Who is Michael Ball, why should I care...?- Page 2

[kec]

Posted: 7/14/03 at 5:32pm

Like I said - one person in that chat room knew the name was familiar, and she thought it was because he was Marius?

Unfortunately not a lot of my friends and aquaintances are as enamoured of theatre as I am, so they -- and I, because I left NY before Michael brought Aspects to Broadway -- missed hearing that marvelous voice in the early 90's.

Just recently I got into a conversation with an office colleague and his wife about musicals. I mentioned both Chitty and Michael, and they recognized Michael's name because he was on their CD of Les Miz (But Colm Wilkinson isn't the Valjean on their recording -- it's Gary Morris). I've since loaned them my DVD of the Les Miz concert, and a tape I made of "highlights" of one of Michael's concert dvds.

In my quest to discover more about this singer, I purchased both the OLC recordings of Les Miz and Aspects. Yes, Michael's voice is incredible on the Aspects of Love CD. But have you heard him sing it recently? He just seems to get better and better each time he sings it. It's truly his "signature" song. Updated On: 7/14/03 at 05:32 PM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/14/03 at 5:45pm

But to simply answer the question

Who is Michael Ball, why should I care...?

The answer is, if you know theatre you know Michael Ball. Not only is he the definitive Marius as stated several hundred times by directors and musical directors but he originated Aspects of Love and the Infamous ALW love anthem "Love Changes Everything" He is now a famous concert performer much like Sarah Brightman. His career was very infulential, he was ahead of his time. Michael Ball was the top Musical thetare young male of his time, that's who Michael Ball is, and that's why you should care.

[kec]

Posted: 7/14/03 at 5:55pm

Very well put, Rob... except...

"His career was very infulential, he was ahead of his time."

His career IS still influential, and he's still ahead of his time...

Don't mean to be nitpicky, but he is still going strong in the UK. He has a new cd coming up that, according to him, will be similar in style to his fantastic Alone Together show at the Donmar Warehouse.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/14/03 at 6:09pm

well ok, kec, reinstated then, his Musical Thetare career was influential

Les Miz
Phantom of the Opera
Aspects of Love
Passion

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/14/03 at 6:21pm

And, dude...

Besides he's got that KILLER smile that leaves me in all but a sad little melted pool. *SIGH*

[jo]

Posted: 7/14/03 at 6:47pm

Hi Javi,

Thanks for the tip. By coincidence and after reading again what I wrote on this thread, I was surfing Amazon.com the other day and discovered that they had actually released the DVD version of the Broadway PASSION. So, I have placed an order for the item ( I do have the video version from a long time ago, but a DVD is to keep .).

I did go looking for the DVD on the supposed day of release ( June 10) at COLONY Records and VIRGIN Megastore on Times Square and both stores indicated at that time that there was no information on it being released in this medium.

I didn't use to appreciate Stephen Sondheim as much before ( although I like some of his songs well enough - my favourite is "I Remember (Sky)" from Evening Primrose) it wasn't only after repeated seeing of PASSION in London that I really began to appreciate the distinct and elegant style of Sondheim. I had purchased a copy of the Broadway CD before seeing the show at the West End, but it was only in the context of a stage production that I had fallen in love with the musical score

I guess I owe Michael Ball this musical discovery ...Btw, it's not my bias showing -- but I do prefer the London cast album ( with Michael and Maria Friedman) over the Broadway recording.


jo

[jo]

Posted: 7/14/03 at 7:43pm

Much later ....

Re the Michael Ball - Stephen Sondheim connection -- I wish someone would release a compilation album ( although I do have one in my mind ) of all the Sondheim songs which Michael has recorded live or in a studio:

*Losing My Mind (Follies)
*Send In the Clowns ( A Little Night Music)
*Beautiful Girls ( Follies)
*Loving You ( Passion)
*Too Many Mornings ( Follies)
*Not While I'm Around (Sweeney Todd)
*Our Time ( Merrily We Roll Along)
*Something's Coming ( West Side Story - Bernstein/Sondheim)
*Maria ( WSS)
*Tonight (WSS)
*Somewhere (WSS)
*Broadway Baby ( Follies) - this is a winner!!!!

And he has sung "Being Alive" at the Olivier Awards... and of course Giorgio's songs in PASSION ( including the incredible No One Has Ever Loved Me/I Love Fosca).

jo

[sharon1]

Posted: 7/14/03 at 8:08pm

I guess that answers the question, "Who is Michael Ball." Now I wonder if the original poster went out and got a cd, a video, or a dvd to listen to the "man" himself. Which brings me to another point. Why isn't he over here some? The man has an incredible voice, with a huge cache of songs that he does better than anyone else. His concerts would be a big success with the right promotion.

[DofB5]

Posted: 7/14/03 at 8:40pm

I have to agree with you, Sharon. I think he should at least try to release a single over here. I have a feeling "I Wouldn't Know" would do very well but can't make my mind up as to what to back it with.

Once people heard his wonderful voice, they would be clammering for more. A new CD and a tour would be just the ticket at that point. He'd have to do the talk show rounds to promot the CD/tour and the more he did the more he would be seen/heard.

Maybe there's a better way to go about it but I would think that would work.

D

[aurora1958]

Posted: 7/15/03 at 1:08am

Someone please explain to me who you are and why we have to justify anything to you in the first place?

[Phantom05]

Posted: 7/15/03 at 1:24am

Broadway Bulldog, Please don't bash andrew Lloyd Webber, and "Those Guys" who wrote Les Miserables, by the way they do have names, Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil. These composers have created the two most famous musicals in theater history!!! Whether you are a Phantom fan or a Les Mis fan, you should be able to agree that there is nothing wrong with taking pride in the fact that you are a fan of one of the two most AMAZING musicals in the world. I find it extremely sad that you aren't open-minded enough to accept the fact that so many people LOVE Michael Ball. He is such an AMAZING performer, and deserves all of the fans that he has accumulated throughout his career! And just because people may like POTO, Les Mis, or Miss Saigon, is no reason to dislike them. As I said to you on another thread, "What The Hell Is Your Problem".......sheesh!!!

Phantom05

[kec]

Posted: 7/15/03 at 3:10am

Given the fact that Broadway Bulldog has said he will "try to give Michael a listen," I would say that he is being open-minded. Just because he doesn't like ALW and Schonberg and Boubil doesn't mean he has a problem -- his tastes are simply different than yours and mine.

So, Phantom05, why don't you tell us what it is you like about Michael?

[sharon1]

Posted: 7/15/03 at 1:18pm

Great kec, but where did Bulldog go? He hasn't responded again.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/15/03 at 1:43pm

Goodness.

After reading your replies to my initial question I sought to educate myself on Michael Ball. I listened to numerous cuts from his CDs. I now have an idea of the gentleman and from whence he sprung. Nothing that I've been exposed to so far has caused me to respond positively however that could change in time if there is more exposure. In short, I wasn't wowed over. As of now, my questions were answered and I thank most of you for your guidance.

For those of you who continue to be on the attack: relax. We are all entitled to our opinions. No one is right and no one is wrong. What is the purpose of a message board like this if not to share opinions on relevant subject matters and to educate each other as appropriate?

Yours for a better Broadway!

[Phantom05]

Posted: 7/15/03 at 2:10pm

Hey Bulldog, sorry for my mild attack, you are right, everyone is entitled to their own own opinion, and I do apologize for my words. To answer the question what do I think of Michael Ball, wow what is there to say........he's AMAZING. He was so great as Marius in Les Miserables, and as far as CCBB goes, I have only heard sound clips, but they sound amazing! Anyways, Michael Ball just has this amazing ability to sing any style of music/song, that is set before him. He is such a versitile performer, and very enjoyable to listen to. I have only seen him perform once, but I have many of his recordings.

See Ya!

Phantom05

[sharon1]

Posted: 7/15/03 at 2:20pm

Bulldog, I think it is great that you took the time to do the research. So many people do not. They just go on and on without the knowledge. I personally love all his cds but I think I know what is missing. Most of us that love his work have seen him either in a show, a concert, or a concert video. I have never seen a "live" performance. But from what I understand he knocks the sockx off of everyone. I have only seen concert videos. I thought they were smashing. Also the videos of the Les Mis tenth Anniversary, and ALW 50th Birthday, and Alone Together. So I hope you continue with your research. And if you get a chance see a video performance which might help in your research. I love having great discussions. Your a good person Bulldog.

[kec]

Posted: 7/15/03 at 4:34pm

So, Bulldog, please share what you listened to... by any chance did you listen to any parts of Sondheim's Passion? His rendition of "No One has Ever Loved Me/I love Fosca" is really marvelous. As Jo pointed out earlier, he's done quite a few Sondheim pieces --in addition to the one I've named above, I love his renditions of Send in The Clowns and Loving You.

I, too, have only seen Michael in concert once, but I have seen him a number of times in Chitty, and really enjoyed his performances as Caractacus. In concert, Michael is just incredible. He weaves magic with his singing, whether it be a love song, a song from musical theatre, or a rock n- roll number. In the concert I saw last summer, he sang a song titled "Just When" -- a song Michael co-wrote with Brian Kennedy, specifically for his lady. The love in his voice as he sang this song went right to my heart.



Truly a versatile performer

[DofB5]

Posted: 7/15/03 at 5:59pm

Glad to see someone who was willing to give his music a try. I would also like to know what you listened to, Bulldog.

I haven't seen him live--yet. Hope to if/when Chitty comes to Broadway.

D

[aurora1958]

Posted: 7/20/03 at 3:20am

Ok, I apologize as well..but it just seemed to be worded as if we had to justify talking about him to you. Perhaps I just read it incorrectly. At least you did take the time to research and find out who he was. I think that was really great of you.

And I guess I'm very touchy after some of the nastiness of other boards..I'm constantly on the defensive.

Sorry again.

[sharon1]

Posted: 7/20/03 at 7:51am

Last night was his final west end performance in CCBB. There was a mob scene at the stage door before the matinee and after the evening's performance. The curtain call was phenomenal and highly emotional. I guess a testament to the popularity of the man as a performer and to his "company leadership" skills as former cast members also came to bid adieu.

[DofB5]

Posted: 7/20/03 at 10:07am

Sharon, did anyone get any photos? I don't doubt it was like a madhouse at the stage door.

Good for Mr. B! I just hope this kind of reaction gives him the push to want to do the show in NYC.

D

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/20/03 at 12:03pm

I listened to a number of song bytes from Mr. Ball's home page. They come from various recordings. To my ear there is nothing distinctive about his singing and none of the dozen plus cuts I heard grabbed me. The CCBB cuts I found to be second rate at best. Perhaps he is a performer best realized in person. Two turn-offs that I care to state. First, the pictures of him on stage at the Donmar in his concert depict him unflatteringly. (I can do without the "I'm Judy in my "Born In A Trunk" sitting on the stage pose.) Secondly, he seems to record too many songs written for the female performer. There is something disconcerting about that to me. On the whole my opinion is that he is just another big voice who has run the LES MIZ cycle and has benefited by his dimples. My opinion is subject to change, which can always happen. Obviously thousands of musical fans are wholly enamoured. Perhaps he needs a role of substance to make his own. Nothing so far is causing me to buy one of his CD's.

The line for slapping me starts to my left. lol.

Yours for a better Broadway!

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/20/03 at 12:09pm

And the line for shaking your hand starts behind me.

[sharon1]

Posted: 7/20/03 at 12:17pm

Bulldog
I personally like it when a male or female performer takes the other's songs. It gives it a whole new direction. i.e. Linda Eder doing Man of La Mancha. I can't comment on the picture you are refering to because I don't have an opinion about it. Wait that is not true. It is supposed to be that way because the whole concept was less than flattering. This about a man kind of down and out revisiting his life. None of us look fantastic at that point. Did you not see the video??? Or DVD??? You can't judge a book by it's cover. Oh well. As far as distinctive voice. I keep trying to listen to various musical theater performers and try to distinquish one from the other. By voice only. So many sound less than full on second, third, and more visits. Mr B always sounds complete with all that is necessary to convey the story the song is telling. Of course that is an opinion. I hope we keep this conversation going because the thousands that saw CCBB recently and have visited his concerts can't be all wrong. I do so love our little chats

[DofB5]

Posted: 7/20/03 at 12:19pm

And I was on the right side! Darn! LOL!

Well, everyone has a right to their own opinion. There are singers that I can't stand but I'm sure their fans enjoy them just as much.

D