Best cast recording of Joseph...?

[twoladies]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:33pm

In your opinion, what's the best cast recording of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat? Right now, I have the 1973 London Studio Cast. In the score I'm playing (for pit) there are several reprises towards the end, and the recording I have now doesn't have any reprises.

So, your opinion? Thanks!

Posted: 9/28/08 at 8:45pm

AS I recall, all the "revival" recordings (Jason Donovan, Donny Osmond et al) used the same backing tracks with just a different Joseph. So if it's the orchestra you want they are identical. And have reprises galore..and a megamix at the end.

[chickfila]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 10:10pm

Nothing beats the recording with the marvelous Laurie Beechman.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 10:11pm

This one, clearly: http://erichbergen.wordpress.com/2008/09/28/back-in-the-day/

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 10:24pm

I was going to suggest the DVD soundtrack with Maria Friedman because it's the only recording that has all of the dance music included, but it seems to be out of print and only going for insane amounts on auction sites. I guess the best after that would just be one of the revival recordings. Anyone they're all the same as far as content goes.

[walkedthroughmany]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 10:28pm

Orchestra aside, you really cannot top Laurie Beechman.

[BrianIdol]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 11:00pm

oo I would suggest staying away from the Maria Friedman dvd. She was SO miscast in that role and IMO sounded terrible. My favorite is the Donny Osmand one:)

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 11:03pm

Well, I was sugguesting more based on which CD includes the most material. Not the best cast. She said she's playing in the pit.

[tourboi]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 11:05pm

I don't think the revival CD's are all the same orchestra... I seem to recall the liner notes listing different musicians, could be wrong though.

But, if you listen to the London Jacob and Sons, the the LA counterpart, the drums in the intro sound like different instruments (the LA ones sounding more synthesized), and likewise the Pharaoh Story openings.

[BrianIdol]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 11:07pm

CATS - i know, i just felt the need to say how much i hate that dvd. :) :) :)

[MungoGypsy8232]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 11:26pm

Laurie Beechman is untouchable :)

[JEK216]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 11:37pm

I'm partial to the Canadian cast recording with Donny Osmond. I saw that production, when it came to Chicago.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 9/28/08 at 11:45pm

I think Maria Friedman was brilliant as the Narrator.



The London Cast starring Jason Donovan and Linzi Hateley is my favorite cast recording of Joseph.

[Salene]

Posted: 9/29/08 at 12:12am

Another vote for the London album with Linzi Hateley.

[Dover]

Posted: 9/29/08 at 12:38pm

London 1991 is my favorite. Do NOT get the 2008 one that's on iTunes. It sounds horrible, cast and orchestra!

[ruthiefan_felix]

Posted: 9/29/08 at 12:51pm

1991 London with Linzi will always be the best!

[jasonf]

Posted: 9/29/08 at 1:01pm

I like the Michael Damien/Kelli Rabke one, perhaps because that's the one I saw...

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 9/29/08 at 1:31pm

The Jason Donovan recording is my favorite

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 9/29/08 at 1:43pm

Another for Team Hateley!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 9/29/08 at 3:44pm

The OBC with Beechman will always be my favorite, quickly followed by the Toronto recording with Donny Osmond. I adore Linzi Hately, but I'm just not a fan of Jason Donovan's voice. I saw him in Rocky Horror, though and I must admit he's a wonderful performer.

[javertim]

Posted: 9/29/08 at 3:57pm

I really thought I had already replied to this (maybe this topic has already been covered?), but my favorite is the 1991 London Hateley/Donovan recording.

[choitoy]

Posted: 9/30/08 at 3:55am

My sister's and my first Joseph CD was the Donovan/Hateley recording (bought on a whim, I can't remember why), and it's mostly been our gold standard ever since, though we do like Laurie Beechman's Narrator.

Though our dream is to win the Mega Millions Lotto, rent a recording studio, hire Sam Harris, and get him to record all the songs from Joseph... He was by far our favorite Joseph of the four we have seen.

[Paul W. Thompson]

Posted: 9/30/08 at 4:41pm

Anyone for putting Osmond and Beechman on the same recording? Anyone? Anyone?