Has anyone bought Barbara Cook's new live CD?

[ChrisLovesShows]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 11:38am

Please give us scoop. I love her but I'm hesitant to buy a live album. How is "Move On" with Josh Groban?

(BTW, random question: Did anyone else jump everytime the songs ended and the audience applauded on "Mostly Sondheim?" The applause was recorded at such a high volume that it startled me every time.)

[Calvin]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 11:51am

I haven't bought the album, but I was there. "Move On" gave me a new-found respect for Josh Groban, whom I hadn't particularly liked before. However -- I'm not quite sure about the value of the album, since you can already hear Barbara Cook singing most of the songs from the show on other albums.

[travismoser]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 12:24pm

I have the album and even though everyone's in great voice, it's disappointing that the program is so similar to all her other recordings/concerts. Even though this event was such a milestone in her career, a more innovative set list would have been more of a reason for the recording.

[ChrisLovesShows]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 1:11pm

Yep, those were my thoughts. I have many of these songs on other CDs. Still love her, though.

[11/11/05]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 5:13pm

GREAT CD!!

I was lucky enough to be there that magical night. For me the highlight of Barbara's amazing MET debut was Josh Groban! Below is an excerpt of my original review posted on Jan 21, 06.

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Groban Soars at MET!

"The brilliant Barbara Cook made her MET debut last night with several surprise "special guests". From the first moment till the last Barbara held the audience in rapt attention with her glorious talent for song interpretation! Is there anyone like her? At 78 she is simply astounding. Always in the moment. Always truthful. Always endearing.

Her surprise guests included broadway legend Elaine Stritch (not on CD) and legend in the making Audra McDonald...but it was her final guest that simply took my breath away with his natural, effortless, beautiful baritone voice - Josh Groban.

I had been familiar with Mr. Groban's "pop" music on several of his CD's...but nothing can compare with his gorgeous "theater" voice that filled the MET last night.

With Stephen Sondheim in attendance, Josh treated us to "Not While I'm Around" enriching the atmosphere with a tonal quality, breath control and interpretive insight that astounded. The audience was enraptured.

His duet with Barbara on "Move On" brought out the best in both singers...to the point it was impossible not to be moved by the subtle subtext of Ms. Cook imparting wisdom to the young Groban. It was a Master Class."

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The live CD beautifully captures the acoustics of the the MET and the intimacy of the vocal performances. A must have for fans of Barbara, Audra and Josh Groban!