"Hello, Dolly" 2017 Cast Recording — Page 4

My friends who've seen the show (I don't go til August) claim that Midler's characterization informs the songs more in the theater. She acts them in context of the scenes, and the results feel seamless. That's my only objection, oddly enough: she seems to be trying to sing the score too perfectly. I get Midler's perfectionism -- or honoring of Herman -- more than Dolly in places. I'm sure it's different every night. She is very respectful I grew up in DC, and when Bailey opened her Dolly out of town, I saw it and recall: critics said she was too careful, too caution initially. Perhaps the role intimidates, until larger than life actors put their (full) stamp on the songs as well as the character.

Updated On: 5/8/17 at 10:26 PM

In my mind Bette sounds quite similar on the recording as she does in the theatre (it might be a tiny bit more polished and less 'acted', but not by much). I just think it's a performance that is better seen than heard - she isn't (or isn't anymore, at least in this role) a skilful powerful and nuanced vocalist (and the role doesn't call for it) the same way that Ebersole, for example, uses her voice in War Paint to navigate the character and songs (e.g., Pink). The acting is seen in her facial expressions, physical movement etc. rather than her voice (with some exceptions).

Updated On: 5/8/17 at 10:52 PM

Got an email this morning from Amazon that the CDs are en route.

Stage Door Sally said: "Got an email this morning from Amazon that the CDs are en route."

Same. Excited!

Looking forward to hearing the actual CD tomorrow. Also, I'm wondering if a high resolution version will be made available on HDTracks.com

Surprisingly, the recording is already up on Apple Music and it sounds somewhat better than the NPR stream. The CD or high resolution download (if it's made available) will be the real test.

Updated On: 5/11/17 at 10:00 PM

^^ Agreed, Sally. They could've gotten 80-plus minutes on a CD. No time constraints for a digital release. I'm glad it's sounding better now than the NPR stream.

I'll have the CD tomorrow, but since I'm Prime it got put in my Cloud player for download - and let me tell you, no, it does NOT sound better than the NPR clips - it sounds exactly the same and I imagine so will the CD. I think if someone thinks the iTunes sounds better it's because they WANT it to, not because it does. I listened to the title song - when the boys start singing, it's so muffled that I just can't imagine WHAT I'm hearing or why it sounds like that. Is a puzzlement. And I'm sure that because it's a major label and Ms. Midler it will not only be nominated for a Grammy but will win.

Updated On: 5/12/17 at 01:12 AM

While I'm glad we have it, I find it to be a flat joyless recording. The orchestrations have no energy. Everything is too slow.



The highlights are numbers not involving Bette- particularly David Hyde Pierces and Kate Baldwins.



the title number is a particular disappointment. Absolutely lacking any energy.

It also ends too abruptly- why no music from the Bows/exit music? This could have been a much fuller recording.

n2nbaby said: "Well, I thought th NPR stream was flat and unexciting but I'm listening to it on Spotify right now and I think it sounds excellent but thank god someone already let me know it absolutely doesn't sound better! It's not perfect but it does sound better.



"

I'm glad you think so - and I'm more than glad to tell you you're incorrect. I have them side by side and they are exactly the same. Of course if you're listening to Spotify at a higher volume, that would certainly give the appearance of something, but in terms of sound, they are the same, and I think there are enough posts here about the quality of the recording that there are many who feel the same about the recording.

ONE STINKING PICTURE in the booklet. One. The one of Bette that we've all seen a bazillion times.

Boy oh boy the cd dedfeniply sounds a million times better than the NPR rip. But I agree with everyone.. they should have included a lot more. How can they not include the very finale? And the omission of the parade reprise is scandalous.

I'm sure the show is great in person-but the album for me, lacks excitement. It's a nice listen, but I think my go-to will continue to be the Pearl Bailey Cast Recording.

The CD does sound a bit better than the rips and I know my guests are going to love getting these in their Dolly gift bags.

But WE know... WE know.... this could have been so much better. Liner notes by Steve Suskin are extensive and all the song lyrics are there. Will read when I have a free hour or two.