Unusual Way

Unusual Way

ASIN: B0009GU3VQ

Track Listings

1. Round & Round

2. Golden Daze

3. Hot Summer

4. Another Day

5. Night Breeze

6. Can't Get it Right

7. Unusual Way

8. The King

9. Yes, I Will

10. Universal Mind

11. Made My Heart Weep

12. Live or Die

Tracks:

I Am What I Am (from "La Cage aux Folles")
Anthem (from "Chess")
On The Street Where You Live (from "My Fair Lady")
What Kind of Fool (from "Stop The World I Want to Get Off")
Some People (from "Gypsy")
I'll Be Seeing You (from "Right This Way")
Gold (from "Camille Claudel")
Don't Rain On My Parade (from "Funny Girl")
The Impossible Dream (from "Man of La Mancha")
A New Life (from "Jekyll & Hyde")
Edelweiss (from "The Sound of Music")
Unusual Way (from "Nine")
Man of La Mancha (from "Man of La Mancha")

Amazon.com

The people who felt betrayed when Linda Eder covered several pop songs on 2002's Gold will be relieved that her follow-up, Broadway My Way, is a return to the Great White Way. As if to prove that she isn't limited to either the songs of Frank Wildhorn or ballads, Eder tackles some well-known show tunes. The ballads tend to be overwrought, so it's best to look for the uptempo numbers. The singer's take on "Some People" is technically fine but so va-va-voom showbiz that it lacks the deranged edge that makes the song so compellingly dramatic. Things work a lot better on "I Am What I Am": while Eder doesn't take it to the top (or rather over the top), this is as close as she gets to Mermanizing a number. Elsewhere, "Don't Rain on My Parade" (immortalized by Streisand) and "Man of La Mancha" are appropriately brassy and triumphant, with Eder roaring her way through both songs. Fans of both Eder and Wildhorn should note that the singer reprises her Svengali's "Gold," the title track from her previous album, and an excerpt from his long-in-the-works Camille Claudel. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

On the eagerly awaited Broadway My Way, Atlantic recording artist and acclaimed Broadway sensation Linda Eder performs classics including 'On the Street Where You Live' (from My Fair Lady), 'Edelweiss' (from The Sound of Music), 'Don't Rain On My Parade' (from Funny Girl) and 10 other great broadway songs performed in a whole new voice. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Linda Eder - Great Voice.......2007-07-06

This lady has one great voice. She can certainly sell a song. My only reservation about her is that she's a bit cocky. I think she could use some humility.

Not a voice.......an instrument.......2007-02-17

Unbelievable breath control, phrasing, and style. My 10 yr. old Granddaughter who heretofore has listened and loved the usual rap
and hip-hop, heard me playing this disc and begged me to buy her
one........and I did, and she plays it all the time, and to her
friends. Linda Eder exceeds the Streisand mystique by far.

the best female singer of the great american standards........2006-07-24

i am turning 60 years old this year. i went to my 1st.broadway
musical in 1960. over the years i have had the honor to see
almost all of the giants of american song, garland, streisand,
patti lupone, lena horne, betty buckley, barbaracook etc. in
"broadway, my way" linda eder cements her place as the best of the best. from an anthem like "i am what i am" to the lovely
"on the street where you live" captures you body and soul.
i loved this album, and don't ever miss a chance to see her live. JOHN POWER

The powerful and beautiful voice of Linda Elder.......2006-02-23

A great selection of songs. Tremendous amount of energy in Linda's voice. I just love it.

Linda Eder shines with her Broadway album.......2006-02-18

Wow! Linda Eder has an outstanding voice. She sells Broadway in the styles of Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. After hearing this you will want more.

Average customer rating:

Viva Raul!!!!
9
"Nine" is spectacular!
...Their sound can last a hundred years...
Best Musical - 1982

Nine (1982 Original Broadway Cast)
Maury Yeston , Raul Julia , and Karen Akers
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Nine - The Musical (2003 Broadway Revival Cast)
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ASIN: B0000996FQ
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

Overture D'elle Donne/Spa Music/Not Since Chaplin
Guido's Song
The German's At The Spa
My Husband Makes Movies
A Call From The Vatican
Movie Themes
Only With You
Folies Bergeres
Nine
Ti Voglio Bene (Be Italian)
The Bells Of St. Sebastian

Tracks:

A Man Like You/Unusual Way/Duet
The Grand Canal
Simple
Be On Your Own
Not Since Chaplin (Reprise)/I Can't Make This Movie
Waltz From 'Nine'
Getting Tall
Nine/Long Ago (Reprise)
The Germans At The Spa - Maury Yeston
Unusual Way - Maury Yeston
The Grand Canal - Maury Yeston

Customer Reviews:

Viva Raul!!!!.......2007-02-15

Raul Julia ......the grand performer is the main reason to buy this CD ......i was never a fan of "Nine" but you can feel Raul, his magic in every song.....the songs might not stay with you forever , but Raul renditions will...Long live the great Raul Julia Arcelay..the Best of the Best!!!

9.......2006-09-23

"Nine" the brilliant Broadway musical directed by the brilliant Tommy Tune and starring the brilliant Raul Julia and with a brilliant scenic design of glaring white tile including the stage floor, and a brilliant costume design, except for the "Folies Bergere" number, every one was dressed in black, and a brilliant casting coup- 1 man surrounded by 21 women-and a couple of handfuls of brilliant musical numbers and by now you get the picture, the show was brilliant but it was its' brilliance that sabotaged the show and to boot the show was stubbornly not audience-friendly.

This led to moments of awe-inspiring highs surrounded by moments of boredom.

The first high comes about 15 minutes into the show by the entrance of flame-haired Anita Morris. Dressed head to toe in a lacy,skin-tight,see-through outfit that doesn't even try to hide her ample attributes-and she is making a phone call to her lover draped over a white tiled cube(bed) and she slithers, slides, stretches in positions not humanly possible, purring seductively to her boyfriend and having a real good time with herself in what is possibly the hottest and most erotic moment
I have ever witnessed on a Broadway stage and threatened to blister and melt the very tile she played on. Ironically the number was "A Call From the Vatican".

Another high moment came with Liliane Montevecchi as Guidos'(Julia) producer who bemoans the gloom of modern cinema and longs for the days of song, dance and color,,"Folies Bergere"

A pivotal moment in Guidos' life is when at the age of 9,he and a couple of his classmates visit a notorious whore who teaches the young boys how to "Be Italian" This incident so shames Guidos' mother she sends him away to a draconian Catholic school run by cruel nuns who happily beat the devil out of their students. This leads to the beautiful Gregorian Chant-like "The Bells of St Sebastian".

Guido begins his new film of Casanova "The Grand Canal" which is a 15 minute mini-opera.

I have to mention Karen Akers who plays Guidos' wife and I adore her voice which to me sounds like a mix of honey and melted caramels-just listen to her long ago section of "My Husband Makes Movies" and "Be On Your Own".

Raul Julia also has effective numbers "Guidos Song" "Only With You" and he sings the afore-mentioned spine-shivery "Bell of St Sebastian" and he duets with his 9-year old self on the finale "Nine" which ends the show on an effectivly quiet moment.

There are other fine moments to be found "Unusual Way" with Shelly Burch comes to mind.

This CD is a wonderful reminder of just how great a Broadway musical can be and although I enjoyed the entire show warts and all, I only wish the show had been more accessable to a wider audience so everyone could have witnessed the brilliance I had.

"Nine" is spectacular!.......2006-07-24

Based on Fellini's autobiographical film, "8 1\2", "Nine" opened in 1982 with a score by Maury Yeston and a book by Arthur Kopit. It starred Raul Julia, Karen Akers, Anita Morris, Liliane Montevecchi among others. Its direction was by Tommy Tune. All of these individuals (oh yes, Jonathan Tunick, the orchestrator) are responsible for this spectacular original cast album of the spectacular musical, "Nine.
Mr. Yeston has supplied as score that is filled with memorable songs that are tuneful and musically interesting. His lyrics are witty and original. Every song is outstanding. I must single out Ms. Akers' wonderful torch songs, "My Husband Makes Movies" and "Be On Your Own" as being the bests of the score. Ms. Akers performs them so well, which makes them even more enjoyable. I also cannot forget the exceptional "Folies Bergeres" sequence featuing Ms. Montevecchi in her element.
However, Mr. Julia and the other cast memembers give absolutely wonderful performances as well.
This is a nearly complete recording at something like 70 minutes. ("Nine" is not two and a half hours long for those of you who began to question the above statement.) As a bonus, it features Mr. Yeston performing some of his great songs.

...Their sound can last a hundred years..........2006-04-22

I have to admit that when I first listened to this CD I was not favorably impressed. None of the songs captured me instantly and many seemed rather jarring and confusing, particularly as I was not acquainted with the show and no synopis is included. I put it away only to recently pick it up with the guilty feeling that I had not given it any true consideration. This proved to be very true. After forcing myself to listen to it several times, I had to force myself to stop listening! There is something truly magical and mysterious about this show, a quality which sings through the stirring, passionate, indelibly European music and the moving, often bitingly clever and even provocative lyrics. Maury Yeston certainly knew what he was doing. He has created something which is very different from much of the broadway fare that came before it and was to follow it, something which is truly unique, but in such a subtle, elusive way that it is impossible to pinpoint wherein this individuality lies. This is certainly not one of the greatest musicals of all time. It is flawed; there is a disjointed quality to the songs some of which are decidely weaker than others. It is simply distintive.
This is must in great part be attributed to the performances. The cast of 'Nine' is superb and deserves to be remembered as it is. As Guido Contini, Raul Julia gives a performance which perfectly captures the internal struggles and outward charm of this character. While his singing does not match up to his acting,(his voice is rather grating, and occasionally he does things to the high notes that I would prefer not to discuss) he makes an admirable effort in each song and succeeds in most. He nails 'Guido's Song' in which the character's state of mind is so brilliantly outlined and has just the right bravado for 'The Grand Canal.'Nobody, even the worst singer in the world, could ruin the sweetly simple and utterly lovely 'Only With You', though I do not feel that he does justice to 'The Bells of St Sebastian' which is one of my favorite songs; I find the mix of styles and rythms incredably stirring.
It is the women who surround Julia who are responsible for the life and the fantasy that is so palpable on this recording. The women's overture is one of those inspired strokes of genius which serve to bring an entirely new sound to Broadway. As a whole they provide excellent support in 'The Grand Canal' and in the rollicking 'The Germans at the Spa' which is hysterical but also performs the task for which it was written, namely to create atmosphere, much better than many similar songs in other shows. Camille Saviola provides excellent vocals as mama Maddelena. As Yeston comments in the liner notes, hers is only one of many standout performances. This musical is wonderful in its ability to make stars of each of its soloists, each is brilliantly showcased in the respective song/s. Karen Akers(Luisa) may not have the strongest voice, but as another reviewer commented she has a worldly weariness which perfectly suits her character. Her two songs 'My Husband makes Movies'and 'Be on Your Own' are two of the most moving moments in 'Nine', the former raises so many questions about life and love while the latter is almost heartbreaking in its desparation..."go off and live your petty fictions full of blatant contradictions you can't see..." Anita Morris(Carla) does not have what could be described as an attractive voice, but she has just the right brash, steamy powerful belt for 'A Call from the Vatican'. Taina Elg(Guido's mother) and Shelly Burch(Claudia) both provide sweetly pretty renditions of 'Nine' and 'Unusual Way' respectively while Kathi Moss' voice soars in the wonderfully exciting 'Be Italian'. One of the weaker moments is the unconvincing 'Getting Tall'; Cameron Johann does not have the ability or is simply too young to save this song. But all this would still not be worthy of five stars, it is the true showstopper, the glorious 'Follies Bergeres', which catapults this show to the hights of my regard. Brilliantly concieved, it is brilliantly executed here by Julia and Stephanie Cotsirilos but particularly by the extraordinary Liliane Montevecchi. Never was there a performance which was more worthy of a Tony. She soars through this song both as an actress and a singer...and almost evokes Edith Piaf in some of those dizzying climaxes...I could go on raving for some time longer but this review has already become ridiculously long. The one true downside of this recording are Yeston's demo recordings of some of the songs which are quite simply ghastly. Talk about composers butchering their own material! In spite of this I heartily reccomend that any fan of musicals add this to their collection, would I really write such a long, pompous review if I didnt feel it was worth it?

Best Musical - 1982.......2005-06-29

The surprise winner of 1982's Best Musical Tony (beating the equally deserving "Dreamgirls) was "Nine", an intelligent production, with a beautiful score by Maury Yeston.

While arguments can be made about whether this original or the 2003 revival are better, I slightly prefer the revival, only because the orchestrations sound richer. The casts of both are terrific!

Best tracks include:

My Husband Makes Movies
A Call From The Vatican
Only With You
Folies Bergeres
The Bells Of St. Sebastian
Unusual Way
Simple
Be On Your Own
I Can't Make This Movie

Both versions are worthy purchases, but if you have to pick one, pick the revival (single disc, synopsis, lyrics).

Average customer rating:

Bleah!
Sumi sings Broadway
Much Better than I Expected
Beautiful!
Unexpected voice

Sumi Jo - Only Love
Stephen Sondheim , Leonard Bernstein , Maury Yeston , Choi Kyung Sik , Jule Styne , Alban Gerhardt , Michael William Balfe , Claude-Michel Schoenberg , Ettore Stratta , and Sumi Jo
Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004GP1Z
Release Date: 2000-04-11

Tracks:

In His Eyes
Someone Like You
Beautiful World
Unusual Way
Losing My Mind
Once Upon a Dream
Only Love
Send In The Clowns
Just In Time
Dream With Me
I Dreamt I Dwelt In Marble Halls
I Still Believe

Customer Reviews:

Bleah!.......2007-07-02

I like Sumi Jo. The music is drek. Sondheim! Before I knew how Clowns fit into the plot I thought it was mildly enigmatic and heartbreaking (sniff). Now that I do know, I think it's a maudlin, bad attempt to conform to the plot of the show. Mind is just stupid, and the tune is pallid. ("Or were you just being kind..."?????) So much for Sondheim. He'll be forgotten soon enough. He's hardly a household word now. The rest of the songs have that peculiar, unpleasant modern sound that so many new Bway songs have. Kind of weird. It's "in". Monkey see, monkey do. I'm glad I bought it used and only wasted $5 + shipping on it. If you like this kind of tuneless, affected music, go for it. She's wonderful. She doesn't sound like an opera singer at all. Though she is a wonderful one. The arrangement of the Styne is slow and soothing, not that jouncy bouncy upbeat thing, the way it was written. I don't like either version, but if I were forced to be subjected to one, I'd take the slow one. I'm very disappointed. I should have expected as much from 2 Sondheims and that Styne. I wish she'd sung a better selection of songs.

Sumi sings Broadway.......2006-12-26

Coloratura soprano Sumi Jo's album "Only Love" again demonstrates why she is undoubtedly one of the greatest voices of recent times. On this album, Sumi Jo concentrates her talents on songs from the musical theatre world. Many opera singers do have trouble adapting and manipulating their precision-trained voices into another style, but Sumi Jo sings in a fresh, appealing way that makes these songs come alive, almost like they were written yesterday.

The crown jewels of the album are "Unusual Way" (from Maury Yeston's NINE), and the title track, "Only Love" (one of the more distinguishable ballads from Frank Wildhorn's otherwise-dreadful SCARLET PIMPERNEL score). Sumi effortlessly transforms herself into a Broadway diva on this album; instantly she's at home with the material. I heartily recommend this surprising about-face from opera singer Sumi Jo.

[Erato/Warner Music 8573802412]

Much Better than I Expected.......2006-08-03

Let me start off by saying that I adore opera and I adore musical theater. That said, I can think of very few opera singers who I like singing showtunes. Actually Dawn Upshaw is the one who readily comes to mind... Somehow the greatest opera singers, people like Renee Fleming and Kiri Te Kinawa have trouble "toning it down" enough to successfully sing a musical repetoire. Sumi Jo is an exception. Her voice is light enough to sing these pieces with a nice tone and a sense of ease. We know her extraordinary operatic ability from her previous work, but she wisely doesn't feel the need to prove it to us on these songs.

Given my high opinions of Sumi Jo, you might be wondering why I didn't give this album 5 stars. That's because I think she could have chosen better songs. I commend her for going with contemporary composers as opposed to the usual repetoir of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Lowe, Jules Styne, with a bit of Bernstein and Sondheim thrown in for flavor. However comtemporary musical theater has exciting new voices from the likes of Jason Robert Brown, Adam Guettel, and Michael LaCuisa. Or, she could have gone with some Boubil and Schoenberg with some of Andrew Llyod Webber's better tunes thrown in. Instead, she went for a lot of Wildhorn. Thankfully she chose to embrace The Scarlet Pimpernel and Jekyll and Hyde- two of Wildhorn's best shows as opposed to total schlock. But songs like "In His Eyes" (a duet with herself) and "Only Love" aren't intersting. Her only nod to Boubil is "I Still Believe" from Miss Saigon (another duet). Duets usuallywork with two contrasting voices and viewpoints (especially duets like these- sung by two characters in love with the same man). Singing with yourself doesn't really create any tension o0r real interest. Sumi Jo is best on tracks like "Send In the Clowns" (A Little Might Music), "Losing My Mind" ("Follies") and other songs intended as solos.

I definately reccoment this disc to an opera fan interested in another side of Sumi Jo, or a musical theater fan in search of a good voice (or both). My only reservation is a few of the song choices.

Beautiful!.......2004-01-19

Proof that musicals can be sung without the "Belt-technique". Pure, beautiful and amazing! This is what I call crossover!

Unexpected voice.......2003-06-09

Anyone who knows Sumi Jo will be surprised at this album because she is not like an opera singer in this album. It is common that opera singers¡¯ cross-over albums sounds ridiculous because they do not give themselves up being the opera singer; they usually stick to their operatic way to sing. However, when one who has never heard Sumi Jo¡¯s other recordings listens to this cross-over album, he will not know that Sumi is an opera singer. It means that her interpretations are almost perfect. She knows how to sing cross-over songs and that the way to sing them is different from that of opera arias; but unfortunately some opera singers do not seem to know it. Maybe cross-over music is something that most opera singers want to try, but I have not seen one succeeded contentedly. Sumi¡¯s voice and her interpretations are almost perfect. All tracks are great, but particularly I recommend ¡°Unusual Way¡± and ¡°I still believe.¡± I remember Sumi Jo saying in an interview after finishing recording this album, that she finally made it. I agree with her that she eventually did a great job. I really pay a compliment on her impressive work. Very strongly recommend!

Average customer rating:

What!? How is this possible?
Beauty and grace, charm and wit - Maury's got it all
A perfect marriage of music and lyrics
The Maury Yeston Songbook
One of the best broadway/composer compilations ever made!

The Maury Yeston Songbook
Maury Yeston , Christine Andreas , Brent Barrett , Betty Buckley , Liz Callaway , Alice Ripley , Sutton Foster , Brian d'Arcy James , and Philip Chaffin
Manufacturer: P.S. Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008H2LJ
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

Please Let's Not Even Say Hello - Alice Ripley
Only with You - Brent Barrett
I Want to Go to Hollywood - Sutton Foster
Danglin' - Johnny Rodgers
I Had a Dream About You - Betty Buckley
My True Love - Philip Chaffin
A Call from the Vatican - Alice Ripley
Now and Then - Laura Benanti
You're There Too - Christopher Fitzgerald
Is Someone Out There? - Eden Espinosa
New Words - Brent Barrett
My Grandmother's Love Letters - Christine Ebersole
By the River - Christine Andreas
I Am Longing - Philip Chaffin
Home - Laura Benanti & Robert Cuccioli
Another Day in the Modern World - Michael Holland
Simple - Liz Callaway
Unusual Way - Brian d'Arcy James
Be On Your Own - Betty Buckley
No Moon - Howard McGillin

Amazon.com

Despite racking up Tony nominations and/or box-office success with Nine, Grand Hotel, and Titanic, Maury Yeston remains a relatively unknown Broadway auteur. And yet, what a fabulous songwriter he is. Listen to "Home," for instance: This excerpt from Phantom (the other adaptation of Phantom of the Opera) has great melodic hooks, along with natural sweep and unrestrained emotion. Like every song on this CD, it also has such dramatic drive that it easily stands on its own outside of its regular narrative frame. This collection of new recordings provides an excellent overview of Yeston's talent, juxtaposing numbers from his three best-known scores (though there's only one from Titanic) with rarities and a generous selection from his 1991 song cycle December Songs. Christine Ebersole, Liz Callaway, and Betty Buckley turn in expectedly strong performances, but watch also for Laura Benanti (the star of the 2003 revival of Nine), Christine Andreas, and Foster Sutton, who completely make the material theirs. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Description

The Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist -- who's given us the smash hit musicals Titanic, Phantom and Grand Hotel, and whose first stage show, Nine, is currently being revived in New York with Antonio Banderas -- is celebrated in song by the best stars o

Customer Reviews:

What!? How is this possible?.......2007-01-20

How could one put together a Maury Yeston Songbook cd without a track from Andrea Marcovicci? He wrote a song cycle for her. Granted there are some great singers here but a grave oversight to not include Ms Marcovicci.

Beauty and grace, charm and wit - Maury's got it all.......2006-11-14

Maury Yeston may be musical theatre's unsung genius to the public at large, but I've heard his praises sung many times. A friend convinced me to buy the original Broadway cast of "Nine", and while there were some fantastic songs and an undeniable melodic gift throughout, it left me lukewarm. The same with "Grand Hotel". And I couldn't stand "Titanic" - too big, too self-important, too reliant on booming low brass and bombastic orchestral swells.

"Phantom" was the only one of his scores that touched something other than distanced admiration in me. It was everything Sir Lloyd Webber's popera travesty could never quite aspire to - epic yet human, beautiful and touching, with songs that showed actual details and emotions. So it was with that in mind that I purchased this, figuring that maybe Maury could prove me wrong, shorn from the restrictions of a book musical format.

And by God, did he prove me right and then some.

Maybe it's the singers. Maybe it's the perfect orchestrations. Maybe it's just the absence of a plot to follow. More than likely, it's all three, but this is one of the most gorgeous, enjoyable, heartbreaking albums I've ever purchased. Yeston has assembled an impressive cast to give voice to his music - such heavy Broadway hitters as Alice Ripley, Brent Barrett, Betty Buckley, Christine Ebersole and Howard McGillin mix with up-and-comers like Eden Espinosa, Sutton Foster, and Brian d'Arcy James. But the most impressive turns are given by people I'd never heard of before - Johnny Rodgers (who?) has a voice spun from gold, and he's absolutely perfect in "Danglin'", a simple and powerful song despite some odd lyric choices by Yeston. Likewise Philip Chaffin in "My True Love" and "I Am Longing", and Michael Holland displays a warm and untrained performance of "Another Day in the Modern World". These three men, who I'd never heard of before, absolutely stole the show. It doesn't hurt that they're given some of the best songs from the album.

Of course, the rest of the ensemble uniformly turns in worthwhile performances. The professionalism of Broadway is gloriously evident here, each singer making their song uniquely theirs. Brent Barrett made me hear "Only With You" as if for the first time. Betty Buckley is surprisingly vulnerable in "I Had A Dream About You". Alice Ripley is her usual bundle of raw emotion in "Please Let's Not Even Say Hello", and turns in a rare comic performance in "Call From The Vatican" to great effect (listen to that surprise high note near the end! Wow, Alice!). Christine Ebersole is heartbroken, elated, vulnerable, and tough all in the course of "Grandmother's Love Letters"' 4 minutes.

There are some weak spots - Eden Espinosa is mostly one-note during her song, and while it's certainly a high note, it's nothing you haven't heard her do better elsewhere. Laura Benanti's "Now and Then" goes by without much notice, which is a shame for this talented actress. And Betty Buckley goes back to her usual high-volume stridence in "Be On Your Own", which despite its chilling music deserves a more nuanced performance than Buckley gives here. But these songs would be standouts on any other album, and it's only the company they keep that prevent them from being excellent.

Oh, and "Unusual Way", possibly Yeston's best-known song, is so beautifully performed here by Brian d'Arcy James and a three-piece band that I nearly cried hearing it. And that's quite a feat for a song that I swore never to listen to again after the seventeenth girl in a day auditioned with it (badly). But the gender swap works perfectly, and d'Arcy James' golden Irish tenor swings through the music effortlessly.

As for the band - there are no missteps here. Each song is given exactly what it needs, from the Romantic-with-a-capital-R string section on "Home", to the jazzy saxophone on "Letter From the Vatican", to "Be On Your Own", which is given a Herrmann-esque string section. Some particular touches stand out - that lovely acoustic guitar on "Danglin'", the simple piano line on "Modern World", and the sublime cello/piano outro in "Unusual Way" really stuck with me after the album stopped playing. And the recording is without fault - crisp, encompassing, personable and expansive as the mood requires. The whole album sounds fantastic.

There is such a wide range of style and substance here that each song would deserve purchasing individually. As a collection? It's bliss. If you're a fan of theater music, appreciate great vocals, or just need something to keep you company on long nights, this is required purchase.

A perfect marriage of music and lyrics.......2006-09-07

I think Yeston must be the most underrated talent in music theatre. And not just music theatre ... for as far as I know, "Danglin'" is not from a show - a jewel of a song ... and a disarmingly honest rendition from Johnny Rogers (what a beautiful voice! Why hasn't he made more CD's?) Some other favourites are "New Words" (not enough parent-child love songs out there ... and I can't imagine it could be sung any better than this), "You're there too" (with a charming and unexpected twist), "Simple" (Callaway is superb), "Only With You" (loveable rogue!) ... to name but a few. Inspired music theatre writing. A must for any musical buff, composer or singer seeking repertoire that will help them stand out from the crowd.

The Maury Yeston Songbook.......2006-08-30

A good album sung by good singers. I have been an admirer of Maury Yeston for a number of years . I am a great fan of "Nine"
which I consider his best work.(If possible try to listen to the
Australian Cast Recording with John Diedrich) I enjoy listening to artists like Alice Ripley, Brent Barrett, Sutton Foster,and my very favourite singer Liz Callaway. All in all a great CD to just sit back ,relax and enjoy Les Breen

One of the best broadway/composer compilations ever made!.......2006-06-29

There are so many brilliant performances on this CD that I don't even know where to begin. From start to finish, this CD sweeps you away on a rollercoaster of emotions. Now, this CD isn't perfect by any means; a few of the artists are performing songs that aren't really suited to their abilities, but the heart is there and that's really all that matters in the end.

If you love Broadway, if you love GOOD music in general, and you want to be moved by songs rather than merely entertained, you must get this CD.

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Passionate and intense, but not Akers in peak form.
KAREN AKERS - "Just A Housewife or a Cabret singer?"
KAREN AKERS - "Just A Housewife or a Cabret singer?"
KAREN AKERS - "Just A Housewife or a Cabret singer?"
KAREN AKERS - "Just A Housewife or a Cabret singer?"

In a Very Unusual Way
Karen Akers
Manufacturer: Cabaret Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000008CQZ
Release Date: 1994-10-14

Tracks:

Unusual Way
Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
Sailing On
Unexpected Song
You Can Have The TV
I Know Him So Well
How Long Has This Been Going On
I Loved You Once In Silence
Maybe - Nevertheless I'm In Love With You
Just A Housewife
I've Been Taught By Experts
Not A Day Goes By - The Rose

Customer Reviews:

Passionate and intense, but not Akers in peak form........2005-05-28

Recorded in 1987, this is Karen Akers's second album-and it would be considered an outstanding album if Akers had not recorded several other much better ones after this one. With her strong alto and Piaf-type vibrato and timbre, she sings songs of heartbreak, loss, and disillusionment, giving impassioned interpretations to songs by James Taylor ("Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight"), George and Ira Gershwin ("How Long Has This Been Going On"), Stephen Sondheim ("Not a Day Goes By), and Peter Allen ("I've Been Taught by Experts), among others. Accompanied on piano/keyboard (Michael Abene), electric bass (Tom Barney), and percussion (Akira Tana and James Saporito), Akers keeps her instrumental arrangements simple, subordinating them to her voice.

Akers has a huge voice, and she sings with passionate intensity, but in these songs, with the exception of one song, she always seems to be holding back, holding in her immense power. In "I've Been Taught by Experts," however, she wails, letting her big voice soar, and powering through the lyrics. "Not a Day Goes By," often used as a star turn by other singers, is sung ironically by Akers here, her voice remaining under total control.

Sophisticated and reserved, Akers sings like the actress she is, but these songs are all of similar mood, and they demand less, vocally, than she shows on other albums. Akers recorded this when her acting career was at its peak--she had just filmed Heartburn with Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep (with whom she held own as the femme fatale), had been on Broadway in Tommy Tune's Grand Hotel, for which she had been nominated for a Tony, and had been in several TV shows, and her acting ability is obvious here as she emotes her way through these impassioned songs. A fine album, though not as interesting as some of her others, this is Akers at the beginning of her fantastic cabaret career. Mary Whipple

KAREN AKERS - "Just A Housewife or a Cabret singer?".......2001-06-03

I own four other Karen Akers c.d.'s but this one took a while for it to grow on me. I now absolutely adore this gem. At first, when I heard 'I Now Him So Well' it sounded like her vocal was reverberating - especially when she sings "wasn't it good, he could be mine". Regardless, she can interpret songs with such grace and elegance as well with conviction. She is truly a wondrful alto with a close heart for Edith Piaf. Karen Akers is truly underated but she continues to shine us with her spectacular voice.

KAREN AKERS - "Just A Housewife or a Cabret singer?".......2001-06-03

Nine (1992 London Concert Cast - Highlights)

Average customer rating:

Please actually listen to the CD before reviewing..
Looking for Lusia
One of my favorites!
WHY IS MY NAME NOT IN THE CREDITS!!!!!!!
Not Bad - NOT GOOD - but Not Bad

Nine (1992 London Concert Cast - Highlights)

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003FD4
Release Date: 1992-10-09

Tracks:

OV
Spa Music
Not Since Chaplin
Guido's Song
The Germans At The Spa
Reproters Return/My Husband Makes Movies
A Call From The Vatican
Only With You
Foiles Bergeres
Nine
Be Italian
The Bells Of St. Sebastian
Unusual Way
The Grand Canal
Simple
Be On Your Own
I Can't Make This Movie
Waltz From Nine
Getting Tall
Reprises

Customer Reviews:

Please actually listen to the CD before reviewing.........2004-06-04

Luisa was played by Ann Crumb. If she can't sing. I don't know who can. Saying that she can't sing is like saying Patti LuPone can't sing.

I personally like this version a lot better than the broadway one. Jonathan Pryce did such a good job as Guido that I had to buy this version even though I own the Broadway version.

Elaine Paige, albeit not in her top in this recording, did not play the role at the actual show (said so in the booklet) but stepped in to play the part for the original singer who couldn't make the recording of the CD.

Give this record a chance. It's different than the way the Broadway casts interpret/present it, but doesn't mean it's bad.

Looking for Lusia.......2002-03-12

OK, OK ... I admit I have not yet heard the London concert recording, but its been ordered and I'll let you know what I think. Specifically though, I'm looking for a Luisa who can sing! Karen Akers is a wonder as an actor, but should have been replaced for the Broadway cast recording. I just experienced a black box version of Nine with a Luisa who could wring every ounce of passion out of "My Husband Makes Movies" and especially "Be On Your Own", which Ms. Akers squeaky voice just can't do. Without a great complete performance by Luisa the show is unfocused and there is no real motivation for Guido to do much of anything. Guido's final despair must be played off of Luisa, not the film he can't make. The songs Yeston writes for Luisa are among the best in the show, they are worth being sung well. Unfortunately, on the Broadway Cast recording they are not, hopefully this recording will be better. Maybe it's best to listen to both and pick your favorites.

Well now I've heard the London Concert Cast and it's very disappointing. On this recording Ann Crumb's Luisa just does not cut it (nor does almost anyone else ... especially Pryce's Guido). Crumb sings the notes in a pretty way, but there's no depth at all to her performance. With a choice between Karen Akers and Ms. Crumb, I'll take Ms. Akers hands down. Technical ability aside, Ms. Akers sells the song. As Guido, Pryce's voice is thin and "talky" ... this is no passionate self-absorbed Italian film director. The only performance of note is Becky Norman as Carla, but then it's pretty hard to screw up "A Call From the Vatican." However, she vamps her way through it in fine style.

I wish the London cast recording (not the concert version) was not so hard to get and expensive. I'd love to hear it. For now though, stick with the Broadway cast recording and don't waste your time with this one.

One of my favorites!.......2000-12-06

I am a bit surprised at the negativity I see here, because this is one of my favorites! I will admit though that I have not heard any other cast recordings of Nine. I think Jonathan Pryce does a nice job, I get such an image in my head listening to him! I also love My Husband Makes Movies and Unusual Way! When I first got this CD, I wasn't crazy about it, but now I really love it! Maybe you just need to give it a chance!

WHY IS MY NAME NOT IN THE CREDITS!!!!!!!.......2000-09-03

Hello. When i was nine i was in the London Production of this cast recording. In an recent trip to New York i found a copy of the cast recording, i bought it and ran home to listen to it. Yes it was the same production. Yes i know the lyrics backwards. Yes the production on CD does not sound particularly exciting but visualy it was amazing (we had a 15 min standing ovasion). However my excitement was turned to horror when i found i was not in the credits list! For me that is the only downfall of the soundtrack. It amuses me to read the other reviews criticising the English about how we let this production down - all the money that was raised went to an Aids Charity and to me that is the most important thing. I was not payed a penny and we were all their just so that we could raise money for a worthy cause!

Not Bad - NOT GOOD - but Not Bad.......1999-06-25

Broadway cast is definately the way to go. These brits mangle the score. Elaine Paige should be shot for the way in which she barks through her song on this recording. And Anita Morris sings sings circles around the London chick on "Call From The Vatican."

An Introduction to Schubert's Piano Quintet "Trout"

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An Introduction to Schubert's Piano Quintet "Trout"

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000076FX6
Release Date: 2003-01-21

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Classics Explained: Rite of Spring
Stravinsky , Rahbari , and Brt Po Brussels
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00007FPFN
Release Date: 2003-07-15

Average customer rating:

Song I Sing At Vitellos

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000E1S11K

Product Description

1.i concentrate on you.2.unusual way.3.my romance.4.loving me,loving you,loving me.5.stars.6.my foolish heart.7.the air that i breathe.8.if i could.9.the way you look tonight.10.don't pull the shade.11,how do you keep the music playing?

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Unusual Way
Whendae
Manufacturer: Bonnier Sweden
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000005CH2
Release Date: 1998-02-10

Tracks:

Feel free
I found boys
Blooming blushing rose
Devil in the sky
Product of the '50's
This ain't really me
Unusual way
Whatcha wanna do
Nayah
Gotta get out
Walkin' dead

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