Written in the Stars

Amazon.com
It would be easy--too easy, in fact--to compare pianist Bill Charlap to the great Bill Evans. Easy because Charlap has the same kind of knack for spacious lyricism and impressionistic chordal harmonies that characterize the late jazz icon, and his interplay on Written in the Stars with his amazing rhythm team of bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington recalls Evans's telepathic improvisation with Paul Motian and Scot LaFaro. Charlap treats the classic American songbook the way few young pianists treat it. Charlap, 33 years old as Stars comes to market, plays classics like "In the Still of the Night," "On a Slow Boat to China," and "Blue Skies" with such deep affinity that it's hard to believe he wasn't sitting right there when these tunes were written. His take on "Blue Skies" starts with a gorgeous rubato version of the tune's seldom-heard verse, weaves contrapuntal harmonies over the tune's chorus, and features some dazzling interplay between Charlap and bassist Washington--a recurring phenomenon, as the trio's members show remarkable empathy with each other on every track. In an age with no shortage of promising young pianists, Blue Note must have felt there was something special about Bill Charlap. One listen to Written in the Stars assures us that they made the right call. --Ezra Gale

Written in the Stars,Bill Charlap Trio,Blue Note Records,Bop,Hard Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,Post-Bop

Average customer rating: Very Best of Broadway Music

Very Best Of Broadway Musicals Various Artists Manufacturer: Metro Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Greatest Songs from the Musicals The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series) Only Broadway CD You'll Ever Need The Best Of Broadway (Cast Recording Anthology) Ultimate Broadway ASIN: B000068CC4 Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

1. All That Jazz
2. If I Can't Love Her
3. Maybe This Time
4. People Will Say We're In Love
5. The Impossible Dream
6. Seventy Six Trombones
7. Can You Feel The Love Tonight?
8. Still
9. Send In The Clowns
10. One
11. Younger Than Springtime
12. This Is The Moment
13. Good Morning Starshine
14. Your Getting To Be A Habit With Me
15. Wunderbar
16. Maria
17. I Could Have Danced All Night
18. Singin' In The Rain
19. Written In The Stars
20. One Song Glory

Customer Reviews:

Very Best of Broadway Music.......2007-05-08

I really like Broadway music so this is the BEST!!!!!!
I let someone else borrow this to listen at her house--She liked it also

Average customer rating: I would order from you again. Loved it!!! good variety and feeling Sour Concepts Living Elaborate Lives...

Elton John And Tim Rice's Aida (1999 Concept Album) Jimmy Johnson , Juliet Haffner , Regis Iandiorio , Tony Kadleck , Elena Barere , Blackwell, Virgil , and Clark, John Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Aida (2000 Original Broadway Cast) Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida: The Making of the Broadway Musical The Muse: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Made in England A Single Man ASIN: B00000IFTH Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

1. Another Pyramid - Sting
2. Written In The Stars - Elton John/LeAnn Rimes
3. Easy As Life - Tina Turner ft. Angelique Kidjo
4. My Strongest Suit - Spice Girls
5. I Know TheTruth - Elton John/Janet Jackson
6. Not Me - Boyz II Men
7. Amneris' Letter - Shania Twain
8. A Step Too Far - Elton John/Heather Headley/Sherie Scott
9. Like Father Like Son - Lenny Kravitz
10. Elaborate Lives - Heather Headley
11. How I Know you - James Taylor
12. The Messenger - Elton John/Lulu
13. The Gods Love Nubia - Kelly Price
14. Enchantment Passing Through - Dru Hill
15. Orchestral Finale - Elton John

Amazon.com

Following hot on the heels of their enormously successful collaboration for The Lion King, Elton John and Tim Rice have once again culled their talents to create another Disney contemporary musical, based this time on Verdi's opera Aida. The album, recorded by some of the biggest talents of pop, country, and R&B, features songs from the stage show, which recounts the well-known tale of a love triangle further complicated by slavery, royalty, and the armed forces. John duets to great effect with country crooner LeAnn Rimes, the enchanting Janet Jackson, and the lovely Lulu of To Sir with Love fame. Lush and lively, the soundtrack hits a hoot of a (decidedly not highbrow) high point with the infectious pop of the Spice Girls warbling the merits of undergarments on "My Strongest Suit" ("Always wear underwear/Anytime, anywhere"). Lenny Kravitz funks things up with "Like Father Like Son." Shania Twain's husky emoting makes a fine pop ballad of the brief "Amneris' Letter." "Not Me" chronicles the goodness of love as Boyz II Men coo dreamily, their harmonies nestling into John's sumptuous score. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

I would order from you again........2007-01-27

Product arrived in a timely manner in new condition, still wrapped in plastic. Thank you.

Loved it!!!.......2006-09-07

I'm so impressed with this album for several different reasons.
3) It's Elton John
2) I loved all but two of the songs!
1) I usually hate the original broadway cast albums and movie soundtracks. They don't do the songs justice. They usually have chopped up versions of the songs and include unnecessary dialouge.

I'd love to see every musical (broadway or movie) done this way!
I appreciate the b'way versions, but I don't want to listen to them in my car...

good variety and feeling.......2004-06-24

This is a very good CD. "Written in the Stars" is an extremely emotional song, and it is my favorite on the album. I would like to see the show on Broadway, but I have to say I don't think it can be too much better than this CD

Sour Concepts.......2003-06-29

It takes so much to try to get a musical to make its way upon Broadway. Sometimes you really need to understand how to make it really happen within the passion of the storytelling music. In that case with Elton John, he nearly seemed to make it with Aida. While the music for Broadway always seems to have at least something completely mgaical and a dash of power in it. Sometimes, you really need to understand it, to make it happen, and others don't see it from the start. Although Elton John has had great music for years, at least once in a era, something goes a little flat.

The 1999 Aida, was not a studio album from Elton, but a preview from what was happen on Broadway. The various artists record contains so many different artists in the record including Tina Turner, Boyz II Men, Dru Hill, and the upcoming Heather Headley. Before Heather made it as a singer, she made it right here in Aida, on this record. The only decent song that was a hit was Written In The Stars, which Elton performed with Leann Rimes. The song was also the last song Elton cracked Billboard's Top 40. Still, there really wasn't a lot of enjoyment within most of the record, and it fell into a sleeper. Considering that Elton is already planning on making another smash musical on Broadway, hopefully he'll do better with the concept record.

When it does come to making it on Broadway, it isn't really anything exciting, unless it truly is a smash, and Aida is a smash on Broadway, just not the record. Still, if you're a die hard fan of Aida, buy this record. Otherwise, it could be a hitless miss.

Living Elaborate Lives..........2002-11-02

Aida was Elton John and Tim Rice's baby, providing a concept soundtrack album before even setting the stage on fire, the tracks are generally sweeping show ballads.
Elton teams up with several lovely and talented ladies, in LeAnn Rimes, Janet Jackson, and Lulu. "Written In The Stars" could be a vocal gladiator battle, the way LeAnn and Elton sing it. Janet and Lulu prove themselves as more mellow duet partners.
Kelly Price makes "The Gods Love Nubia" her own, the song is tied up in soul with her voice being smooth as silk. The far too short "Amneris' Letter" shows off Shania Twain's voice to perfection also. Pop culture phenomenon the Spice Girls turn "My Strongest Suit" into the most obvious pop stomper of this set. Another strong point is Heather Headley's solo "Elaborate Lives". A rich ballad, Headley recently embarked on an R&B singing career with the track "He Is". The legendary Tina Turner provides a fiery perfomance, her track being the powerful "Easy As Life" with Angelique Kidjo.
Duds are also present, Sting and Dru Hill's tracks are admitted stinkers. James Taylor, Boyz II Men, Sherie Scott, and Lenny Kravitz also deliver perfomances on the album. This album is well put together, with strong tunes and a short-list of superstars presenting them. A fun buy.

Average customer rating: You'll be disappointed Pretty good musical mix

Greatest Songs from the Musicals Various Artists Manufacturer: Soho ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Very Best Of Broadway Musicals Only Broadway CD You'll Ever Need Ultimate Broadway Greatest Hits: Broadway Ultimate Broadway II: The Very Best of Broadway Now ASIN: B000077JS0 Release Date: 2002-10-21

Tracks:

1. Aquarius [From Hair] - Steve Brooker, NSO Ensemble, , Caroline O'Connor
2. If I Can't Love Her [From Beauty and the Beast] - Ethan Freeman, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
3. I Could Have Danced All Night [From My Fair Lady] - Katrina Murphy, National Symphony Orchestra
4. Can You Feel the Love Tonight? [From The Lion King] - John Barrowman, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
5. What I Did for Love [from a Chorus Line] - National Symphony Orchestra, Catherine Porter, Martin Yates
6. This Is the Moment [From Jekyll and Hyde] - Gary Mauer, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
7. All That Jazz [From Chicago] - Paulette Ivory, Julian Kelly, Katrina Murphy, National Symphony Orchestra, Sally Ann Triplett
8. Impossible Dream [From Man of La Mancha] - Ethan Freeman, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
9. America [From West Side Story] - National Symphony Orchestra
10. Written in the Stars [From Aida] - Simon Bowman, NSO Ensemble, Sally Ann Triplett, Martin Yates
11. Mame [From Mame] - Jerry Lanning, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
12. Some Enchanted Evening [From South Pacific] - Thomas Allen, John Owen Edwards, Philharmonic Orchestra
13. I Am What I Am [From LA Cage aux Follies] - Janet Glazener, Leslie Uggams
14. One Song Glory [From Rent] - Sean McDermott, Martin Yates

Tracks:

1. Phantom of the Opera [From The Phantom of the Opera] - Ethan Freeman, Claire Moore, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
2. I Dreamed a Dream [From Les Miserables] - National Symphony Orchestra, Jacqui Scott, Martin Yates
3. Bui Doi [From Miss Saigon] - Ethan Freeman, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
4. As Long as He Needs Me [From Oliver!] - National Symphony Orchestra,
5. Time Warp [From the Rocky Horror Picture Show] - Anita Dobson, NSO Ensemble, Martin Yates,
6. Memory [From Cats] - Kim Criswell, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
7. Why God Why [From Miss Saigon] - Graham Bickley, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
8. I Know Him So Well [From Chess] - Katrina Murphy, NSO Ensemble, Sally Ann Triplett, Martin Yates
9. One Day More [From Les Miserables] - National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
10. Peggy Sue [From Buddy Holly Story] - Dominic Curtis
11. Empty Charis at Empty Tables [From Les Miserables] - Graham Bickley, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
12. Dancing Queen [From Mamma Mia!] - Julian Kelly, NSO Ensemble, , Caroline O'Connor
13. All I Ask of You [From The Phantom of the Opera] - Andrew Halliday, , National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
14. We Will Rock You [From We Will Rock You] - Martin Yates

Tracks:

1. It's a Grand Night for Singing [From State Fair] - National Symphony Orchestra
2. If I Were a Rich Man [From Fiddler on the Roof] - Jerry Lanning, National Symphony Orchestra
3. I Talk to the Trees [From Paint Your Wagon] - Ethan Freeman, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
4. Over the Rainbow [From The Wizard of Oz] - Gillian Bevan, , John Owen Edwards, , Royal Shakespeare Company
5. Bless Yore Beautiful Hide [From Seven Brides for Seven Brothers] - Hal Fowler, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
6. Grease [From Grease] - John Barrowman, NSO Ensemble, Martin Yates
7. Woman in Love [From Guys and Dolls] - Gregg Edelman, , Emily Loesser, National Symphony Orchestra
8. Secret Love [From Calamity Jane] - Debbie Gravitte, National Symphony Orchestra
9. Quintet [From West Side Story] - National Symphony Orchestra
10. I Will Always Love You [From the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas] - Salena Jones, John Pearce
11. Money, Money [From "Caberet"] - Maria Friedman, National Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Pryce
12. If My Friends Could See Me Now (Sweet Charity) - Jacqueline Dankworth, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
13. Thank Heaven for Little Girls [From Gigi] - Ron Moody, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
14. Singin' in the Rain [From Singin' in the Rain] - Craig Barna, National Symphony Orchestra, Paul Robinson

Customer Reviews:

You'll be disappointed.......2006-09-02

Not the original artists. Very weak versions of beloved songs by marginal to downright bad vocalists.

Pretty good musical mix.......2006-03-10

Lots of great and clear vocals. I was looking for a musical mix and this has a nice sampling of many major songs but also some more recent stuff. I haven't purchased an import before but I would do it again if the opportunity presented itself. It is somewhat annoying to have three cds when I think it could have fit onto two. Still, more than I have complaints, I have compliments about it.

Average customer rating: Disappointing effort from Bill Charlap The album is supposed to feature the pianist not the rhythm section! Nice standards collection Bill Evans without the melancholy Where have you been, INDEED!

Written in the Stars Bill Charlap Trio Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard Bernstein Stardust Bill Charlap Plays George Gershwin All Through the Night You Taught My Heart to Sing ASIN: B0000508UM Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

1. In The Still Of The Night
2. Dream
3. The Man That Got Away
4. Blue Skies
5. Where Have You Been?
6. Where Or When
7. On A Slow Boat To China
8. One For My Baby
9. I'll Never Go There Anymore
10. Lorelei
11. It Was Written In The Stars

Amazon.com

It would be easy--too easy, in fact--to compare pianist Bill Charlap to the great Bill Evans. Easy because Charlap has the same kind of knack for spacious lyricism and impressionistic chordal harmonies that characterize the late jazz icon, and his interplay on Written in the Stars with his amazing rhythm team of bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington recalls Evans's telepathic improvisation with Paul Motian and Scot LaFaro. Charlap treats the classic American songbook the way few young pianists treat it. Charlap, 33 years old as Stars comes to market, plays classics like "In the Still of the Night," "On a Slow Boat to China," and "Blue Skies" with such deep affinity that it's hard to believe he wasn't sitting right there when these tunes were written. His take on "Blue Skies" starts with a gorgeous rubato version of the tune's seldom-heard verse, weaves contrapuntal harmonies over the tune's chorus, and features some dazzling interplay between Charlap and bassist Washington--a recurring phenomenon, as the trio's members show remarkable empathy with each other on every track. In an age with no shortage of promising young pianists, Blue Note must have felt there was something special about Bill Charlap. One listen to Written in the Stars assures us that they made the right call. --Ezra Gale

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing effort from Bill Charlap.......2007-05-13

I've heard cuts from Bill Charlap's trio albums on FM and bought "All Through the Night" which I really like and so I purchased "Written in the Stars". This has been a disappointment--Charlap doesn't seem as inventive as his earlier effort and a couple of the tempos are way slow (The Man that Got Away and One for my Baby).

The album is supposed to feature the pianist not the rhythm section!.......2006-05-14

I would not buy this album because the bass fiddle is TOO LOUD and over-rides the pianist.

Nice standards collection.......2006-03-13

Bill Charlap is a sophisticated pianist, who has many subtlies in his playing, and a nice touch. To my ears anyway, he has been heavily influenced by the great Hank Jones, but at the same time shows that he has his own voice as well.

I don't listen to Charlap that often, but I like his style. Not exactly McCoy Tyner, but always enjoyable to listen to.

Bill Evans without the melancholy.......2004-01-13

This from the owner of uncountable jazz piano recordings going back to Tatem, Teddy Wilson, Nat Cole and with an overflow library of Bill Evans. Charlap does the best, most creative, most lively interpretation of standards I've ever heard. You need do no more than listen to the back-to-back cuts of "Slow Boat to China" (whoever did that one like this before?) and "One for My Baby" to get an idea of his versatility and creative range. He is just as good on his Stardust album and on "All through the night".

Where have you been, INDEED!.......2002-03-12

An amazing fact about jazz is that we keep rediscovering it.
I thought I knew all the great Cole Porter tunes, but here
comes a wonderful rendering of his "Where Have Your Been?" and I
cannot get it out of my head! Charlap makes everything sound
easy - sort of like Ralph Sharon....which is maybe why he has recently been playing with Tony Bennett.

Average customer rating: Transcendent Vocalism Beautifully delivered as always, but not my material. Lives up to their reputation One of the best I've picked up in ages Fantastic recording of contemporary choral works

Colors of Love Steven Stucky , John Tavener , Bernard Rands , Long Zhou , Chen Yi , Augusta Read Thomas , Steven Sametz , Marianne Kach , and Chanticleer Manufacturer: Teldec ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Tavener | Tavener, John Kenneth | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chanticleer | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Our American Journey Tavener: Lamentations & Praises Lost in the Stars Chanticleer: Magnificat (A Capella Works by Josquin, Palestrina, Titov, Victoria, and Others) Wondrous Love: A World Folk Song Collection ASIN: B00000IWR3 Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

1. Cradle Songs: Rouxinol do pico preto (Brazil)
2. Cradle Songs: Lilajze, Jezuniu (Poland)
3. Cradle Songs: Buy Baby Ribbon (Tobago)
4. Village Wedding
5. Canti d'Amor: 'Winds of May, that dance on the sea'
6. Canti d'Amor: 'O cool is the valley'
7. Canti d'Amor: 'This heart that flutters near my heart'
8. Canti d'Amor: 'Silently she's combing her long hair'
9. Canti d'Amor: 'Gentle lady, do not sing sad songs'
10. Canti d'Amor: 'Sleep now, O you unquiet heart'
11. Canti d'Amor: 'All day I hear the noise of waters'
12. Words of the Sun
13. Tang Poems: Written on a Rainy Night
14. Tang Poems: Wild Grass
15. The Rub of Love
16. in time of
17. Love Songs: 'Look out upon the stars, my love'
18. Love Songs: 'Love is a beautiful dream'
19. Love Songs: 'Alas, the love of women!'
20. Love Songs: 'For stony limits cannot hold love out'
21. Love Songs: 'All mankind love a lover'

Amazon.com

This compilation of modern-day madrigals, the latest in a fascinating series of discs from the San Francisco-based all-male vocal group Chanticleer, won the Grammy for Best Small Ensemble Performance of 1999. The selections range over a variety of styles and aesthetics, from the haunting, hypnotic sounds of Steven Stucky's Cradle Songs to the archaic, ethereal beauty and Eastern inflections of John Tavener's "Village Wedding." There are the soft (and somewhat affected) asperities of Bernard Rands' Canti d'Amor as well as the gentle, almost English pastoralism of Zhou Long's "Words of the Sun" (beautiful!) and the colorfully exotic Orientalism of Chen Yi's Tang Poems. Other examples of the wide range here are the self-conscious busywork of Augusta Read Thomas's Love Songs to the darkly lush, 12-part weave of Steven Sametz's "In Time Of," with its radiant climax and pulsating chordal sonorites like the tolling of bells. All of this Chanticleer sings with striking freshness and commitment, virtuosic to a fare-thee-well, always sensitive to the emotional cues of the texts. The recording, made at Skywalker Ranch in January of 1999, is vivid and warm, and so is much of the music. Truly a winning disc. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Transcendent Vocalism.......2005-01-31

This compilation is essential listening, especially (but not exclusively) for those already introduced to the marvels of Chanticleer. It features a wide variety of contemporary madrigals all dedicated to the theme of love. Gorgeous polyphony, entrancing dissonance; the music is very difficult, but Chanticleer's vocalism is exemplary, as always. The whole feel of the album takes some getting used to for the uninitiated. After a few listenings, though, one can fully perceive its unique and sublime beauty.

Highlights abound. The first three tracks, all lullabies by Steven Stucky, are brilliantly executed, but it is track four, Village Wedding by John Taverner, that first knocked my socks off. It seems to represent the absolutely ideal match between composer and performer, between written and sung text. It consists of a wonderful poem by Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos, with a recurring excerpt from the Eastern Orthodox wedding ceremony interspersed throughout. Taverner is himself a member of the Eastern Orthodox church, and the song is as much a spiritual experience as a musical one.

Another fantastic piece is Words of the Sun, by Chinese composer Zhou Long. It is probably the most accessible song on the CD, with numerous lovely subtleties and nuances that can be fully appreciated after multiple exposures.

Lastly, I'd like to express my sincere conviction that In Time Of (by Steven Sametz, set to a poem by E.E. Cummings) is the single most gorgeous piece of music I have ever had the great fortune to hear. The sonority is perfectly balanced, each arching phrase better than the one before. Please, for the sake of pure unadulterated beauty, purchase this CD. You will not regret it.

Beautifully delivered as always, but not my material........2002-07-30

I came to this album as a fan of Chanticleer more than of contemporary art music, though I like to think I do have a certain ear for the stuff. I haven't been educated in it, but I've sung some in my time in choruses, and I learned to appreciate those pieces the way that I learned to appreciate the more classical stuff as a child--by feeling it and hearing it come out of my own body, the ways that it worked, what was exciting, ect. That said, there is a point where I don't get it, and I reached that point all over this album. I thought I'd pass it on because it is hard for most of us to pick this kind of music off the shelf--there will be pieces that skewer us and some that make us fidget. For my part, I am grateful to have the album for the sake of three (long) songs. The Tavner Wedding song itself is probably worth it. But the album will never be put on leisurely.

Lives up to their reputation.......2001-03-07

Just recently had the opportunity to hear Chanticleer in concert...this CD certainly gives a cross section of their range...especially liked the "Tang Poems" and "Words of the Sun", which they performed live...very esoteric mix of musical styles...well worth the purchase for Chanticleer lovers!

One of the best I've picked up in ages.......2000-11-25

First of all let me state that the 4 stars isn't for the performance...which is truly outstanding...it is for a few pieces that are a tad sub-par. I also want to mention that its not that the pieces are modern either, I happen to be extremely sympathetic to modern music.

I usually don't like to do reviews this way, but I'm going to make a few comments piece by piece:

1) CRADLE SONGS - The first two of this trio of lullabies are great...the ones from Brazil & Poland are hauntingly beautiful...I'm not so crazy about the one from Tobago. A fairly strong piece, its certainly interesting.

2) VILLAGE WEDDING - This is one of the best three pieces on the album, and probably the best. Hearing John Tavener's work next to his contemporaries is an easy indicator of why he is considered one of this century's greatest and certainly one of the greatest living composers. Simultaneously it is joyous, austere, reverent & spiritual. Simply beautiful & amazing.

3) CANTI D'AMOUR - This is an up & down work. I'm not sure what the composer had in mind, but I find the first part to be amusing. It reminds me of barbershop quartet. It has more somber moments too that are quite moving. Overall though, its okay.

4) WORDS OF THE SUN - After the Tavener piece, this is my favorite one. I would like to hear some of Zhou Long's other works. It is a very subtle piece. Very Chinese too, yet simultaneously western. This is one of my favorite pieces by eastern composers of western music. Lyrically, it is amazing. Its borrowed from a 20th century Chinese poem that is gorgeous in English, I'm sure its even more so in Chinese. Musically, it is very stirring.

5) TANG POEMS - This piece too is written by a Chinese composer (Chen Yi) and it is distinctly Chinese. I am intrigued at some of the techniques used by the composer. I am really pleased with the piece, although I'm sure some find it a little "too eastern." It is extremely pretty if one is accustomed to eastern melodies. The 2nd part is a bit sharper and probably less accessible than the first part.

6) THE RUB OF LOVE - One of the duller pieces on the album.

7) IN TIME OF - Sublime. The opening few bars are unearthly. Definately one of the three best pieces. They definately need to keep this one in their concert repetoire (along with the Tavener and the two pieces by Chinese composers.) This is one of those works you have to hear to believe.

8) LOVE SONGS - This is a quirky collection of tunes by Augusta Read Thomas. It runs the gamut of serious to extremely silly. There are some strong points here, but some of it is too silly to stand the test of time ("Alas, The Love of Women"). Eventhough it is extremely unconventional, the part entitled "For Stony Limits Cannot Hold Love Out" is powerful. It is piercing & strange, but it really works with the text.

There are times when I love everything on this CD, and times when some of it gets on my nerves. It is, however, never boring and the performances are superb. I highly congratulate Chanticleer for not sitting on their laurels. This is adventursome stuff and it works 90% of the time, which is more than I can say for 99% of the ensembles out there.

I highly recommend this disc for "Village Wedding," "Words of the Sun," "In Time of," and "Tang Poems."

Pick it up, be adventuresome. Enjoy.

Fantastic recording of contemporary choral works.......2000-09-21

Chanticleer is one of the USA's finest choral ensembles, and they have picked a marvelous and diverse program for this recording -- with something that would appeal to absolutely everybody. The inclusion of two "husband-wife" pairs in the choice of music also makes for a special connection to the theme of the disc. Of special note to this reviewer are the "delicious" sonorities of Bernard Rands's "Canti d'Amor" and Augusta Read Thomas's "Love Songs" -- Chanticleer is a group who is able to pull off this difficult music beautifully. This recording was absolutely deserving of the Grammy that is received -- one of the finest discs of modern choral music in the past few years.

Average customer rating: Written In The Stars!

Written in the Stars Rhonda Vincent Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: My Blue Tears Trouble Free All American Bluegrass Girl Back Home Again Ragin' Live ASIN: B000002L14 Release Date: 1993-10-26

Tracks:

1. What Else Could I Do
2. Written In The Stars
3. Ain't That Love
4. In Your Loneliness
5. Mama Knows The Highway
6. When Love Arrives
7. Passin' Of The Train
8. I Do My Cryin' At Night
9. I'm Not Over You
10. If You Were Me

Customer Reviews:

Written In The Stars!.......2004-10-25

It's a shame this CD is long out of print! This is Rhonda's foray into full blown country..No hints here as to what she was to become (a female bluegrass superstar - 5 time IBMA female voacalist winner)..A few of the tracks here she has since re-recorded..Of note is her original country version of "I'm Not Over You", which can be found on her more recent "The Storm Still Rages" bluegrass CD..

If you like "Trouble Free", you'll love this one..I can't say enough about it..Grab this while you can..A wonderful CD by a wonderful artist..

Rage on Rhonda!

Average customer rating:

Highlights From Disney On Broadway Various Artists Manufacturer: Disney ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Disney Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Lion King (1997 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B00005Y1ZM Release Date: 2002-02-05

Tracks:

1. Beauty And The Beast: Belle - Susan Egan
2. Beauty And The Beast: Be Our Guest - Gary Beach
3. Beauty And The Beast: If I Can't Love Her - Terrence Mann
4. Beauty And The Beast: Beauty And The Beast - Beth Fowler
5. The Lion King: Circle Of Life - Tsidii Le Loka
6. Be Our Guest
7. The Lion King: They Live In You - Samuel E. Wright
8. The Lion King: Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Jason Raize
9. Strongest Suit
10. Easy as Life
11. Written in the Stars
12. The Gods Love Nubia

Amazon.com

Disney has been a relatively late comer on Broadway, but it's been hitting pay dirt since the stage version of Beauty and the Beast opened to critical acclaim and commercial success in 1994, followed by The Lion King and Aida. While Aida was the only original stage creation, the other two featured new songs that were not in the movies. In addition, Disney worked with some of New York's finest theatrical talent. In hindsight, hiring Julie Taymor to stage The Lion King was a stroke of genius, but it really was a daring gamble at the Time. Likewise, Beauty and the Beast gave talented theater singers like Terrence Mann and Susan Egan a chance to shine in meaty roles. Disney groomed talent as well: Heather Headley was cast in a supporting part in The Lion King before moving on to the title role in Aida. All three shows are represented on this CD (with a companion book due in October 2002), making for a perfect introduction to their best-known songs. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Average customer rating: Let theyself be hereby dubbed.........Best Broadway Tune Vocalist... This isn't a vanity crossover project but Cole Porter with art and style pure self indulgent garbage Thank god, no astaire or kelly singing on this one Cole must have been watching over this project

Night and Day: Thomas Hampson Sings Cole Porter Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Hampson, Thomas | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Leading Man Christmas with Thomas Hampson The Very Best of Thomas Hampson ASIN: B000002RS3 Release Date: 1991-05-24

Tracks:

1. 'Night And Day': 'Begin The Beguine' (Jubilee)
2. 'Night And Day': 'In The Still Of The Night' (Rosalie)
3. 'Night And Day': 'Easy To Love' (Born To Dance)
4. 'Night And Day': 'Two Little Babes In The Wood' (Greenwich Village Follies - Sixth Yearly Edition)
5. 'Night And Day': 'When My Baby Goes To Town' (Something For The Boys)
6. 'Night And Day': 'When I Had A Uniform On' (Hitchy-Koo 1919)
7. 'Night And Day': 'I've Got You Under My Skin' (Born To Dance)
8. 'Night And Day': 'Bring Me Back My Butterfly' (Hitchy-Koo 1919)
9. 'Night And Day': 'Who Said Gay Paree?' (Can-Can- Unused, Nicht verwendet, Inutilise)
10. 'Night And Day': 'A Fool There Was' (Rosalie - Can-Can- Unused, Nicht verwendet, Inutilise)
11. 'Night And Day': 'How's Your Romance?' (Gay Divorce)
12. 'Night And Day': 'My Cozy Little Corner In The Ritz' (Hitchy-Koo 1919)
13. 'Night And Day': 'Don't Fence Me In' (Hollywood Canteen)
14. 'Night And Day': 'Drink' (Seven Lively Arts)
15. 'Night And Day': 'Night And Day' (Gay Divorce)
16. 'Night And Day': 'It Was Written In The Stars' (Du Barry Was A Lady)
17. 'Night And Day': 'I Concentrate On You' (Broadway Melody Of 1940)
18. 'Night And Day': 'Bull Dog' (Yale College)

Customer Reviews:

Let theyself be hereby dubbed.........Best Broadway Tune Vocalist..........2007-06-21

Of my dozens and dozens of Broadway music performances, I find only one singer can be dubbed "Best." That person, Thomas Hampson, is thee. While show performers and ballad singers have all had their way with these tunes, only one is across-the-board great in them.

And whether or not these are the "best" representative songs of Porter is a moot point, something entirely up to personal taste. The point is that these songs have not been better performed by an individual male singer. It certainly doesn't hurt, either, that the great John McGlinn was on board as conductor/director (and likely strongly involved in arranging).

****

This isn't a vanity crossover project but Cole Porter with art and style.......2006-07-17

The glut of crossover albums that came our way in the ripe era of Pavarotti and Domingo has abated, leaving not the best taste in the mouth. But there were some high points, and this 1991 Cole Porter collection from Thomas Hampson is a gorgeous example. Like his hero from the 30s, Lawrence Tibbett, who triumphed as much on radio as in the opera house, Hampson sings full out, applying an overtly operatic baritone to popular song. He has such a command of vocal technique that, as with Tibbett and more recently Ben Heppner, the glory of the vocalism would carry the day on its own.

But Hampson adds to this a good deal of finesse, humor, and suavity--particularly the last. "Begin the Beguine" and "In the Still of the Night" convey the cosmopolitan asurance that is a Cole Porter trademark. There are also some bigger songs, such as "It Was Written in the Stars," where Hampson can unleash his voice at full force, a thrilling experience. I don't think there's been an opera star who's made a Cole Porter recording other than Kiri Te Kanawa, in forty years. This is a very enjoyable one indeed.

pure self indulgent garbage.......2006-04-22

SOMEONE PLEASE STOP THOMAS HAMPSON, BEFORE HE HURTS HIMSELF...OR HURTS THE REST OF US....What a collective piece of trash this album is?..is there a more self-important, bloated, indulgent, precious, affected, pompous singer on the planet?...i am waiting for Thomas Hampson sings Disco...or Thomas Hampson sings Elton John...or Thomas Hampson does Eminem?...he probably thinks he could pull 'em off...what unmitigated gaul...don't waste your money here

Thank god, no astaire or kelly singing on this one.......2001-04-30

This was a great listen and it was finally nice to hear trained singers doing Porter. Can't stand it when I hear a lilting Porter song in an MGM film and then Astaire or Gene Kelly decide to try and sing it, usually off key, and end up slaughtering the number. Great to hear some of the old stuff and different takes on other standards.

Cole must have been watching over this project.......2000-09-06

John McGlinn's orchestrations on this compilation of Cole Porter tunes have as much to do with the brilliance of this CD as Mr Hampson's vocal renderings. Both have that lush sound that make a Porter tune sound like what this reviewer believes Porter would have appreciated, judging by his own versions of his songs, and the arrangements that he was involved in. McGlinn remained faithful to those original arrangements and added a few of his own ideas and along with modern day recording improvements produced a sound that I think Porter would very much approve of. My only complaint is the selection of songs, but that as always comes down to personal taste. However in doing so I was tuned into a few songs that I had never heard before, some of which are now among my favorite Porter songs. Specifically, 'Who said Gay Paree' is a sublime version of a lesser known Porter tune. It is one of his tunes about Paris but unlike the others its a sad tune of love lost with McGlinn and Hampson both at their finest. Another one new to me was'My Cozy Little Corner In the Ritz' an early Porter tune with him at his sarcastic best and a brilliant rendition. The standards are all briliantly done. 'In the Still of the Night' is my favorite, followed by I Concentrate on You', 'Easy To Love', 'Night and Day' (edging out Sinara's version, but not quite as magical as Fred Astaire's from the movie 'Gay Divorcee', but close) 'I've Got You Under My Skin' is divine, Begin the Beguine and 'Don't Fence me in'. All the others are great versions but none would make my top 50 Porter tunes. With the convenience of tracking with CD's though I program my favorites in and hear an hour of heavenly music from one of my favorite tunesmiths as interpreted by two contemporary masters of our time.

Average customer rating: Bait and Switch: Rhonda Vincent tries to be a Country Diva again... Rhonda Vincent - Written in the Stars

Written in the Stars Rhonda Vincent Manufacturer: Koch Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Trouble Free My Blue Tears All American Bluegrass Girl Timeless and True Love New Dreams and Sunshine ASIN: B0009VBTLO Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

1. What Else Could I Do
2. Written In The Stars
3. Ain't That Love
4. In Your Loneliness
5. Mama Knows The Highway
6. When Love Arrives
7. Passin' Of The Train
8. I Do My Cryin' At Night
9. I'm Not Over You
10. If You Were Me

Album Description

Reissue of the 1993 album. Personnel: Rhonda Vincent (mandolin, vocals); Larry Byrom, Mark Casstevens (acoustic guitar); Chris Leuzinger, Brent Mason, Reggie Young (guitar); Weldon Myrick (steel guitar, dobro); Dan Dugmore (steel guitar); Stuart Duncan (mandolin, fiddle); Randy Howard (fiddle); Matt Rollings (piano); Glenn Worf, David Hungate (bass); Paul Leim, Eddie Bayers (drums); Curtis Wright, Darrin Vincent (background vocals).

Customer Reviews:

Bait and Switch: Rhonda Vincent tries to be a Country Diva again..........2005-09-12

Rhonda Vincent is a talented woman with a very pleasant voice that she uses well. She leads one of the premiere Bluegrass Bands in existence. Her last three Bluegrass recordings have been extremely well-received by critics and fans alike.

All that being said, she also appears to have a strong desire to be the next Reba McIntyre and appearances extend to the fact that she doesn't mind stepping on a few toes and offending a few folks to achieve that goal. Bluegrass has long been a weak "second fiddle" to Top Banana "Big Country", pretty much since the beginning of the rock and roll era. Prior to that Bill Monroe and Flatt and Scruggs played with equal billing to Ernest Tubb and Roy Acuff. With the advent of electric guitars and "Hee Haw" Bluegrass became the hayseed kin.

The hard-core Bluegrass fan kept the faith, though, and Bluegrass stars who "cross-over" are remembered, but not fully accepted in their Country mode. Alison Krauss began to change things with her "Now That I've Found You" album and Bluegrass, which hadn't had a "hit" or a gold record in decades, now has had many since (and including) that recording.

Rhonda Vincent grew up playing Bluegrass, then spent the better part of a decade trying to become a big Country star. Somehow the idea came to go back to Bluegrass and, as noted above, her last three albums were all as well-received as Bluegrass CDs are. She made Grand Ol' Opry appearances and even became the musical voice for Martha White - taking the position previously held with honor by no less than Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.

Now this album - "Written in the Stars" - is released, and because of how well I liked her previous three bluegrass albums I bought it sight unheard.

I've been had. This CD is neither "new" or "bluegrass". Turns out to be a re-release of a Country album she recorded in 1993.

Is it a good country album? It's all right. It fits right in with the "big hair bunch". The singing is good, the playing is good, the harmonies are good.

It's just not Bluegrass and to lead the potential buyer to think anything else is misleading.

The truth is I like good country very much. But I like good Bluegrass a little better and I STRONGLY dislike being duped.

Rhonda Vincent - Written in the Stars.......2005-09-11

Excellent musicanship and harmonies, and very upbeat. Highly recommended. 'Ain't that Love' is my favorite.

Average customer rating: BRINGS BACK A MUCH NEEDED SMILE IN MY LIFE ! A song stylist to treasure Shine On! Shine On! Written In The Stars With A Voice From The Heavens

Written in the Stars Tom Michael Manufacturer: Lml Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sailing On ASIN: B000086B9E Release Date: 2003-02-04

Tracks:

1. It Might Be You
2. Something's Coming / There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This
3. How Deep Is the Ocean
4. Lost in the Stars / Written in the Stars
5. I Can't Be Bothered Now / I Hear Music
6. Home to Myself
7. The Summer Knows / Autumn Leaves
8. Wonder Why / Like Someone in Love
9. This Nearly Was Mine
10. Two For The Road
11. How Can I Be Sure
12. Dialogue
13. Better Than I
14. It's Time

Album Description

"Written in the Stars" is acclaimed vocalist Tom Michael's follow-up to his 1999 critically praised debut,"Sailing On". Released on LML Music, the CD is a stunning collection of pop songs, Broadway and movie favorites, as well as classic standards performed in Tom's warm, expressive style. Among the material covered on this winning collection are the classics of Rodgers and Hammerstein, the Gershwins, Berlin, Sondheim and Bernstein along with the more contemporary works of Elton John, Tim Rice, Carol Bayer Sager, Melissa Manchester and Tom Snow. Among the CD's highlights is Michael's emotional delivery of "This Nearly Was Mine," his inspiring and soaring vocals on the uplifting "Better Than I," and a tender reading of "Two For The Road," which features Downbeat Magazine award-winning jazz guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque. Another standout is Tom's haunting version of "How Deep is the Ocean." With one listen, you will understand why Backstage Magazine hailed him as "one of the most striking singers to emerge in the last few years." The CD also contains the Legrand/Bergman masterpiece "The Summer Knows" beautifully paired with "Autumn Leaves" as well as a lively, rhythmic arrangement of West Side Story's "Something's Coming" with "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This." A duet with Beckie Menzie of "Lost in the Stars" blended with Elton John's "Written in the Stars" provides a musical showcase for the duo that the Chicago Tribune calls "an ingeniously conceived and searingly sung medley." Billboard Magazine has praised Tom Michael as "one of those voices made to travel far and wide in the world of adult pop." With his new release, "Written In the Stars," Tom proves that it is a laurel well deserved.

Customer Reviews:

BRINGS BACK A MUCH NEEDED SMILE IN MY LIFE !.......2006-02-10

After losing my father, my home, my job and my best friend due to Hurricane Katrina (i live in New Orleans), i was so blessed and surprised to one day while at work hear this VOICE coming from my computer speakers while at work.
The song was "IT MIGHT BE YOU " from this album.
I immediately ordered both of TOM'S cds and have been smiling since.
WHAT A VOICE !!!
If you dont have this one in your collection, RUN NOW and get one.
It has brought much needed joy into my life, and i PROMISE, it will bring you many smiles and joy.

A song stylist to treasure.......2003-04-25

Interestingly, Tom Michael's dreamy voice occasionally sounds like what another, much more famous Michael -- Mr. Feinstein -- seems to be striving valiantly to achieve. I've no wish to diminish Feinstein's own accomplishments, but Tom Michael's pipes and talent are superior to that of any other male song stylist currently active.

Michael's voice has a yearning quality that is absolutely his and utterly unique. What's more, his sincerity and intensity burn through song after (well-arranged) song. There's no over-emoting here. Michael's instinct is unerring, and his interpretations are note-perfect.

But my best recommendation is to stop reading and listen for yourself. I think you will be as won over as I was. And like me, you're likely to look forward to what I hope will be many more CDs from this exceptional artist.

Shine On!.......2003-02-21

A vibrant, well-controlled, and drama-infused voice possessed by someone who understands and obviously feels what he is singing. Tom Michael is a winning performer who connects with the audience's heart immediately. Tom's songs are like old friends. There is a warmth and honesty to his style that pulls you into the emotions of his songs. I smile, I cry, but most of all I feel, even if just for a moment, inspired to sing too. Tom has a beautiful gift that he openly shares with all who hear him. Combined with an exquisite voice, elegant delivery, and extraordinary choice of material, he also pays remarkable attention to lyrics. Tom's orchestra and piano arrangements are terrific as well.

Tom's musical fervor shines through on his "Written In The Stars" CD. You can tell he enjoys singing these songs and it comes across. Tom inhabits each song he sings with a throbbing passion and a generosity of spirit. His voice flows through each song effortlessly. This CD shows Tom is equally at ease with an emotional ballad "Better Than I" or an upbeat tune "I Can't Be Bothered Now/I Hear Music." His voice lends a unique elegance to each track. Tom's rendition of "Two For The Road" is another favorite in this incredible collection.

"Written In The Stars" is simply a delight!

Shine On!.......2003-02-14

A vibrant, well-controlled, and drama-infused voice possessed by someone who understands and obviously feels what he is singing. Tom Michael is a winning performer who connects with the audience's heart immediately. Tom's songs are like old friends. There is a warmth and honesty to his style that pulls you into the emotions of his songs. I smile, I cry, but most of all I feel, even if just for a moment, inspired to sing too. Tom has a beautiful gift that he openly shares with all who hear him. Combined with an exquisite voice, elegant delivery, and extraordinary choice of material, he also pays remarkable attention to lyrics. Tom's orchestra and piano arrangements are terrific as well. Tom's musical fervor shines through on his "Written In The Stars" CD. You can tell he enjoys singing these songs and it comes across. Tom inhabits each song he sings with a throbbing passion and a generosity of spirit. His voice flows through each song effortlessly. This CD shows Tom is equally at ease with an emotional ballad "Better Than I" or an upbeat tune "I Can't Be Bothered Now/I Hear Music." His voice lends a unique elegance to each track. Tom's rendition of "Two For The Road" is another favorite in this incredible collection.

Tom Michael's performance of every track is simply a delight!

Written In The Stars With A Voice From The Heavens.......2003-02-07

No sophomore jinx here. "Written In The Stars" is the long anticipated (3 and a half long years) followup to Tom Michael's incredible debut "Sailing On." It was going to be a tough task to do - imagine Michael Jackson following up "Thriller" or Bruce Springsteen following up "Born In The USA." That is exactly what Mr. Michael faced and he pulled it off stunningly and triumphantly.. It was definitely worth the wait from one of the best male singers that I have heard in the last ten years.

Without a doubt, the best cut is "Better Than I," from the animated video sequel to Prince Of Egypt. That one cut alone is reason to buy this great CD. His voice literally soars to the heavens on this beautiful song. Other standouts include an old Melissa Manchester gem called "Home To Myself," which I think he does bettter than her, two beautiful obscure songs called Dialogue (with a superb haunting cello accompianant) and It's Time. His beautiful take on "Two For The Road with Fareed Haque on guitar is mesmerizing, as is his version of "How Deep Is The Ocean." My two other favorite cuts are "It Might Be ou" from the movie Tootsie and an emotional tour de force and definitive version of "This Nearly Was Mine."

The album also has several up-tempo numbers, proving that Mr. Michael can "get down" and jam with the rest of them - a cleverly arranged version of "Something's Coming" paired with "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This" and another mini-medley of "Wonder Why" and "like Someone In Love."

As on "Sailing On," Tom is accompanied by the multi-talented Beckie Menzie (who provided most of the arrangements) and even joins Tom on two duets.

This is one CD that you will listen to again and again.
well done Mr. Michael...now everyone go BUY! BUY! BUY!

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