James Barbour in Concert- "Love Songs"- @ "Sardi's"- 1/31-2/28
James Barbour in Concert- "Love Songs"- @ "Sardi's"- 1/31-2/28
James Barbour in Concert- "Love Songs"- @ "Sardi's"- 1/31-2/28#1
Posted: 12/21/08 at 12:13am
As this current run of concerts comes to a close (1/4), tix now available for "Love Songs":
http://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showCode=JAM17
Updated On: 1/3/09 at 12:13 AM
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #2
Posted: 12/21/08 at 12:31amThat sounds awesome!!! I am so excited about going to it on Tuesday. I'll make sure to write a review of it.
~Dirty Rotten Scoundrels~
~Curtains~
~A Tale of Two Cities ~
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #2
Posted: 12/21/08 at 12:46am
It was really a blast !!! Its very "off the cuff", so its very real... I think James and Jeremy Roberts (musical director & pianist) had a number of songs to choose from, and as they went along, they just decided... "Ok, you wanna do that one?"..
"Ok, let's do it"-
He did a song from "Hunchback..." that was phenomenal, (from the European score) and one from "Lestat" that was great as well.
My fave of the night (other than the "encore") was "Believe" from Polar Express.
And "O Holy Night"--- WOW !!!
Dre... enjoy !!!!!!
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/15/05
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #3
Posted: 12/21/08 at 1:25am
Ugh! I wish I was in town because I would have totally gone! His voice is BUTTER! I love it. I hope he records an album, and I hope his concert shows up on "YOU KNOW WHERE."
Brandi is going to play Sophie? She seems a little...old? Or is she playing the mom because she seems a little young for that.
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #4
Posted: 12/21/08 at 3:17am
Thanks, Testing! I was just about to start a "new thread" about the concert, just for reviews and comments. Was Jill there...?
Did he say why he changed the song for the duet with Brandi? Who else was there from Tale?
We deprived ones want to hear ALL about it!(without giving off "spoilers" that is, for those still attending). Since each night will have a different guest, I think the reviewers can go more in detail about each performer.
Can anyone else colaborate on which Christmas songs he sang?
Thanks :)
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #5
Posted: 12/21/08 at 7:36amIsn't Brandi a little old to pass for 20 in MAMMA MIA?
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #6
Posted: 12/21/08 at 8:01am
I dont think Jill was there... I was looking around for her. He would have mentioned her. He mentioned just about everyone else that was there from "Tale" !! :))
He told a story about how this concert bascially came to be. When "Tale" ended, he really didnt want the cast to "split up" so fast... so, he decided to do the concerts, so they could basically still share the holidays together. It was nice.
He didnt mention why they changed the duet, but it really seemed like they had a number of songs to choose from, and just decided at the last minute what to sing. He mentioned on his blog today that he might change the set list up a bit.
It was very random, as far as holiday songs vs. Broadway songs.
He is a great storyteller. I think that is what I enjoyed the most.
Oh, I didnt mention last night that they sang "The Dradle Song"!
Very cute !
Also "Mele Kalikimaka"- "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
There were at least 10 Holiday songs (if not more)
For those that plan on going to one of the shows.... definitely do the audience participation if asked !!
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/10/04
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #7
Posted: 12/21/08 at 10:38am
I hope he can do Lily's eyes with some tenor. That will be beautiful.
Also, a "Star" from Les Miz will be sweet too.
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #8
Posted: 12/21/08 at 11:25am
Number that he sang from "Lestat" was "Sail Me Away".
Beautiful song !
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/15/05
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #10
Posted: 12/21/08 at 2:13pmThanks so much for the information, Testing! I really wish I could have seen the show-- it sounds fantastic. And I agree with Sanda; he would do a lovely rendition of "Stars."
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/15/05
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #20
Posted: 12/21/08 at 5:39pmI don't think it's hard to forget. It's honestly known of our business. Sure he's a "public figure" as much as actor is, but we don't need to know all about it, and when I saw him in "Tales" the thought didn't cross my mind once. His voice and superb acting kept me from evening venturing into that territory.
Featured Actor Joined: 8/21/08
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #13
Posted: 12/23/08 at 2:04pm
I think Brandi sang "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," didn't she?
I'd say that he sang all the really nice, and (seemed to me) personally meaningful Christmas/holiday songs, and then there were a couple of novelty songs, which we won't describe in case you guys go see him.
It's funny, 'cause after the set, I said to JB that I would like to write a little review on BBW, and I'd say that it was like he was singing in your living room -- was that ok with him? (yes) and then Testing came up with those very words in the first review posted.
But I thought about it. Even though JB was extremely at ease, and in spite of the newness of being in the venue, he rolled with a number of goofy little goof-ups (can somebody put some gaff tape on that music stand?) -- it was More than like-being-in-your-living-room.
It was like having a really gifted singer/actor give a small Concert for you and your best friends.
The song choices, apart from the holiday music, were extraordinary (imho) -- many were pieces of music heard rarely, or, as he said, not heard before. Although I'm not crazy about one of his favorite composers (whose music you'll hear), the songs JB chose were spellbinding, I thought. This is why I don't want to give a set list, because I found that the "surprise" of hearing these songs was a great part of what made his act unique and unexpected, and something I would go back to see again.
Boy, gotta like that Jeremy -- he's kinda fun to watch, too: you can tell that there are some pieces of music that he really loves, and even on the tinkly Sardi Spinet, he makes the music fill you.
I think that I was a little surprised at how well JB handled the "club date" style; I didn't know what to expect from someone who has done so much theater, and isn't known for being a pop-crossover type of artist (no hawking of CDs, etc.). He seemed to be there simply to entertain, and earned like a 100 out of 100, as far as I'm concerned.
[And I'm really picky and hard to please, so...don't start.]
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #14
Posted: 12/23/08 at 10:33pm
<< The song choices, apart from the holiday music, were extraordinary (imho) -- many were pieces of music heard rarely, or, as he said, not heard before. Although I'm not crazy about one of his favorite composers (whose music you'll hear), the songs JB chose were spellbinding, I thought. This is why I don't want to give a set list, because I found that the "surprise" of hearing these songs was a great part of what made his act unique and unexpected, and something I would go back to see again. >>
Totally agree ! Did you love "Measure of a Man" as much as I did???!!! What a number !
Featured Actor Joined: 8/21/08
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #15
Posted: 12/23/08 at 11:04pm
Yes, Testing, unexpectedly (for me), I really liked all of the songs he sang that I was unfamiliar with.
That's what I was trying to describe: that this artist has a special skill in delivering novel material captivating-ly. I liked the whole experience much more than I expected to.
What a kick that he's invited somebody new to sing with him every night!
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #16
Posted: 12/24/08 at 1:21am
Oh.
my.
god.
I loved it! I just got back (long train ride for me) and boy, I had to come on here right away and say how awesome the concert was.
My friend and I got bar seats, but it was still really close. James actually used the exact same words about how it was like having people in his living room, and him singing to them. It was awesome.
The first song he sang was This Is the Moment. He said it was the first time he had sung it at the concert and it sounded incredible. He did a ton of Christmas songs and Measure of a Man (brilliant song.) He said it was from a musical called Rudolph by Frank Wildhorn. I have to search that out. And he did Sail Me Away from Lestat which was also really good. James said he liked singing it (and other songs) because of the lyrics and that it felt like reading a monologue really. He also sang What You'd Call a Dream from a show called Diamonds (I think.)
He also did Beneath the Moon from the Hunchback musical (have to find that too. so good!) and the encore song was I Can't Recall which nearly had me in tears.
It was funny cause he said the poster read "Holiday songs and Broadway songs" but it was really "Holiday songs and Broadway songs you've probably never heard of" which was sort of the case but now that I have heard them, I want to go find them.
Natalie Toro only sang one song (sad) but she sang Ava Maria. Gorgeous sound. Bit of trouble with the mike (in my opinion) but it sounded brilliant.
Michael Hayward-Jones was there too and James asked him up, and told him to sing something. So he told Jeremy "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" which they hadn't practiced at all and Jeremy knew it by heart (incredible pianist.) In Tale of Two Cities, I never really heard Michael sing any solos (don't think he had any) so I had no idea what his voice would sound like. It was gorgeous. I wish he had a concert coming up, I could listen to him all day. He didn't realize there was a key change in the middle and was thrown off a little, but came back and finished it beautifully.
and the audience participation was so much fun! I partook in it and had a blast. Nervous at first but everyone was making a fool out of themselves so I did too. I won't say what it was, but definitely go for it if you're seeing the concert.
Please, if you're in the city and looking for something to do, go to his concert. If you're planning a nice getaway from the kids, go to his concert. If you want to hear an incredible voice, go to his concert. It will be worth it. Trust me.
~Dirty Rotten Scoundrels~
~Curtains~
~A Tale of Two Cities ~
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #17
Posted: 12/24/08 at 6:41am
Dre,
I just saw that -- (that he opened with "This Is The Moment") on his blog !! OMG !!
I really hope he leaves it in the set list !!!
So glad you loved !!!!
Thanks for posting the review !
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #18
Posted: 12/24/08 at 6:08pm
Just got back and I didn't want it to end. He sang a song from "Dracula" with Kate Shindle that was gorgeous. She also sang Ava Maria and Derek Keeling sang "Jingle Bell Rock".
I had so much fun and can't wait to go back in January.
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #19
Posted: 12/24/08 at 6:49pm
<< Just got back and I didn't want it to end. He sang a song from "Dracula" with Kate Shindle that was gorgeous. She also sang Ava Maria and Derek Keeling sang "Jingle Bell Rock".
I had so much fun and can't wait to go back in January. >>
So glad you loved, Obsessed !!! The show is really a blast !!!
Is he still doing the audience participation part (with the props? --- dont want to say any more :))
Going back Sat nite--- decided to make dinner ressies this time, and was able to get them with no problem at 6:30.
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #20
Posted: 12/24/08 at 9:07pmhe did last night. he actually said that for one of the songs that he has been doing for the past few nights that required a audience member, he finally got a prop for them to use during it.
~Dirty Rotten Scoundrels~
~Curtains~
~A Tale of Two Cities ~
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #21
Posted: 12/25/08 at 9:35pmdoes anyone remember the song he sang that he said got him the role in Assassins? It was something like "I Hear the Bells." anyone know?
~Dirty Rotten Scoundrels~
~Curtains~
~A Tale of Two Cities ~
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #22
Posted: 12/26/08 at 4:34pmCan some of you who've attended the concerts expand a bit more on his song selections? I've been reading some, here and there, but have not heard the full report on the holiday songs he sang. It was very nice that he seems to have included Ave Maria, would be awesome to hear "him" sing it.
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #23
Posted: 12/26/08 at 8:30pmDo they sell tickets at the door if they have any left over? I'm not sure which date I'll be able to attend, if I can at all.
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #24
Posted: 12/26/08 at 11:21pm
They might sell tickets at the door, not sure. You can call Sardi's and ask.
Michael Hayward-Jones sang "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." I think James sang White Christmas, the Hawaii Christmas song, 12 Days of Christmas, and I'm sure I'll think of others later. Hope that helps.
~Dirty Rotten Scoundrels~
~Curtains~
~A Tale of Two Cities ~
re: James Barbour @ 'Sardi's' - 12/20 #25
Posted: 12/26/08 at 11:31pm
Thanks, Dre...let's hope others collaborate to the list as well.
Since I can't go, I want to know through you guys all about it :)
I couldn't find lyrics to "Measure of a Man"...anybody has?
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