Dear Broadway Performers Thinking About Doing a Solo Cd... — Page 2

I actually don't mind the pop numbers on these albums too much. Yes, I'd like them to choose songs that are actually GOOD, but I'm ok with non-theater material. What I DO think we need is a list of songs we no longer need to hear on solo cds. Among them:

Music of the Night
Memory
Bring Him Home
I Dreamed a Dream
On My Own
Soliloquy from Carousel
Broadway Baby
What I Did For Love
Being Alive
I Don't Know How To Love Him
Don't Cry For Me Argentina
Not While I'm Around
Meadowlark
Just about anything from Chess

I love these songs, but unless there's a new twist on them, they've been done and done and done - we don't NEED more recordings of them anymore! Please, choose either COMPLETELY new arrangements of these songs, or go into the literally THOUSANDS of other songs that have been written for shows and pick twelve of them.

---

After reading through most of these posts... I'd have to agree that the "overdone" songs need to be ditched, regardless who sings them! IMO. Slipping in 1 or 2 showstoppers you are famous for is ok, but that's it.

This bring to question, what do they sing?...something they personally love? ... something that showcases their strengths or versitility?...something that will attract people to buy it? An exclusive new mix or interesting medley?...A themed CD?

Fact: To make a really quality CD can run from $50,000 -$100,000+. (not including initial packaging and distrib. costs) For that you are gonna be mighty picky which 10-12 songs make the cut. Thus, the reason many performers don't have solo CD's.

Fact: Sad to say, but most Broadway performers make CD's out of passion to sing and record what they love. Unless they are picked up by a label, these CD's are enjoyed by themselves, friends and Broadway fans. Also to use as promo for landing more work. A very limited amount Bd'w artists CD's are found in stores outside of NYC (Thank God for Marty and Colony Records, who sells everyone's CD, bless his heart). Retailers work deals with certain distributers, big and small. (trust me on this info. It's personal experience)

So this can be a catch 22 of sorts...what to sing, how do I pay for it, how to market it, if at all.

There is never a shortage of wonderful Broadway talent. There's several I'd love to see fly beyond Manhattan.

Sorry...probably too much info. but thems the facts.

---

Updated On: 1/29/06 at 07:21 PM

I recently bought a tonne of Broadway performers' sole CDs and I am struck by how similar the tracklists are for all of them. If I hear ANYONE sing 'Memory' or 'Meadowlark' again, I'll die. Sad but true. What a loss that would be, eh?

On the other hand, I've been pleased when I notice a performer has recorded a more unusual song. I am thrilled Caroline O'Connor recorded 'Who Will Love Me As I Am'. That is good solo recording, right there.

---