There is so much charm and energy in each song that you'll feel a little remorse for not seeing it on Broadway (yes, it's run is over), or for not going to go see it again.

So...C'mon everybody and clap your hands right now...

5 out of 5 stars LOVE IT!!!.......2005-09-27

I bought this after seeing only a commercial for it. I absolutely LOVE Elvis Presley, and I absolutely LOVE broadway...so this is a perfect combination! The songs are all high energy, and the harmonies are perfect. I haven't seen the actual show, but the first chance I get I will see it. The talent in this show is so amazing. The songs are great. It's just a beautiful musical.
The Way Up
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • The Way Back
  • Orchestral Maneuvers
  • Transcending genre into pure music
  • Up and Out
  • The best PMG record since Imaginary Day - can't wait for the DVD!!
The Way Up
Pat Metheny Group , and Pat Metheny
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0006M4SO6
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

  1. Opening
  2. Part 1
  3. Part 2
  4. Part 3

Amazon.com

For nearly 30 years, guitarist Pat Metheny and his longtime musical cohort, pianist/keyboardist Lyle Mays, have covered an incredible amount of diverse material. On their debut recording for this label, they and their international group--bassist Steve Rodby, Mexican drummer Antonio Sanchez, Vietnamese trumpeter Coung Vu, and the Swiss-born harmonica virtuoso Gregoire Maret--distill that diversity into a continuous 68-minute opus. The challenge here lies in sustaining the melodic narrative thread while keeping the sound of surprise. Thanks to Mays's evocative pianisms and Metheny's array of acoustic, electric, and synthesized guitars, the group pulls it off. For Metheny fans this disc contains elements of his most acclaimed recordings, from the straight-ahead swing of Question and Answer and the folk-fusion of Offramp, to the Afro-Latin tinges of We Live Here, the atonally adventurous Zero Tolerance for Silence, and the Asian impressionism of Secret Story. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Album Description

The Way Up represents, in the words of guitarist Pat Metheny himself, "our most ambitious undertaking ever as a group"-a single, brilliant 68-minute piece composed by Metheny and his collaborator of 28 years, Lyle Mays. Metheny has likened the creation of The Way Up to making a film, and in some respects, the album feels like a vividly rendered journey, its moods shifting like scenes glimpsed from a fast-moving vehicle.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars The Way Back.......2007-06-12

When The Way Up came in the mail, I was over the moon. I loved the cover design and the photography in the cover booklet, and when the music started, I thought... "yeah, this is it." But suddenly I realised that this track would take another 10 minutes to finish... and the next 3 tracks were all about 20 minutes each. It wasn't what I hoped it would be. I guess I was expecting more of a sound collage, like travelling through different landscapes as one review had said, with less familiar-sounding music that sounded like everything I'd heard before from Pat. I wanted something 'new'. It had shades of Speaking of Now, which I love, so I think I may just stick with that. I love this first 5 minutes of the Way Up, but I think I'll go back to Speaking of Now and the Pat Metheny Group album for now, and give this one occasional listenings to on long trips in the car. ***

5 out of 5 stars Orchestral Maneuvers.......2007-02-22

The rich textures of sound is impressive and the sheer joy heard in the musicianship makes The Way Up very special. It transcends the jazz label - the production is perfect - and approaches the beauty of a classical performance. The work was composed by Pat Metheny (g) and Lyle Mays (p & key).

Opening does just that and introduces the key structures & elements of the three parts. The upbeat work features one of many intricate guitar solos by Metheny. Drummer Antonio Sanchez drives Part One, with trumpeter Cuong Vu soloing late, along with outstanding interplay between Metheny & Mays.

On Part Two, close your eyes when Gregoire Maret is soloing on harmonica and you will visualize Toots Theilman, his playing is that good. Vu's voice especially complements the motif designed by Mays in Part Three.

Like a fine wine, the Pat Metheny Group has gotten better with age. The Way Up is nothing less than the band's masterpiece.

5 out of 5 stars Transcending genre into pure music.......2006-09-21

I'm late kicking in my two cents, but after reading some of the silly commments posted here I had to chime in. I've been a fan of Metheny all along, enjoying some recordings more than others. Even when freshness seemed lacking at times, the brilliant musicianship and melodic gift were always there. Then along comes The Way Up, to me a defining moment in the already remarkable life of the PMG. The length and richness of the longform piece enables the full exploration of ideas and landscapes that is never quite possible in the typical 5-8 minute album cut. It's an absolutely beautiful piece and recording with so many satisfying turns. It's a symphony, PMG style. It is not about being jazz, or rock, or fusion, or folk, or any other restrictive term some people always seem to need to apply to things. It is about pure inspiration performed by masterful musicians. It takes both a mastery of one's tools and art form and a humble awareness of the true origin of all inspiration to discern, record and perform great art such as this. That is what happened here, and there are many of us who are profoundly grateful for the gift the Pat Metheny Group has given us with The Way Up.

2 out of 5 stars Up and Out.......2006-09-06

This is probably the most polarizing recording of Metheny's career even to the extent that similar qualities are viewed positively or negatively depending on the listener. For my money, this is an almost entirely disappointing collection that feels neither original nor very interesting. I've read the jazz versus progressive jazz/rock comments and come down on the side of the latter which doesn't happen to be my favorite genre or what I want to hear from Metheny. It undermines his talents and his overall discography to add a word-of-mouth label to `avoid this one'

The long songs that dominate The Way Up are not compelling enough to hold interest even after repeated attempts. The first track, "Opening" is described in one of the many 5-star reviews as a song that "...combines everything Metheny has done over the years in one song..." I see that as an inherent problem with this recording - it's as if Metheny tries to throw in his entire post-ECM catalog; diffuse, distort and ratchet up the mix enough to achieve something new. Yes, Pat Metheny has earned the right to experiment but like it or not, any artist can end up a commodity and the road back, like the way up, can be a haul.

5 out of 5 stars The best PMG record since Imaginary Day - can't wait for the DVD!!.......2006-08-20

Having been fortunate enough to listen to Pat and the Group since 1985, I look forward to each and every release. I was definitely not disappointed when this one came out, and of course, I rushed out to buy it. I have never seen 68 minutes go by so fast, as this recording just gets better with every listen! Pat, of course, gives his usual flawless performance. Lyle Mays, Steve Rodby, Antonio Sanchez, Cuong Vu, Gregoire Maret, and Nando Lauria also add so much to this recording. I had the pleasure of seeing them perform this live twice in 2005. There is no other artists I would pay to see, except PMG, play live. I do not see how they do it, each night, playing 2 1/2-3 hours each night. No other musician even comes close to Pat Metheny, I don't care what genre.
Way Up!
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Husband Loved CD
  • GreatSport
  • DID NOT RECEIVE CD
  • Tisdale rocks
  • It's Wayman
Way Up!
Wayman Tisdale
Manufacturer: Rendezvous
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Smooth JazzSmooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Jazz FunkJazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000FNNHT8
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

  1. Let's Do It Again
  2. Get Down On It
  3. Shape Of Your Heart
  4. Conversation Piece
  5. If You Want Me To Stay
  6. Sweet Dreams
  7. It's A Good Day
  8. Tell It Like It Tis
  9. My Son (A Song For Bubba)
  10. Way Up
  11. Sunday's Best

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Husband Loved CD.......2007-05-22

My husband loved the CD and I will be returning again for his music interest.

5 out of 5 stars GreatSport.......2007-03-14

Absolutely marvelous! Who would've thought that he could come from the sports world and go on to conquer the music world? This is a must-listen piece of work!

1 out of 5 stars DID NOT RECEIVE CD.......2007-02-21

105-7887739-9595640 DID NOT RECEIVE CD\
PLEASE SEND CD OR REFUND MONEY.

5 out of 5 stars Tisdale rocks.......2007-02-19

What can I say -- Wyman knows how to bring on the sounds. This is a wonderful soundtrack. If you ever get the chance you MUST see him live!!!! What a performer!

4 out of 5 stars It's Wayman.......2006-11-23

Wayman Tisdale is an excellent bass player and his latest release is worth having it. The guest appearances are also good. The only "negative" aspect is that track 9 "song for buba" is a copy of "gabrielle" from his first album Power Forward.
Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Fabulous for any Broadway-lover
  • Top Shelf
  • TERRIFIC CD'S
  • Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs
  • Great Compilation!
Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00064ADMK
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

  1. Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
  2. Swanee- Al Jolson
  3. When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
  4. A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
  5. My Man- Fanny Brice
  6. Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
  7. If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
  8. Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
  9. Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
  10. Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
  11. Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
  12. Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
  13. Body And Soul- Libby Holman
  14. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
  15. Night And Day- Fred Astaire
  16. Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
  17. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
  18. You're The Top- Ethel Merman
  19. Summertime- Anne Brown
  20. September Song- Walter Huston
  21. My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
  22. It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
  23. Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
  24. Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
  25. Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

  1. New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
  2. If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
  3. Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
  4. There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
  5. How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
  6. Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
  7. Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
  8. Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
  9. Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
  10. Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
  11. Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
  12. Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
  13. Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
  14. Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
  15. Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
  16. Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
  17. Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
  18. I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
  19. Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
  20. The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
  21. Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
  22. Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

  1. Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
  2. I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
  3. Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
  4. My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
  5. Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
  6. Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
  7. Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
  8. Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
  9. I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
  10. The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
  11. Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
  12. What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
  13. As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
  14. Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
  15. People- Barbra Streisand
  16. Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
  17. If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
  18. Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
  19. The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
  20. If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
  21. Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

  1. Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
  2. Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
  3. I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
  4. The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
  5. Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
  6. I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
  7. I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
  8. We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
  9. Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
  10. Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
  11. Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
  12. One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
  13. All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
  14. Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
  15. Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
  16. Come Follow The Band
  17. Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
  18. And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
  19. The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

  1. Memory- Betty Buckley
  2. I Am What I Am- George Hearn
  3. Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
  4. Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
  5. The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
  6. You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
  7. The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
  8. Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
  9. With One Look- Glenn Close
  10. On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
  11. Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
  12. Seasons Of Love-
  13. Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
  14. I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
  15. Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
  16. Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
  17. Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
  18. I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
  19. Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

5 out of 5 stars Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

5 out of 5 stars Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

5 out of 5 stars Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway
Kiss Me, Kate (1948 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The best and maybe the last CD of this great musical.
  • Beautiful remastering of historic original cast recording
  • the peerless original cast
  • Who Put The Shake In Shakespeare?
  • TIMELESS BROADWAY SHOW
Kiss Me, Kate (1948 Original Broadway Cast)
Cole Porter , Alfred Drake , and Patricia Morison
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by PorterAll Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000007OHT
Release Date: 1998-06-02

Tracks:

  1. Act I: Overture
  2. Act I: Another Op'nin', Another Show
  3. Act I: Why Can't You Behave?
  4. Act I: Wunderbar
  5. Act I: So In Love
  6. Act I: We Open In Venice
  7. Act I: Tom, Dick Or Harry
  8. Act I: I've Come To Wive It Wealthily In Padua
  9. Act I: I Hate Men
  10. Act I: Were Thine That Special Face
  11. Act II: Too Darn Hot
  12. Act II: Where Is The Life That Late I Led?
  13. Act II: Always True To You (In My Fashion)
  14. Act II: Bianca
  15. Act II: So In Love (Reprise)
  16. Act II: Brush Up Your Shakespeare
  17. Act II: I Am Ashamed That Women Are So Simple
  18. Act II: Finale: Kiss Me, Kate
  19. Kiss Me, Kate Overture

Amazon.com

Opening at the tail end of 1948, Kiss Me, Kate became an instant classic--and amazingly didn't receive a full-scale revival until 1999. All the more reason to revel in its original version. With its cunning play-within-a-play premise (a musical update of The Taming of the Shrew reverberates in backstage feuds), brilliant mix of high and low comedy, and of course some of Cole Porter's better-known songs--"So in Love," "I Hate Men," Too Darn Hot," "Always True to You (In My Fashion)"--Kiss Me, Kate remains a funny, zesty hall of mirrors. Hard as you may try to find a fly in the ointment, there's no fault with the cast either--Patricia Morison, for instance, is a perfectly petulant Lilli Vanessi. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars The best and maybe the last CD of this great musical........2006-02-20

Now is the perfect time to buy the CD of this.

Sony's transfer engineers used state-of-the-art restoration software to remove the roughness and surface noise from the originals, but (thankfully) they resisted the urge to tart-up the sound with artificial reverb, faux stereo, and thundering bass. This is by far the best-sounding CD of this ever released, and it may be the last.

The age of music ownership in America could be drawing to a close. Five years from now, this music may only be available by download, you might only be "borrowing" it, and it probably won't come with the the authentic cover art or the 26-page booklet.

(See also the original broadway CD of Out of This World.)

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful remastering of historic original cast recording.......2004-05-24

Recorded in January 1949, this album of KISS ME KATE has remained in print adn a steady best-seller for over 50 years now.

The sound on this newly remastered CD is crisp and clear and easily surpasses all previous issues. Sony even uses the original artwork from the very first LP release.

The performances remain as fresh as ever. Alfred Drake was Broadway's top leading man and sounds just glorious. Pat Morrison had less of a career but sounds just perfect as Lilli. Lisa Kirk is wonderful as Lois, and Harold Lang makes the most of his few moments on the record as her boyfriend, Bill. In an unusual move these peopel reunited 10 years later to re-record the score for Capitol in true stereo. They still sound great on that recording (on CD as part of the Broadway Angel series) but the performances are fresher on this recording made just 2 weeks after KIS ME KATE had opened on Broadway to rave reviews.

The CD booklet has good info about the show, though curiously, no synopsis. There are, however, a half dozen pictures of the original production. This edition featureds longer takes of "We Open in Venice", "I Hate Men" and "Too Darn Hot" though the total extra music adds but a minute to the album's running time. A bonus track of the Overture dates from a 1958 stereo recording by Lehman Engle.

KISS ME KATE was the first Tony Award winner for Best Musical (1949). The 1999 revival won a Tony for Best Revival.

5 out of 5 stars the peerless original cast.......2004-03-04

KISS ME KATE is still regarded as Cole Porter's greatest musical; a charming backstage story detailing feuding ex-spouses Lilli Vanessi and Fred Graham as they star in a musical version of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew".

Very rarely has the score been bettered than the original 1949 cast album, reissued here on the Columbia Broadway Masterworks label. Patricia Morison plays Lilli, with Alfred Drake (OKLAHOMA!, KISMET, GIGI) as Fred, the feuding, ego-ridden leads. Lisa Kirk (ALLEGRO, MACK AND MABEL) is the sexy young starlet Lois, with Harold Lang (PAL JOEY) as her caddish boyfriend Bill.

KISS ME KATE opened at the New Century Theatre on Broadway in 1949, making history in its run of over 1000 performances. Patricia Morison is perfectly-suited to the role of Lilli. She offers a glowing rendition of "So in Love", whilst her duet with Alfred Drake in the tongue-in-cheek "Wunderbar" is sublime. Lisa Kirk gets three of the big showstoppers ("Why Can't You Behave?", "Tom Dick or Harry" and "Always True to You in My Fashion"), and nails each and every one. Harold Lang was a better dancer than he ever was as a singer, but is quite good on this disc.

A must-own.

5 out of 5 stars Who Put The Shake In Shakespeare?.......2001-04-11

Who put the 'shake' in 'Shakespeare'? Cole Porter, of course! Kiss Me Kate is the best of his musicals, and this recording is the best of the recordings! The original Broadway cast performs with much old-style, vaudeville jazz!

The story is set in a Baltimore theatre where a divorced couple, Fred Graham and Lilli Vannessi, are in the two leading roles of a musical version of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. Fred currently dates a colorful light-heart named Lois Lane, while Lilli is about to head off to get maried in the south. Lois, by the way, will 'always be true' to her boyfriend, the gambling player Bill Calhoun. The story takes off from there!

The show originaly opened on Broadway in 1948. It's timelessness has still not worn off after so many years. The classic script by Bela and Sam Spewack, and the best music of Cole Porter, we cannot fail! The show has been performed since then in many many countries, and has been performed in many languages! It has only recently been revived on Broadway.

Kiss Me Kate has become a staple of classic Broadway, and this is the cast that will not be outdone. Patricia Morrison is a perfect, operatic, Lilli Vanesi. She is strong, yet thoughtful. Her voice fills the CD with a lively 'Wunderbar' and the raging 'I Hate Men.' Alfred Drake is a manly and appealing Fred Graham who will have you laughing out loud! His 'Where Is the Live...?' is yet to be surpassed. Harold Lang is a sexy, and hypnotic Bill Calhoun. He takes the role for himself, and his 'Bianca' is done to the point of perfection! His voice is misty and self-confident, and has the qualities all Bill Calhoun's should. And of course, there will be no one as good as Lisa Kirk for the role of Lois Lane! Her tongue-in-cheek performance on this CD is flawless! She is teasing, sympathetic, funny, and has the right voice to win her part! I can't imagine anyone who can do what she has done with 'Alway True to You' and 'Why Can't You Behave.' The classic character songs are very nice! The balladic, and melodic 'So In Love' will ring in your head. 'We Open In Venice' will make you dance! And 'Brush Up Your Shakespeare'(performed with much humor by Jack Diamond and Harry Clark) will give you a laugh the next time you read 'Romeo.' You won't be disapointed!

The nostalgic quality of the 40's is alive and well in this recording. Columbia has done a great job restoring the work, and the scratching that were a part of the original releases. The sound quality is crisp and clear, and the music sounds wonderful! The magic hasn't worn out yet!

There have been a few more recordings of the work, including a complete London recording, and the new Broadway revival cast. None can do as well as the original recording, however. In the revival recordng, however, they come close. Brian Stokes Mitchell has the voice for Fred, but runs through his lines a bit fast, and without much enthusiasm. And the orchestrations for the new recording are a bit overdone, and they sound more like PBS's Jazz, than Broadway.

Altogether, this is great recording. I was very pleased with my buy, and hope that you will add it to your collection right away! It's time to Brush Up Your Shakespeare!

5 out of 5 stars TIMELESS BROADWAY SHOW.......2001-01-11

COLE PORTER'S most famous musical play hasn't lost none of it's power over the years;it's one of those few shows in which all the elements clicks:cast,songs,libretto, to make a great entertainment product.Without getting to cynical,KISS ME KATE has enough good songs to fill 3 BROADWAY shows of today ,and i am not kidding,it's a fact.While the revival is also of interest,it's always a delight to hear the original with PATRICIA MORRISSON and ALFRED DRAKE, both terrific in their parts.I can assure you that you'll play this record more than twice.It's not only WUNDERBAR ,it's WONDERFUL!You can't actually single out one number because they are all good.All right, if we have to choose one, it's SO IN LOVE.
Menuhin & Grappelli Play Berlin, Kern, Porter & Rodgers & Hart
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A really Fine Romance
  • A Musical Treat
Menuhin & Grappelli Play Berlin, Kern, Porter & Rodgers & Hart

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by PorterAll Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000002SDR
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Cheek To Cheek
  2. Isn't This A Lovely Day?
  3. The Piccolino
  4. Change Partners
  5. Top Hat
  6. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
  7. Heat Wave
  8. The Way You Look Tonight
  9. Pick Yourself Up
  10. A Fine Romance
  11. All The Things You Are
  12. Why Do I Love You?
  13. I Get A Kick Out Of You
  14. Night And Day
  15. Looking At You
  16. Just One Of Those Things
  17. My Funny Valentine
  18. Thou Swell
  19. The Lady Is A Tramp
  20. Blue Room

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A really Fine Romance.......2007-07-05

It doesn't get any better than these two playing these guys! Some of it was recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Use your imagination... It's all just swell.

5 out of 5 stars A Musical Treat.......2006-01-08

"The true mission of the violin is to imitate the accents of the human voice, a noble mission that has earned for the violin the glory of being called the king of instruments." ~ Charles-Auguste De Bériot ~

Yehudi Menuhin and Stéphane Grapelli together had made some of the most beautiful music ever-recorded. And I believe that this is one of the many successful albums they recorded together. In this recording, both violinists have showed their excellent musicianship and interpretative eloquence as well, making it one of my most cherished CDs from my collection.

These are the main ingredients of a perfectly-made CD for your listening pleasure: mix violins, piano, bass and drums together, combine two terrific violinists, season with the best melodies in the 20s, 30s and 40s from Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter and Rodgers & Hart. Add the musical talents of Nelson Riddle, Max Harris, Martin Taylor, Eddie Tripp, Alan Clare and the rest of the studio musicians. Now all you have to do is to sit back, relax and savor these stunning melodies coming from your CD player. Listen to it in full-volume and fill your music room with the sheer beauty of these classics.

One of my favorite musical instruments is violin. With its four strings, it gives a whole wide range of musical versatility and I simply love the fascinating sound it produces.

My personal highlights are the best tunes from Jerome Kern - "The Way You Look Tonight" (Nelson Riddle arranged this particular track and conducted the Woodwind and Brass section), "A Fine Romance," "Pick Yourself Up," "Why Do I Love You?" and "All The Things You Are."

My choices from Irving Berlin's gems are - "Isn't It A Lovely Day?" featuring the great artistry of Nelson Riddle in arranging and conducting, "Cheek To Cheek" and "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm."

The Cole Porter repertoire represented his musical sophistication in "Night And Day," "I Get A Kick Out Of You" and "Just One Of Those Things."

The choice cuts from the talented and creative team of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart are "My Funny Valentine" and "Thou Swell."

Listening to this CD is so delectable and equivalent to having my favorite dessert - be it Tiramisu, New York Cheesecake, Black Forest Cake, Chocolate Soufflé, Créme Brulee, Chocolate Mousse or Chocolate-Coated Strawberries! ;)

A musical treat.
Peter Pan (1997 Studio Cast)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Peter Pan Flying High
  • Great revival to the Original
  • Cathy Rigby Is Peter Pan
  • excellent studio recording of PETER PAN
  • A great revival
Peter Pan (1997 Studio Cast)
Jule Styne , and Cathy Rigby
Manufacturer: Jay Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Peter Pan: Original Broadway Cast Recording (1954 New York Cast)
  2. Peter Pan
  3. Peter Pan (2005 Studio Cast) - Leonard Bernstein
  4. Peter Pan (2000 Television Soundtrack)
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ASIN: B000006C5V
Release Date: 1998-02-03

Tracks:

  1. Overture
  2. Prologue
  3. Tender Shepherd
  4. I Gotta Crow
  5. Neverland
  6. I'm Flying
  7. Pirate March
  8. A Princely Scheme (Hook's Tango)
  9. Wendy
  10. Another Princely Scheme (Hook's Tarantella)
  11. I Won't Grow Up
  12. Ugh-A-Wug
  13. Distant Melody
  14. Hook's Waltz
  15. I Gotta Crow (Reprise)
  16. Finale Act Two

Amazon.com

Mary Martin created Broadway's most famous "trousers" role in the original 1954 cast of Peter Pan, but former Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby has proven to be a worthy successor. She earned a Tony nomination for the 1991 revival, has toured extensively, and starred in the 2000 video production. While the classic J.M. Barrie story of the boy who wouldn't grow up has seen many musical treatments (including Leonard Bernstein in 1950 and Disney in 1953), this version is probably the best known, with such Moose Charlap-Carolyn Leigh songs as "I Gotta Crow," "Tender Shepherd," "I'm Flying," and "I Won't Grow Up," plus some additional material by Jule Styne and Betty Comden and Adolph Green (most notably "Neverland"). It's a charming family show well represented in this 1997 recording featuring Rigby along with Elisa Sagardia (Wendy) and Paul Shoeffler (Hook). --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Peter Pan Flying High.......2006-03-03

My daughter is playing Wendy in a community youth theater production of Peter Pan. She has been singing along with the CD ever since we received it in the mail. Wonderful sound quality.

5 out of 5 stars Great revival to the Original .......2005-03-14

Ever since I saw Cathy Rigby play Peter Pan in the 1997 production I was like Holy crap she plays this role very well!
The production on this CD is very well done! Unlike Mary Martin's CD! Mary Martin's CD is the worst Peter Pan CD I've ever heard! Cathy Rigby on the other hand she beats Mary Martin's production by a huge landslide! They also add parts of the play into the CD which makes the CD even more exciting! I saw Cathy Rigby on her final tour of Peter Pan and she was so amazing! Cathy Rigby Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 out of 5 stars Cathy Rigby Is Peter Pan.......2004-12-20

Cathy Rigby is a very good Peter Pan. Her recording surpasses Mary Martin's by a landslide! Her voice is very good on this recording. She also has a DVD out for her production of Peter Pan. Cathy Rigby Rules

5 out of 5 stars excellent studio recording of PETER PAN.......2004-01-21

This 1997 studio cast album of PETER PAN is a fine testament to this magical musical. Cathy Rigby, star of various Broadway runs and national tours of the show, gives thrilling voice to the title character, and is joined by a first-rate supporting cast.

Paul Schoeffler, also a veteran of the Broadway/national tour, is a great Captain Hook, especially during "Hook's Waltz" and "Hook's Tango". Traditionally, he also portrays the bombastic Mr Darling.

Elisa Sagardia is, like Rigby and Schoeffler, reprising her role of Wendy from the Broadway/national tour. She gives a lovely weight to "Tender Shepherd" and "Distant Melody". She also has a great voice.

Rounding out the cast are Susan Lamontagne as Tiger Lily, Lee Honey-Jones as John, Myles Anderson as Michael, Helen Hobson as Mrs Darling, Anne McVey as Liza, Susan Dale as Jane, Julian Forsythe as Smee and Jenny Agutter as the Narrator. [CDJAY 1280]

5 out of 5 stars A great revival.......2000-12-31

Forty some ye3ars ago I saw Peter Pan on its premier performance on television. I bought the record with Mary Martin and I have loved it. I have to say that the Cathy Rigby recording is even better. Cathy beings a youthful presence in her songs. The recording itself is technologically better. The recording includes bits from the play not on the original. And the whole recoding seems to have a life the original does not have. "I'm Flying" is exhilerating. "Once Upon a Time Long Ago" has a more haunting ache. The timing of the songs is different, but not worse than the original. Ms. Rigby is not trying to copy Ms. Martin. Which means for Peter Pan lovers there are two distinctive performances to appreciate. I wish I could see Ms. Rigby on stage. I saw Sandy Duncan some years ago and she was good. This is a great recording.
Up in Central Park / Arms and the Girl
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • A Very Pleasant Surprise -- It's the Voices!
  • 2 great Broadway shows on 1 CD
  • Two shows with lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Up in Central Park / Arms and the Girl
Sigmund Romberg , Dorothy Fields , and Morton Gould
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. The Girl in Pink Tights (1954 Original Broadway Cast)
  2. Mexican Hayride (1944 Original Broadway Cast)
  3. The New Moon (2003 Encores! Revival Concert Cast)
  4. Knickerbocker Holiday
  5. Inside U.S.A./The Band Wagon

ASIN: B0002ZMJH0
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

  1. Carousel in the Park - Eileen Farrell
  2. It Doesn't Cost You Anything to Dream - Wilbur Evans, Eileen Farrell
  3. When You Walk in the Room - Wilbur Evans
  4. Currier and Ives - Betty Bruce
  5. Close as Pages in a Book - Wilbur Evans, Eileen Farrell
  6. Fireman's Bride - Celeste Holm
  7. Big Back Yard - Wilbur Evans
  8. April Snow - Eileen Farrell
  9. Overture
  10. Girl With a Flame - Nanette Fabray
  11. That's What I Told Him Last Night
  12. I Like It Here
  13. That's My Fella - Nanette Fabray
  14. Cow and a Plough and a Frau
  15. Nothin' for Nothin' - Pearl Bailey
  16. He Will Tonight - Nanette Fabray,
  17. You Kissed Me - Nanette Fabray,
  18. There Must Be Somethin' Better Than Love - Pearl Bailey
  19. Curtain Music

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A Very Pleasant Surprise -- It's the Voices!.......2005-04-25

The following statement is going to reveal how old I really am: I remember hearing these "operettas" -- along with many others -- on The Railroad Hour when I was a mere child. They were charming then (Gordon MacRae always sang the male lead, with a variety of leading ladies), and they are just as charming now. Pity the scores of both shows are so truncated; would that we had modern recordings of the complete scores. The chance of that happening is about the same as my winning the lottery.

Byron Kolln and Mark Andrew Lawrence have provided background on the shows, so I won't go into detail about the plot or the history of the recordings. I agree with everything Byron and Mark said about the performances, and I'm especially pleased to have a recording featuring the "young" Nanette Fabray. Not only is she a supurb Broadway belter, she also shows off a very fine soprano on her duet with Georges Guetary ("You Kissed Me").

However, the biggest surprise to me was the male leads: Wilbur Evans (Central Park) and Georges Guetary (Arms & the Girl). Powerful, BROADWAY voices. Evans belongs in that category of Broadway Baritones with Alfred Drake, John Raitt, and Howard Keel. Big voices, amazing delivery, and no straining on the high notes. Not many leading roles were written for tenors, but Guetary really comes through, even though his accent sounds more French than German to my ears.

Let me repeat the advice of the two previous reviewers: pick up a copy or two of this CD while there are still some around. Yes, it may become a good investment, but it's also some really good music. I'd give the CD a "5" if it weren't for the abridged scores and the vintage sound. Thanks Bryon & Mark for convincing me to buy mine.

4 out of 5 stars 2 great Broadway shows on 1 CD.......2004-12-27

This disc features 2 Broadway musicals, from 1945 and 1950 respectively. Both shows feature lyrics by Dorothy Fields, the celebrated librettist probably best-known for her contributions to SWEET CHARITY.

UP IN CENTRAL PARK has a score by Sigmund Romberg (THE GIRL IN PINK TIGHTS) which is quite lovely. It ran for 504 performances. Celeste Holm and Eileen Farrell are the main standouts in the cast which also features Wilbur Evans (BY THE BEAUTIFUL SEA, the London cast of SOUTH PACIFIC). Celeste Holm was brought in especially for the Decca cast album (at the time she was wowing Broadway as Evelina in BLOOMER GIRL).

ARMS AND THE GIRL is a delightful musical version of THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS by Lawrence Langner and Armina Marshall, and features a stunner of a score by Morton Gould. The cast features a young Nanette Fabray as well as Georges Guetary and Pearl Bailey (HOUSE OF FLOWERS). The musical ran for a disappointing 134 performances. The cast album is simply delightful and Nanette Fabray fans will not be disappointed. The score features "A Cow, a Plough and a Frau" as well as Fabray's delicious "That's My Fella".

This limited-edition disc from Decca Broadway is a must-own for fans of vintage cast albums.

3 out of 5 stars Two shows with lyrics by Dorothy Fields.......2004-09-29

UP IN CENTRAL PARK was a 1945 operetta about the creation of New York's famed park. The score was by Sigmund Romberg (who had 4 big hits in the 1920s: BLOSSOM TIME, THE STUDENT PRINCE, THE DEDERT SONG and THE NEW MOON) and CENTRAL PARK would be his last Broadway hit. Decca recorded the cast album...sort of. They preserved 8 songs using the show's chorus and orchestra and two of the show's stars: Wilbur Evans and Betty Bruce. To sing the other roles they used Eileen Farrell (for voice) and Celeste Holm (for the Broadway belt.) The big hit from the show was the romantic duet "Close as Pages in a Book" but the gem is the comic number "The Fireman's Bride" sung here by Ms. Holm. Eileen Farrell shines in her two solos, "Carousel in the Park" and the lovely, obscure "April Snow." Wilbur Evans uses his big voice to effect decribing Central park as "The Big Back Yard of the City." Decca transferred seven of these eight selections to LP in 1950 but that album has been long out-of-print. The Cd features a delightful reproduction of the original 78 RPM album cover. Sound is good, crisp and clear. A plot synopsis is included as well as background notes on the production.

ARMS AND THE GIRL is a forgotten flop from 1950 with music by Morton Gould. The show starred Nanette Fabray and featured Pearl Bailey who provided the showstopping "There Must Be Somethin' better than love." Decca's 10-inch Lp covered only nine of the show's twelve numbers and while nothing major is missing you still don't have a sense that you are getting the whole show here. All in all it's pleasant but not a show that will ever be revived. There is a detailed synopsis to explain how the songs fit into the plot. Sound is fine - just a bit tinny showing the age of the recording.

Collector alert: Decca Broadway did this Cd orignally as a web-exclusive, limited to 1,000 copies. Less than half sold through the website so the remaining stock is being offered here and once these are gone there will be no more. You would be advised to pick up an extra copy or two for future resale, as the original 10" LP of ARMS was at one time going for $150-175!

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