Ricky Ian Gordon
Ricky Ian Gordon
FinnFanatic
Stand-by Joined: 6/21/04
#0Ricky Ian Gordon
Posted: 7/1/04 at 3:41pmDoes anybody know much about Ricky Ian Gordon's music? I was doing a bit a research online and it seems like something I'd really enjoy, especially with performances by Judy Blazer, Audra McDonald and Darius DaHaas (on "Bright Eyed Joy") and by Darius DaHaas (on "Only Heaven"). Has anyone heard either of these recordings? If so, what do you think? Should I invest in either of them?
Broadway Matt
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/17/03
#1re: Ricky Ian Gordon
Posted: 7/1/04 at 9:24pmI didn't know much about him beyond William Finn's mentioning him in the Ballad of Jack Eric Williams in "Elegies". But then in March I was privileged to attend a concert benefit of his musical "Dream True" at Cooper Union. I had never heard of the show but I guess it ran off-broadway in 1997 or 1999. I was absolutely blown away by the concert. Aside from the fact that it featured Brian D'Arcy James, Jeff McCarthy, Jason Danieley, Kelli O'Hara, Victoria Clark, Michael McElroy, and Jessica Molaskey (can you say dream cast) the music and lyrics in the show were fantastic and incredibly unique. His music, based off of that show, is quite melodic but very sophisticated. It reminded me a lot of William Finn's music actually. Can't comment on the recordings you mentioned but, as a fellow Finn groupie, I recommend Gordon highly.
"The last train out of any station will not be full of nice guys." - Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
"I wash my face, then drink beer, then I weep. Say a prayer and induce insincere self-abuse, till I'm fast asleep"- In Trousers
FinnFanatic
Stand-by Joined: 6/21/04
Broadway Matt
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/17/03
#3re: Ricky Ian Gordon
Posted: 7/2/04 at 9:19pm
by the way, I love your nickname and signature quote! this thread has a deliciously high concentration of In Trousers signatures.
and for the record, the reason I went to the Dream True concert was because I thought there was a chance Finn would be there. he wasn't, but the incredible cast and music more than made up for it. also got to meet Mr. Gordon, director Tina Landau, and John Lithgow who was in the audience to visit D'Arcy and Kelli.
"The last train out of any station will not be full of nice guys." - Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
"I wash my face, then drink beer, then I weep. Say a prayer and induce insincere self-abuse, till I'm fast asleep"- In Trousers
FinnFanatic
Stand-by Joined: 6/21/04
#4re: Ricky Ian Gordon
Posted: 7/3/04 at 1:05amThanks. I wish I knew more about In Trousers. I've never had the opportunity to see it. All I have is the cast recording, and I know that the actual show was much different than the recording (I saw the libretto, and the songs were very different). Do you know where I can find more detailed info about the show?
Paul LW
Featured Actor Joined: 6/17/04
#5re: Ricky Ian Gordon
Posted: 7/3/04 at 1:33am
Ricky Ian Gordon writes WONDERFUL music, but more challenging to sing than your average musical theatre piece.
I sang "A Horse With Wings" by Ricky Ian Gordon and without the proper classical training someone would sound just downright silly on it! 
...paul
#6re: Ricky Ian Gordon
Posted: 7/3/04 at 1:48amricky is bloody brilliant! bright eyed joy is one of my favourite albums. most of the lyrics are to langhston hughs poems and the effect comes across very well. it is very challenging music, but the more you listen to it the more you love it. the performances are top-notch. adam guetell sings some the songs, and i hope it motivates you to try his albums out, too. so make the investment! you'll be jolly glad you did.
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