Wearing Someone Else's Clothes

[Mills]

Posted: 6/21/05 at 7:23pm

First of all, hi, I'm 19, live in the UK, go to uni in London, love musicals.

So now that's out of the way, onto the real reason for this post, JRB's new album. Yes I have it, yes I count myself lucky, was on sale at Dress Circle today, whoo! But get over it, because I'm still waiting for my Spelling Bee cast recording :p

I have loved Jason Robert Brown's music ever since I discovered it (which I guess was about 4 years ago?) He is absolutely one of my favourite composers. Ever, not just of musicals. (So much so that when asked my favourite composers in the first week of lectures doing a music degree I mentioned musicals and JRB despite knowing I'd get many blank looks, and some looks of disdain at the mere mention of musical theatre!) Anyway, that's just so you know where I'm coming from in my review.

Quite simply, this is an amazing album. I have listened to it practically non-stop since purchase, and I love every track on it. The tracks work together to make a very cohesive album while at the same time having diversity. I guess I'll just say a couple of sentences about each track, being slightly useless at reviews (and prone to waffling if you hadn't noticed!)

Someone Else's Clothes: Probably my least favourite track at the moment, but I still like it. Least favourite track of this album is still way above most of my music collection. Kind of light funk I guess (I'm not very good at naming music species as it were!) Anyhow, it's lots of fun.

Long Long Road: Stylistically carries on in a similar vein. Good track.

Someone to Fall Back On: Really touching song. It creates the most amazing atmosphere, and I find it quite heartbreaking. Just beautiful.

Getting Out: I love this song, contrasts well with the preceeding track, immediately picking up the mood. There's some great lyrics in this. Simply fantastic, one of my favourites. I just love all the instrumental accompaniment for this one especially. Some cool instrumental solos too. Lots of fun.

Over: This is another amazingly atmospherical piece. Another current favourite.

Music of Heaven: Works really well, is fully orchestrated and has a choir. And for the record I just love that the rhythm section was recorded in '97, and the rest in '04.

Nothing in Common: Ok, repeating myself now, but it's touching, nice, deceptively simple sounding and I like it. Tis just piano and bass accomp., adds a nice contrasting touch to the rest of the album.

I Could Be In Love With Someone Like You: Yes it's a lyric from the last five years. This is the precursor to Shiksa Goddess, back when Kathy was Irish. It's really funny (tho was moreso live, doesn't translate onto recording as well, but still, great track)

I'm in Bizness: Funk influenced jazz (I think!) Some very virtuosic playing, really impressive stuff. Scatting is present and is wonderful.

Coming Together: Guest singer (Lillias White) Another full orchestra/choir job. One word, beautiful.

Grow Old With Me: This could be a big band swing standard. Nice orchestrations, and contains what could quite easily be seen as a huge dance break were it in a musical.

So overall, some more stunning harmonies and brilliant lyrics at the hand of JRB. On top of which, he proves himself as a singer, and demonstrates some really mind-blowing piano playing.

I could gush some more, but I'll stop now before I embarrass myself further. Basically, an amazing CD, on which no track is skippable. Hopefully JRB will make his way back over to the UK at some point, but this CD will keep me more than happy for the foreseeable future.

*apologises for length of post*

[feinstein9]

Posted: 6/21/05 at 7:28pm

yo mills! welcome to da boards! i love brits yes, jrb is quite brilliant, and you'll find that many here agree. i've been listening to him since Parade won the best score Tony back in '99, and fell in love with his music instantly. i ordered the new album but it hasn't come in yet. so glad to hear you like it, and hope it's every bit as good as you say.
cheers!

[Huey's Pop]

Posted: 6/21/05 at 7:28pm

I got my copy over the weekend. Yes, great album. I think the first cut is EXCELLENT.

You'll really enjoy Spelling Bee when you get the CD. I saw it a couple of weeks ago -- very sweet show.

[Jwaa]

Posted: 6/21/05 at 7:32pm

Yeah i was in Dress Circle yesterday and noticed it...i had to look twice because i was sure it is out in the U.S on the 28th!

I was soo close to buying it and made a big deal how it was either...walk home or buy it!..due to lack of cash flow...but arrggh i should of bloody walked and bought that!

Om glad to see that the Irish Kathy version is on there and yes....and its a shme it doesnt translate aswell on the recording, because he was amazing live in london, and that thirteen yr old girl...wooww..made a dick of myself when i met him tho LOL

I will probally buy it tomorrow now!
Wicked review thanks
XXx
Updated On: 6/21/05 at 07:32 PM

[adamized88]

Posted: 6/21/05 at 7:38pm

definitely a must buy!!!

just a note - Sh-K-boom.com is selling signed copies at no extra cost while supplies last!!!


check it out