Liz Callaway's New Album

[Basely Tearful]

Posted: 10/25/09 at 3:33pm

I was looking for some new music on itunes yesterday and stumbled on Callaway's new album. It's my favorite since her Broadway album (with better orchestrations) and is chockablock with some wonderful stuff.

Most notable to collectors will be her delicate, powerful reading of "Patterns" from Baby (here playing the oldest role; she originated the younger). I'm also fond of "Better" (one of my favorite showtunes), her 2 Sondheim contributions ("Children Will Listen" and "Being Alive; the later quite moving). There are also a great combination of Webber's "The Perfect Year" and "Memory" and she even tackles "I'm Not That Girl" and a gentle combo of "Make Someone Happy" (this melody always makes me melt) and "Something Wonderful".

Oh and she throws in a moving cover of "Eleanor Rigby".

In short her best disc to date. I hope she returns to Broadway soon. Here voice hasn't aged at all and her interpretations are thoughtful and spot on. Highly recommended.
Updated On: 10/25/09 at 03:33 PM

[Pgenre]

Posted: 10/25/09 at 3:43pm

I was very impressed with this album. I am an admitted Liz-fan, but I find that some of her solo albums tend to be a little too sentimental and maudlin, but this album is a knock-out and second only to THE BEAT GOES ON for me.

The duet with her sister gave me chills like no song has in a LONG time. Why do I feel like I have heard that song before? Is it by Jeff Blumenkrantz? It's brilliant and SO powerful, especially right now, whoever wrote it.

I was so happy Liz used the Babs additional verse on "Children Will Listen" and I love the new ending, I wonder who came up with that?

Brava, Liz!

P

[Basely Tearful]

Posted: 10/25/09 at 3:55pm

I'm glad she did the Streisand verse too. It's really wonderful and a shame it's not used as often (wish it was in the show actually).

The duet is actually a Carly Simon song, Pgenre.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 10/25/09 at 3:59pm

I've listened to it over and over. Her "Eleanor Rigby" is exquisite.

[Basely Tearful]

Posted: 10/25/09 at 4:02pm

Isn't it though, Pal Joey? I admittedly rolled my eyes when I saw it on the track list. But it's the standout.

And isn't "Patterns" chilling? That song makes me cry every time. I think those are Maltby's best lyrics to date.

[tazber]

Posted: 10/25/09 at 4:28pm

Love it. I've been playing this and Lauren Kennedy's new one non-stop.

[karen24]

Posted: 10/25/09 at 6:41pm

I really liked the album, too. Pgenre, "That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be" was a huge hit for Carly Simon back in the 70s. I've always found it a really depressing song, but she and Anne do sing it beautifully. And her version of "Patterns" made me realize that it's a much better song than I thought it was--I never really cared for the version on the "Baby" cast album.
Did anyone see her at the Metropolitan Room this past week? I live upstate or I would have definitely been there! I keep waiting for her to come up this way...

[JBSinger]

Posted: 10/26/09 at 11:23am

It's a great CD. The version of "Being Alive" is a little annoying though. She just keeps singing verses and FINALLY gets to the bridge after several minutes.
As always, her vocal control and placement is flawless. Great belt, gorgeous mix.
"Children will listen" has wonderful orchestrations and that duet with Ann is quite special.

EDIT: Listened to this album again this morning and it just feels richer every time. The Carly Simon song becomes more devastating each time, her voice just soars on "Memory" (even if it is down a 1/2 step), and the new Flaherty/Ahrens song that opens the disc is so stunning. This CD is a must and she needs to record more often.
Updated On: 10/27/09 at 11:23 AM