The Maury Yeston Songbook

[bestofbroadway]

Posted: 6/13/03 at 12:55am

Just got it in the mail and may I say that it includes some excellent performances. I have always loved Yeston's work so I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the CD.

First off, Sutton Foster's rendition of I Want to Go To Hollywood is sensational. If your a Sutton fan this CD is a must have, even if she does sing only one song. And if your not a Sutton fan, this will make you one.

I've heard several people say that Alice Ripley's Call To the Vatican was pretty trite, so I listened with the full intent of hating it. Now you must remember that I absolutely adored her in Company (Amy) and thought she was the worst thing I had ever seen on stage in the one woman show Tell Me on A Sunday (weak as an actress and vocally...the shows like an hour long and she couldn't hold my attention for two minutes.) Now she isn't any Anita Morris or even Jane for that matter, but I think she does a pretty good rendition of the song. A little breathy at times (of course the song is one big orgasm) and what's up with her changing the rythms. But otherwise it is a commendable version.

Brent Barret (who I couldn't stand in Kiss Me Kate) does a nice rendition of Only You- nothing special though. Liz Callaway's Simple is also a nice rendition. Laura Benanti and Robert Cuccioli sing Home from Yeston's Phantom which is gorgeous. Brian D'Arcy James' Unusual Way is very nicely done.

Betty Buckley barks her way through Be On Your Own (sounds like Grizabella the Cat is being run over by a truck.) No wonder most composers (ie Styne and Sondheim) can't stand her. But her rendition of I Had a Dream About You is very touching.

There are 3 world premieres on this recording and I have to say that one of the songs- Danglin' sung by Johnny Rodgers- is simply wonderful and very different from most of Yeston's music.

Overall it's a great CD to have if you like Yeston.

[Feathah]

Posted: 6/13/03 at 2:12pm

Thank you so much for posting your review of this CD! I've been picking it up off the the rack and putting it back every day for a week now (so tempting when you work a block from Virgin in Times Square.) Now my decision is made and I'll be picking it up today.

[TxTwoStep]

Posted: 6/13/03 at 2:15pm

I hear the version of "New Words" (one of my favorite songs, and Stevie Sondheim agrees with me) is not nearly as good as Liz Callaway's (which I believe appears on "Unsung Broadway" or some such compilation). Who sings it in the "Songbook"?

[bestofbroadway]

Posted: 6/13/03 at 2:50pm

I can't even remember that song. I've only listened to it once. I'll check when I get home for you.