Play Along

Play Along

On this CD: 1. Play along, for string ensemble and electronics
Composed by Robin Jean-Paul / Rimbaud Dessy
with Robin Rimbaud , Sigrid Van den Bogaerde , Vincent Royer , Dominica Eyckmans , Jean-Paul Dessy

2. Out of the trench and wading backwards, for samples
Composed by Robin Rimbaud
with Jean-Paul Dessy

3. Whaling wolves, for electronics
Composed by Jean-Paul Dessy
with Jean-Paul Dessy

Tracks:

Stuck In The Saddle Again (Light Cavalry March, Suppe)
Sing Verdi Very Loud (La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi)
Its The Same Every Verse (In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg)
Musical Bs (Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms)
Dont Play That Violin (Violin Concerto #2, Paganini)
Schuberts Trout (Trout Quintet, Schubert)
Dvorak The Czechoslovak (Humoresque #7, Dvorak)
A Fan of Chopin (Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin)
Please Do Not Tease The Viennese (Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss)
Its Spring! (Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi)
Wow What a Wedding Cake (Wedding March, from A Midsummer Nights Dream,. Mendelssohn)
Instrumental Performances:
Light Cavalry March, Suppe
La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi (with vocals)
In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg
Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms
Violin Concerto #2, Paganini
Trout Quintet, Schubert
Humoresque #7, Dvorak
Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin
Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss
Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi

Amazon.com

From a pure-pleasure standpoint, the first Beethoven's Wig was nothing to flip over, and the second disc in the series follows suit. However, that is not to say that this is not a valuable and possibly ingenious record. Those unfamiliar with the premise will quickly get the picture: Producer/writer/lead singer/chief clever guy Richard Perlmutter gathers a bundle of important classical works (Paganini's "Violin Concerto #2," Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz") and makes up silly, catchy lyrics to lay over them, informing the listener about the piece or its composer. Standing out for their offbeat brilliance this time are "Dvorak the Czechoslovak" ("Humoresque #7," Dvorak) and "Wow What a Wedding Cake" (Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mendelssohn). Few stabs at mixing education with entertainment succeed so well. As a bonus, the second half of the CD repeats the symphonies straight up, presenting a neat opportunity to quiz kids 5-12 on what and who they've just heard. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Greatest baby gift ever.......2007-03-15

Both of my grandchildren (and their parents and grandparents) are hooked on this CD and all of the silliness and beauty it brings into our lives. We sing to it, dance to it, and find ourselves thinking about it at odd times. Who can't love singing Verdi VERY LOUD? I've now started giving this as a simple baby gift, especially to those with older siblings. They are already equipped with clothing and nursery gear, and Beethoven's Wig invites the whole family to gather round...even if it is just on short car rides.

Great for the whole family.......2007-01-04

My husband, 18 month old daughter and I all love this CD. It's a staple in the car. One caveat- these lyrics will get stuck in your head and I now find myself singing the "words" to these songs when I hear them in a store or commercial! I'm hoping this means my daughter will recognize these songs as she gets older.

More Great Fun.......2006-03-13

Like the first volume, this CD encourages young children to enjoy classical music. The silly lyrics sometimes impart factual information on the composer or the piece. There are 11 sing-along symphonies and then the 11 symphonies are replayed without the lyrics--total of 22 tracks. Booklet with lyrics and trivia is included. All our children (aged 2-12) enjoy this CD, as do we.

One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!.......2006-01-10

My children loved Beethovens Wig 1. I checked this one out at the library. Then, we decided we had to have this one too.
Yes, one is the best but 2 is still wonderful.
Save yourself the shipping and order both at the same time.
We all thoroughly enjoy it. My 4 yr old can name these classicals when he hears them elsewhere and he can hum these beautiful songs. Much better than kiddie rhymes and Disney jingles. Culture your children the funniest way!!

Absolute joy, and endless fun!.......2005-11-15

The tunes and word stay with you and before you know it, you are signing them along. My two kids (ages 9 and 7) ask me to put the CD on as soon as we get into the car. What a wonderful and fun way to get them to love classical music!

A Year with Frog and Toad (Original Cast Recording)

Average customer rating:

Old School Fun!
A Must Have for Anyone with Kids!!
What Friendship Means
We really enjoy this CD
Saw the show at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis

A Year with Frog and Toad (Original Cast Recording)
Robert Reale , Willie Reale , Jay Goede , Mark Linn-Baker , and Kate Reinders
Manufacturer: P.S. Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Frog and Toad All Year (I Can Read Book 2)
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ASIN: B0001IN0LW
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Tracks:

Opening
A Year With Frog And Toad
It's Spring
Seeds
The Letter
Gotta Loada Toad
Underwater Ballet
Alone
The Letter (Reprise)
Cookies
Entr'Acte
The Kite
A Year With Frog And Toad (Reprise)
He'll Never Know
Shivers
The Letter
Down The Hill
I'm Coming Out Of My Shell
Toad To The Rescue
Merry Almost Christmas
Finale

Amazon.com

A winning combination of a talented cast, appealing music and lyrics by Robert and Willie Reale, and Arnold Lobel's classic children's books made A Year with Frog and Toad a Broadway success that earned 2004 Tony nominations for best musical, best book, and best original score. The brainchild of Adrianne Lobel (the author's daughter and a veteran stage designer) and the Reale Brothers, Frog and Toad was originally produced at The Children's Theater of Minneapolis, turning Lobel's stories into entertaining vignettes starring the titular amphibians (played by Jay Goede and Mark Linn-Baker, Adrianne Lobel's husband) and colored by jazzy '30s-style music. "The Kite," for example, is an energetic Charleston, "He'll Never Know" is a soft shoe, and "Seeds" illustrates Toad's gentle love of plant life in a lyric ballad. This recording captures the original cast from Minneapolis (which transferred intact to Broadway, except Jennifer Gambatese replaced Kate Reinders as one of the birds) and adds an attractive 32-page booklet filled with photos, lyrics, and notes by Adrianne Lobel and the Reales. A Year with Frog and Toad deserves a long life in the repertory of children's theater alongside such fare as You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Old School Fun!.......2007-05-26

We just love this family CD. The songs are so much fun... Even I find myself lost in imagination as I listen to these songs - It reminds me of simpler times when a book is all you needed for entertainment. A must for Frog & Toad lovers!!!!

A Must Have for Anyone with Kids!!.......2007-05-23

We've seen the musical twice now and would love to see it again. The songs are catchy, clever and cute. The characters are wonderful and richly developed. The songs go along perfectly with the stories if you have the book (if you don't you should get it). This is fun for our kids and I like it too!
Absolutely delightful!

What Friendship Means.......2007-01-15

This is a delightful musical designed to appeal to children of all ages. (I'm 65 and found it magical!) Although I sure it's better to see the show than just hear it, this cast recording captures the energy of the show quite well. Most importantly, the valuable message of the show comes through very well on this recording. The message of the show is to answer the important question: "What is friendship?" Frog and Toad teach us the true meaning of this wonderful word in a way that is fun to hear!!

We really enjoy this CD.......2007-01-10

My daughter saw the play, my son did not. But both of them are singing along with this CD all the time! It's very fun music.

Saw the show at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis.......2006-11-20

I am about to order my third copy of this disk. I have two boys, ages 11 and 7, and theater-going is the one art-y activity I can get them to do. We are ardent Children's Theatre Company fans, and this is one of our favorites. Even their dad- who doesn't usually accompany us to the theater, LOVES this disk. (Now, if we could only quit wrecking it up!)

The book is based on the Arnold Lobel books. Interesting facts: His daughter and inspiration, Adrienne, was twice involved with the production. First-wise as the set designer, secondly as real-life wife to cast-member Mark Linn-Baker (Toad, also seen on TV in Perfect Strangers, and in the very enjoyable movie My Favorite Year).

All the cast is simply wonderful. The lyrics and music are so much fun. You'll be singing along before you know it!

Highly recommended - you don't need to see the show to *love* this music.

The Producers (2001 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Just what I wanted
I Want to be a producer
Spring Time for "The Producers"
Mel Brooks = Brilliant
it won 11 (if im correct) TONY awards for a reason!

The Producers (2001 Original Broadway Cast)
Mel Brooks , Matthew Broderick , Nathan Lane , Roger Bart , Gary Beach , Cady Huffman , Jesse Levy , and Grace Paradise, Jennifer Smith Tony Kadleck
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005AY6I
Release Date: 2001-04-17

Tracks:

Overture
Opening Night
The King of Broadway
We Can Do It
Unhappy
I Wanna Be a Producer
In Old Bavaria
Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop
Keep It Gay
When You Got It, Flaunt It
Along Came Bialy
That Face
Have You Ever Heard the German Band?
It's Bad Luck to Say Good Luck on Op'ning Night
Springtime for hitler
Where Did We Go Right?
Betrayed
'Til Him
Prisoners Of Love (Leo & Max)
Goodbye!

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The Producers was the vehicle that first proclaimed Mel Brooks's decidedly singular comic vision as a film director in 1968. At the time, the world may not have been entirely ready for the depth charges of hilarity he unleashed; but more than three decades later, it seemed almost foreordained that the film's retooling as a full-fledged musical--directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman--would become the smash hit of the 2000-2001 Broadway season (even before opening at the St. James Theatre in April). Brooks is, of course, no stranger to the Broadway musical genre or to songwriting, but skeptics might find themselves taken by surprise at just how outrageously well all the threads come together for the new show.

The film's absurd core vignette--the infamous "Springtime for Hitler"--if anything gains a few notches in hilarity when framed by a character-rich musical that comes off as both parody and valentine in its mimicry of Broadway's "golden age." Brooks (with the help of idiomatically expert arrangements by Glen Kelly) has cooked up a variety of numbers constituting a virtual primer of old-fashioned American musical comedy styles (there's even a toying with Cabaret-style decadence), but they're always coated with an extra layer of zaniness. In fact, the whole show becomes a Chinese box of parodies within parodies. But what really gets the whole mix working is a surefire cast headed by Nathan Lane playing Max Bialystock and Matthew Broderick doing a delightfully nebbish turn with delusions of misplaced glory as his sidekick, Leo Bloom.

From his first big number (musically winking at Fiddler on the Roof), Lane hungrily lays claim to the role, undaunted by his formidable predecessor, Zero Mostel. Even on disc, you can visualize his over-the-top mugging as a dethroned "king of Broadway" who was "the first producer ever to do summer stock in the winter." Comedy, as they say, is all about timing, and that's exactly what Lane gets right. His interactions with Bloom, Franz Liebkind (Brad Oscar), and Roger de Bris (Gary Beach) are priceless, even when only in sound. As for the tunes, Brooks crafts a number of truly memorable ones--don't be surprised to find yourself horrified as you hum along with "Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop" and, of course, "Springtime for Hitler." --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Just what I wanted.......2006-11-06

I saw the making of the CD on TV. The cast does a great job. I have the CD in my car stereo and listen to it often.

I Want to be a producer.......2006-03-06

This recording is great! I saw the play in november and loved the music. I bought the CD a little later and i am still listing to it. The cast are all great singers and did a great job. The songs are witty and catchy and never get old. You should listin to this.(Warning:See the movie or the play before you listin to this, you might hate it if you've have not.)

Spring Time for "The Producers".......2005-12-13

While I'll abmit that Nazi regemes and Hitler are probably some of the least funny thing in the world...i have to admit that the words to Springtime for Hitler are hilarious, just like the rest of the songs on this cast recording.

While "The Producers" Is not as musically complex or mature as other "Best Musical" scores of recent years (Spamalot, Avenue Q, Hairspray,) It is funnier than all of those put together. Nathan lane And Matthew Broderick Are perfectly cast in their roles and Caddy Hoffman is great, and when Ulla belt, she Belts!
the rest of the cast is amazing.

As for the song I can't think of one that I don't like, They are all great!

I would hope that the fact that the show makes light of Hitler doesn't turn you off, because you would be missing somthing great.

Mel Brooks = Brilliant.......2005-12-12

My theatre group went to New York two years ago, adn we did a marathon 4 shows in 3 days. Each show got progressively better, finally culminating in seeing Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick's final performance of "The Producers." I have been a fan of Brooks' since I saw "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" 5 years ago. Naturally, I was beyond excited to see the show he made of his most brilliant film.

I was not disappointed. It was funny, racy, and downright fabulous. I bought the soundtrack at intermission and have been listening to it ever since. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves musicals. Lane and Broderick play off each other perfectly, Cady Huffman has one of the best belting voices I've heard in ages, and the songs are actually FUNNY.

Aside from raving about one of my favorite shows, I would like to address the comments made about the show downplaying Hitler and being racist towards Germans. In no way does this show downplay Hitler's terrible deeds. Bialystock and Bloom make several comments about how disgusted they are about the play- the fact that it is so insulting to our sensibilities is the reason why it was chosen in the first place. I am Jewish and have studied the Holocaust and WWII for years. I was not offended in the least, nor did I feel the Brooks was promoting or trivializing Hitler's war crimes. Brooks himself is Jewish for god's sake.

Second, I see nothing in the show that is racist towards Germans. Yes there is a Nazi in it who is German. How is that racist? The Nazis went all over the world after WWII- it is possible that several ended up in New York City. And no one will argue that some Nazi's were German. You might as well say that the show is discriminatory towards Swedes, or gay directors, or producers, or the countless number of things made fun of in the show.

it won 11 (if im correct) TONY awards for a reason!.......2005-12-08

This is by far the funniest thing I have ever seen. I got the chance to see it on broadway with Lane (unfortunatly not Broderick) and most of the original cast. For some reason, certain people seem to think this play is racist. First off, the whole thing is pure 100% SATIRE. I'm 15 and I can realize that. Also, are you aware that Mel Brooks is jewish? Yeah, so lighten up. I realize what Hitler did, and it will never be forgotten. But my God, get a sense of humor. In case you never saw the play, the Bavarian guy breaks his leg (making "It's bad luck to say good luck on opening night funny) and is replaced by the gay director for the song "Springtime for Hitler". ITS HILARIOUS! BROOKS MADE HITLER A GAY GUY! And why do you think he did that? Geeze... just lighten up!

So about the CD...awesome. I love these songs, and I am very much looking forward to seeing the movie version of the musical coming out in late December! GO SEE IT!

Send in the Clowns: The Ballads of Stephen Sondheim

Average customer rating:

Wonderful songs

Send in the Clowns: The Ballads of Stephen Sondheim

Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006LSQJ
Release Date: 2002-10-22

Tracks:

Send In The Clowns (From 'A Little Night Music') - Cleo Laine
Losing My Mind (From 'Follies') - Barbara Cook
I Remember (From 'Evening Primrose') - David Korman
Liasons (From 'A Little Night Music') - Hermione Gingold
With So Little To Be Sure Of (From 'Anyone Can Whistle') - Jerry Hadley
Not A Day Goes By (From 'Merrily We Roll Along') - Bernadette Peters
Pretty Women (From 'Sweeney Todd') - Michael Rupert
In Buddy's Eyes (From 'Follies') - Barbara Cook
No One Is Alone (From 'Into The Woods') - Cleo Laine
Johanna (From 'Sweeney Todd') - Victor Garber
So Many People (From 'Saturday Night') - Suzanne Henry
Sorry-Grateful (From 'Company') - Stephen Collins
Too Many Mornings (From 'Follies) - Barbara Cook
Finishing The Hat (From 'Sunday In The Park With George') - Mandy Patinkin
Not While I'm Around (From 'Sweeney Todd') - Angela Lansbury
Like It Was (From 'Merrily We Roll Along') - Julie Andrews
Unworthy Of Your Love (From 'Assassins') - Annie Golden
Anyone Can Whistle (From 'Anyone Can Whistle') - Cleo Laine

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful songs.......2003-02-07

If you're a Sondheim ballad fan, this a must-have. While there are a few renditions that aren't great (Not a Day Goes By is way overdone), the selections from Follies sung by Barbara Cook are outstanding. The Cleo Laine version of "Send in the Clowns" is lovely and Stephen Collins does an amazing good job on "Sorry-Grateful" from Company. Still, it's the Follies songs that truly shine!

Average customer rating:

Crossover at Its Best
If Dawn Upshaw had made only one album...
Great songs by a better than average singer. Buy It.
A must album for all musical theatre lovers.
Timeless recording

I Wish It So
soprano Dawn Upshaw , Marc Blitzstein , Eric Stern , Stephen Sondheim , Kurt Weill , Leslie Stifelman , Leonard Bernstein , and Matthias Naegele
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000005J2V
Release Date: 1994-08-02

Tracks:

I Wish It So
There Won't Be Trumpets - Sondheim
What More Do I Need? - Sondheim
That's Him
The Girls Of Summer - Sondheim
The Saga Of Jenny
Like It Was
Stay Well
I Feel Pretty
Glitter And Be Gay
My Ship
In The Clear
Never Get Lost - Take Me To The World
My New Friends - Bernstein

Amazon.com essential recording

With a spirit of innocence and excitement, no audible breaks of register, and perfect diction, Dawn Upshaw graces us with a satisfying crossover recording in which each song is a fully realized musical monologue. The eclectic and infrequently performed repertoire, from Bernstein, Blitzstein, Sondheim, and Weill, compliments her charm and interpretive acuity. There's her humorous "Saga of Jenny," her adorable "That's Him," her poignant "Like It Was," and her freshly vibrant "I Feel Pretty." Conductor Eric Stern is divine in his arrangements and accompaniment. This is one of the best musical theater albums available. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

Crossover at Its Best.......2006-11-15

"I Wish It So" is the CD that first introduced the exceptional "crossover" talents of soprano Dawn Upshaw. The album, which comprises (mostly) little-heard songs by Kurt Weill, Marc Blitzstein, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim, opens with the title number, a lyrical gem from Blitzstein's JUNO, and continues with Sondheim's vibrant "There Won't Be Trumpets," in which Upshaw, rather than belting, lets her voice ring. She then slam-dunks Sondheim's "What More Do I Need," a truly raucous number. Other highlights include the two songs from Weill's LADY IN THE DARK: the haunting ballad "My Ship" and the witty "The Saga of Jenny," presented here in a superb jazz arrangement. The sound of Upshaw's lower middle voice in this number is thrilling. Her combining of Blizstein's "Never Get Lost" and Sondheim's soaring, life-affirming "Take Me to the World" is perfect, as is her musical yet emotional rendition of "Like It Was" from Sondheim's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. The album climaxes with the mock-coloratura aria "Glitter and Be Gay" from Bernstein's CANDIDE, in which Upshaw scales the heights with consistently pure and beautiful tone. In a day when many great opera singers attempt, unsuccessfully, to sing "popular" song, "I Wish It So" is an example of crossover at its very best. It is a CD that no one who loves both opera and musicals should miss.

If Dawn Upshaw had made only one album..........2006-08-24

I have a weak spot for crossover albums by opera stars, which can often be train wrecks or embarrissing self-parodies. There's not a cringe-worthy note in this one, however. Dawn Upshaw has never been as vibrant on disc, and her style in pop music (albeit serious pop music) surpasses expectations. She is a master at touching vulnerability and stars-in-her-eyes vulnerability. There's no current Broadway star who can match her in any of these songs form Sondheim, Weill, and Bernstein, certainly not for sheer beauty of voice and charm. Upshaw went on to make an excellent album of Rodgers and Hart songs, but nothing else quite matches this first effort.

Great songs by a better than average singer. Buy It........2006-04-24

'I Wish It So' sung by popular / classical switch hitter, Dawn Upshaw is a very, very good interpretation of classical American musical theatre pieces by four masters of the genre, Leonard Bernstein (music), Marc Blitzstein (lyrics), Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) and Kurt Weill (music). As I am most familiar with female interpretations of Kurt Weill's songs, especially by the likes of his widow, Lotte Lenya and Weill interpreter extraordinare, Ute Lemper, I have to say that while Upshaw does them justice, she does ont outshine the very best Weill interpretations. Primarily, I believe she suffers from never actually performing the works on stage, as Lenya has.

And, since Ute Lemper did an album with a similar collection of songs (Illusions) from Sondheim and others, I thing Lemper still has the edge on interpreting other composers as well.

On the positive side, I find Upshaw's interpretation as good or better than almost everyone else who makes a career out of these songs, such as, dare I say it, Barbra Streisand. This is a good thing, because I believe Upshaw is not up to the very best mezzos who share her classical works. She can't hold a candle, for example, to Renee Fleming or Anne Sofie von Otter, although her interpretations of Weill are as good as von Otter, just not as good as Lenya and Lemper.

A very, very nice album if you like female vocalists.

A must album for all musical theatre lovers........2005-04-21

Dawn Upshaw once again disproves the adage that opera singers can't sing showtunes properly. Her diction, her ability to act out the lyrics and her crystal clear angel-like voice are just heavenly. Miss Upshaw could teach quite a few Broadway and Cabaret singers a thing or two about interpretation and she would have her hands full teaching opera singers like Te Kanawa or Fleming how to put over a showtune properly. Simply divine!

Timeless recording.......2004-07-20

This is an endlessly rewarding album by an operatic soprano who demonstrates an expressiveness and range rare in crossover albums of this sort. Upshaw modifies her classical technique without compromising it, narrating with a conversational tone and youthful ebullience well-suited to musical theater. She continues her tradition of championing obscure American art songs with three gorgeous Blitzstein pieces, and wisely avoids the standard, overdone Sondheim showpieces in favor of several gorgeous lesser-known songs. "I Feel Pretty" is given a refreshing makeover, while "Glitter and Be Gay" demonstrates both her impressive vocal control and comedic prowess. Despite the odd choice of "There Won't Be Trumpets", which demands a belter to properly execute the climax, this album is a well-conceived and cohesive collection that becomes more enjoyable on each subsequent listen.

Average customer rating:

Let's Play!
Can't recommend it
Music for the whole family
Still boring
Not for every Raffi fan.

Let's Play!
Raffi
Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Baby Beluga
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Raffi's Box of Sunshine
Radio Raffi

ASIN: B000062YBY
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Tracks:

Let's Play
Swing
Yellow Submarine
Eensy Weensy Spider
What A Wonderful World
Raining Like Magic
Up On Fernhill
Jane Jane
If You're Happy And You Know It
Arbutus Baby
Jiggledy Jill
Roots And Shoots Everywhere
Tsetang Gangla (On The Playground)
It Takes A Village
Blessed Be
May There Always Be Sunshine

Product Description

featuring special guests Natalie MacMaster and Dr. Jane Goodall LET'S PLAY SWING YELLOW SUBMARINE EENSY WEENSY SPIDER WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD RAINING LIKE MAGIC UP ON FERNHILL JANE JANE IF YOU'RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT ARBUTUS BABY JIGGLEDY JILL ROOTS AND SHOOTS EVERYWHERE TSETANG GANGLA (ON THE PLAYGROUND) IT TAKES A VILLAGE BLESSED BE MAY THERE ALWAYS BE SUNSHINE

Amazon.com

Anybody who's spent time in the company of 2-year-olds knows that Raffi is the original kid-whisperer. Without so much as an outstretched sugar cube or its vocal equivalent, he lures them into a torrent of happy-go-lucky tunes, and then lulls them along with a feather-light delivery that fuels visions of favorite uncles. Since 1996's Everything Grows though, Baby Beluga's beloved pappy has left us high and dry--all the more reason to celebrate Let's Play. That the master troubadour hasn't lost his touch is clear from "Eensy Weensy Spider" and "If You're Happy and You Know It," both standards that Raffi enlivens with color and verve. Other covers here, including "Yellow Submarine" and "What a Wonderful World," sound newly kid-specific. But it's the originals among these 16 tracks that stick with you. "Jane Jane," a tribute to Dr. Jane Goodall, will open many a meaningful chimp chat, and "Roots and Shoots Everywhere" uplifts by way of boldly examining the power of little people. Raffi signatures such as intermingling languages ("Tsetang Gangla," "May There Always Be Sunshine") and inviting every genre under the sun to come on down (listen closely and you'll pick up everything from klezmer to country) sew up an exceptional, accessible CD. Let's Play demonstrates anew that when Raffi dreams up a batch of new ditties, he doesn't play around. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Let's Play!.......2007-01-24

I love this album. It is actually my first Raffi CD and I am impressed. The lyrics are good and the beats are very catchy. My one-year old loves it and dances to all of the songs. As for the prior reviewer that had problems with Raffi's addition to "If you're happy and you know it" song... I think it is wonderful. I think it is cute when a child knows that they are beautiful... and I see nothing wrong with this continuing into the teenage years and then into adulthood. A positive self image does not mean egotistical... and many children, adolescents and adults could use a higher self-esteem. I was also touched by the "Jane Jane" song. Jane Goodall has been a hero to me since I was a child and I appreciate that my son will also know about her. I think the message in all of the songs is very positive... not preachy... and I am not a liberal person by nature. In short, I highly recommend this album.

Can't recommend it.......2006-07-10

I must admit to being of two minds about this disc. My family and I are old fans of Raffi, and when my littlest lamb came along, we pulled out our old tapes. But, the tapes are showing their age, so I gladly picked up this CD. Well, as other have mentioned, this CD is different than the older tapes that I have.

The Raffi songs that my children are used to hearing are light and bouncy little ditties like Anansi, The Corner Grocery Store, Popcorn, Frere Jacques, and so forth. The songs on this CD are of a more complex nature, such as What A Wonderful World and Yellow Submarine, and are not so easy for a 2-year-old to jig along to. Secondly, unlike my old albums, this one has a political slant, including such songs as Roots and Shoots Everywhere and It Takes A Village.

Overall, I did not care for this album. It is interesting, but it's not really for a 2-year-old, at least not mine. I would love to recommend this album, but I just can't. Sorry.

Music for the whole family.......2006-02-01

This is the first time I can sit through the music my kids want to hear. All the songs are enjoyable. Everyone can sing along, from the 2 year old to the parents, and even grandparents.

Still boring.......2005-03-02

Sorry, listening to the clips from this album left me and my 2 toddlers cold. I still don't understand what all the hoopla is about. I am unimpressed with this performer's voice. The lyrics might impress some but the actual performance is nothing special. Laurie Berkner could breathe life into these songs.

Not for every Raffi fan........2004-02-12

I love Raffi and so does my 3 year old but this album is very different from the rest of Raffi's music. Yes there are still some playful, fun, catchy tunes but some of the songs in this album seemed a little preachy to me. I mean, if you are into having a village raising your child, Jane Goodall, and Tibet etc,. then you will probably like this album. Half the songs we really liked like Let's Play, Swing, Eensy Weensy Spider, Raining like Magic, Up on Fernhill and Blessed Be. But the other songs seemed more like the were directed at the adults. My daughter did not like them and I found myself skipping every other song because there are certain things I dont want her singing. Like in the song If You're Happy and you Know it he adds the verse..."If you're beautiful and you know it...." Yes, it may be cute now when the are 3 or 4 but when they are an egotistical self-centered teenager or adult with an inflated self-esteem we may be sorry.
Anyway, you may love this album but this is just to warn those who might be like me and just want the old Raffi.

Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (1992 Concert Cast)

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Great CD
Simply the Best
Inconsistent, but mostly excellent
"Celebration" is not strong enough a word
A maginificent evening, a magnificent album

Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (1992 Concert Cast)
Stephen Sondheim , Betty Buckley , Paul Gemignani , Patti LuPone , Liza Minnelli , and Bernadette Peters
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Side By Side By Sondheim (1976 Original London Cast)
Sondheim Evening: A Musical Tribute (1973 Concert Cast)
Send in the Clowns: The Ballads of Stephen Sondheim
Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall
Sondheim, Etc.: Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall

ASIN: B000003FDW
Release Date: 1993-02-23

Tracks:

Symphonic Sondheim: Sweeney Todd--orchestra, Jerry Hadley ("Johanna"), Eugene Perry,Herbert Perry ("Pretty Women")
Evening Introduction--Bill Irwin
Loveland/Getting Married Today--Ensemble, Jeanne Lehman, Mark Jacoby, Madeline Kahn
Waiting for the Girls Upstairs--George Lee Andrews, Michael Jeter, James Naughton/Love, I Hear--Michael Jeter/Live Alone and Like It--James Naughton
Someone Is Waiting--Richard Muenz/Symphonic Sondheim: Barcelona--orchestra
Being Alive--Patti LuPone
Good Thing Going--The Tonics
Losing My Mind/You Could Drive a Person Crazy--Dorothy Loudon
Our Time--Boys Choir of Harlem/Children Will Listen--Betty Buckley
Anyone Can Whistle--Billy Stritch
Water Under the Bridge--Liza Minnellli, Billy Stritch
Back in Business--Liza Minnellli, Billy Stritch, Ensemble

Tracks:

Symphonic Sondheim: Comedy Tonight--Bill Irwin, orchestra
Sooner or Later--Karen Ziemba
Pretty Lady--Mark Jacoby, Eugene Perry, Herbert Perry
Green Finch and Linnet Bird--Harolyn Blackwell
The Ballad of Booth--Patrick Cassidy, Victor Garber
Broadway Baby--Daisy Eagan
I Never Do Anything Twice--BETTY
With So Little to Be Sure Of--Jerry Hadley, Carolann Page
Not a Day Goes By--Bernadette Peters
Remember?--Ron Baker, Peter Blanchet, Carol Meyer, Bronwyn Thomas, Blythe Walker (Quintet)/A Weekend in the Country--Kevin Anderson, George Lee Andrews, Mark Jacoby, Beverly Lambert, Maureen Moore, Susan Terry, Quintet
Send in the Clowns--Glenn Close
Old Friends--Liza Minnelli
Sunday--Bernadette Peters, Broadway Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2006-08-06

This is a wonderful double CD of fabulous musical numbers performed by theatre greats and directed by a legandary musical director.

Simply the Best.......2005-06-29

First, to the person who criticizes the recording b/c of "Broadway Baby." Daisy Egan (who sings in in this recording) sounds like she's 10 becuase she IS young. She had just appeared on Braodway in Secret Garden and won a Tony for it. It's a joke...Broadway BABY...hello, it's a joke.

In a compilation of songs like this you're always going to have tracks that you prefer over others, but the majority of the renditions in this CD are great. This is simply one of the best collections of Sondheim out there. You get interpretations that span from "classical" (Green Finch), to bordering on insane (Anything Twice). This is to demonstrate how versatile this composer really is.

In my opinion, some of the best renditions are "Not a Day Goes By," "Anyone Can Whistle", "Girls Upstairs Medley," "Losing My Mind/Drive a Person Crazy," and "Weekend inthe Country." Makes me wish I had been there to witness it first hand.

If you love Sondheim and enjoy hearing Broadway performers, get this CD. A great recording.

Inconsistent, but mostly excellent.......2004-03-21

I am sure no knowledgeable person would deny how absolutely perfect all these songs are. However, the performances on this album are extremely inconsistent. It will go from an excellent rendition (Waiting for the Girls medley, Sunday, With So Little To Be Sure Of, Sooner or Later, Green Finch, Send in the Clowns, Pretty Lady) to the weird (I never Do Anything Twice), to the bad (Broadway Baby, Our Time). I still have absolutely no idea how they managed to butcher one of the best songs ever written--Good Thing Going--and turn it into smooth jazz elevator music. Why would they give Broadway Baby to someone who sounds like she's 10? That said, Liza Minelli, Glenn Close, Karen Ziemba, Dorothy Laudon and the "Waiting for the Girls" performers are all very good. And ending with Bernadette Peters and "Sunday" ends the set on a absolutley fabulous note.

"Celebration" is not strong enough a word.......2003-04-30

This review is by Crosley.

I have been a major Sondheim fan for quite some time, and I finally obtained a copy of this album. I was blown away by the excellent cast and phenomenal selection of music. It is obvious how much work went into this production, considering that this is the live recording of a one time show, and it's flawless. The songs cover all of his shows with the exception of "Passion," which was released 3 years after this show. Also, the shows for which he wrote only lyrics are ommited, like West Side Story, Gypsy, etc. Thus, you can find material from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anyone can Whistle, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Merrily we Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and Assassins.

There are two striking things about this CD (besides the music and performers themselves). First of all, some of the songs are completely stylistically reworked. The most obvious are "Good Thing Going" and "I Never do Anything Twice." Both are traditionally very ballady with a piano accompaniment, but here they have been redone as jazzy tunes. The result is excellent. Such reworkings demonstrate that Sondheim writes music for virtually any style, and in these cases, across several styles. It's a great example of his variety. The other interesting thing is how many songs have overlapping melodies of songs from different shows. Case in point, "Our Time" and "No one is Alone" are sung seperately by the Harlem Boys Choir and Betty Buckley (the original Grizabella in Webber's atrocious "CATS," although Buckley was excellent) respectively, and then combined. Putting these two songs together offer different meanings to each, and the music is only enhanced. Another example, the trio of "Waiting for the Girls Upstairs," "Love, I Hear," and "Live Alone and Like It" are sung in that order, and then the latter two are combined. Again, the meanings of the songs change, this time in an almost narrative style, and offering different takes on love in the same montage. Lastly (at least for this review, there are more), Dorothy Laudon's (the original Ms. Hannigan in Annie) combination of "Losing my Mind" and "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" is brilliant. Those who are familiar with these songs will wonder how exactly they fit, but trust me, they do. She swtiches back and forth between melodies to create a number that starts poignant and beautiful, and soon moves to become uproariously funny. Both the song reworkings and overlapping melodies of unrelated songs are all for the better.

I recommend this recording to anyone wanting to get better acquainted with some of Sondheim's best work, or those already familiar who want to hear a tour de force of phenomenal music. It has been said that Sondheim is a masterful lyricist (which he is), but lacks real talent for music. This CD is the final proof that such critics are wrong. His music may take a few listenings to get into, contrary to Webber or Wildhorn, but unlike those two, he doesn't cater to the audience. He challenges them to think outside of traditional musical theater in a glorious repertoise of shows that reach for a smarter, more sophisticated form.

A maginificent evening, a magnificent album.......2001-12-16

There's something to be said for the first concert you ever see at Carnegie Hall. I was fortunate enough to have this be my first. This entire evening was devoted to his genius and the performers did not disappoint.

This wonderful double CD shows off the best and brightest of the musical theatre composer and it is, as one person put it, "an embarassment of riches." With songs from his finest works done in amazing arrangements (listen to that harmony in "We Had a Good Thing Going"!) combined with fabulous performers this is a Sondheim lovers delight.

Tracks:

You There in the Back Row
I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair
Since You Stayed Here
Knowing When to Leave/Promises Promises
Where Is Love? (with Billy Porter)
Meadowlark
Sleepy Man
Our Time (with Ann Hampton Callaway)
I Got the Sun in the Morning
Stop, Time
One Boy
Marry Me a Little
The Story Goes On
A Place Called Home

Amazon.com

Broadway veteran Liz Callaway (most famous for her five-year stint as Grizabella in Cats on Broadway in the late '90s) fills her second solo album with lesser-known tunes, a number of them covering moments in her career. Her lovely soprano can break your heart with the ballad "Since You Stayed Here" then thrill you with the showstopper "The Story Goes On" from Baby (which earned her a Tony nomination). The emotional heart of the album is "Meadowlark," Stephen Schwartz's wondrous tale of risk and heartbreak that proves a particularly glorious marriage with Callaway's voice. In a savvy bit of programming, that peak is followed by the deliciously langorous "Sleepy Man." Callaway's sister, jazz/cabaret singer Ann Hampton Callaway, makes a guest appearance in Stephen Sondheim's powerful "Our Time," a teaser of the sisters' live collaboration. Of Varese Sarabande's many albums spotlighting Broadway singers, The Story Goes On is one of their absolute best. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Y'all are crazy!.......2006-11-03

The Billy Porter duet is one of the most unique and thrilling songs on the cd. What a fantastic re-invention of that song. And their voices by themselves and together are glorious. Its all personal taste and by no means is that the only good song. Its probably THE best solo cd by a broadway artist. Incredible!

Liz Callaway Goes On..........2006-05-02

Liz Callaway has one of the most enthralling voices around. Her voice is melodious and very soothing and especially shines in soft and subdued ballads. She doesn't have a big voice but she has an amazing range and sense of melody.

She opens the album with a strong rendition of "You There in the Back Row" a song I'm not familiar with but has grown to love. The next track "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of my Hair" lacks the spunk and bite that I think the song should have, and the arrangement felt out of place in the album.

She had a touching and moving rendition of `Since You Stayed Here". I'm not familiar with the musical Brownstone but this song made me want to check out the musical. It's about someone forced to become a stronger person after a breakup or some sort, that you wouldn't recognize it's the same person. I really love this song and Liz captured the strength as well as the sadness of the song.

Another standout is her now trademark version of "Meadowlark". The story of the meadowlark was a metaphor that convinced the character to the important decision she made in leaving her husband for another man. This is a really powerful song and truly Liz Callaway soared in this song. "Sleepy Man" was another notable track. This is probably the song that fits Liz Callaway's voice most perfectly. It was very sweet and really really soothing in the ears. This is one of my favorite tracks.

"Stop Time" is a song about the inexplicable combination of joy and sadness of watching your child grow up. It was a tender rendition that ends with a beautiful subdued last note. This woman knows how to end a song.

Once I got passed the cheesiness of the arrangement of "One Boy", I enjoyed it. It's old fashioned but it's still good. Liz then made an updated rendition of "The Story Goes On" from her show "Baby" This song was about a mother-to-be finally realizing the beauty and magic of carrying a child after she felt the child's first kick. I prefer the stronger arrangement of the song in this album compared to the Baby Cast Recording, but the innocence of that earlier rendition still resonates.

She ended the album with a beautiful rendition of "A Place Called Home". I first heard this song in one of Lea Salonga's concerts and I fell in love with this song. Her last note was very touching and melodiously and heartbreakingly romantic.

Grade= A

Liz Callaway SOARS!.......2005-06-27

Wow! I love this cd! I went to a camp in Decatur, Illinois called Showchoir Camps of America. One night, as our evening entertainment, she performed this entire album!! That afternoon Ms. Liz came for a question and answer session with Phil Reno. She is such a down to earth person and sooo very talented! At the concert, I started to cry! During one song, Ms. Liz forgot the words to a song ( actually, I forgot what the song was called!), so she just made up some words to it!! If you want a TRUELY talented performer, Liz Callaway is the one for you!

....Love this album too!.......2004-08-18

I love this album. There are a few songs I kinda skip, because it was just weird. That song being "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of my Hair", weird. I loved the duet "Where is Love" from the musical Oliver. "Stop,Time" from the musical BIG (grab your puffs!). I enjoyed the 50's sounding "One Boy!" from Bye,Bye Birdie. Liz has a wonderful range, and flattering childish tone to her voice, reaching notes that would take me years of training to ever reach again! She has complied all these exciting songs and ends the album with "A Place Called Home", from A Christmas Carol. I could never give her enough praise. If you like Strisand, and Sintra, you'll love her too! :-) Liz is always shinning when she sings! Enjoy!

Unknown Talent Sings Unknown and Known Broadway Songs.......2003-06-10

... I thought I recognized the voice but I couldn't quite place it. I finally realized that she was the singing voice of Anastacia in the animated movie. Meg Ryan was the speaking voice. Liz Callaway has one of the clearest voices I have ever heard and also a very strong voice. I love her rendition of Knowing When to Leave/Promises, Promises by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Great arrangements. Dionne Warwick, who I am also a fan of covered Promises, and the Carpenters sang a version of Knowing When to Leave. I'm also a Carpenters' fan. On this album all the songs are Broadway. Many I hadn't heard before but love now due to Liz. The first song, You There in the Backrow is a tribute to fans of shows. "Watch me sing my song for you" the words go. Liz makes you want to jump to your feet. Liz does a rendition of I' Gonna Wash that Man Right Out of My Hair from South Pacific, rock version. I can't say that's my favorite, but favorite to one of my friends. Since You Stayed Here, another unknown song to me, is quiet and hauntingly beautiful. Bette Midler does a version of this I think on her CD with From a Distance. She sings a duet with her sister, Ann Hampton Callaway who sings on Sibling Revelry with Liz. Ann wrote and sang the theme from The Nanny. The song Liz and Callaway and here sister does is Our Time. It's also on Sibling Revelry. Great duet. One of my favorites on the CD is Marry Me a Little by Stephen Sondheim. The words are a plea to marry me, a little. The song is an almost a desperate plea to marry me but you don't have to make promises you don't want to, an open marriage? Make a few demands a few that I'm able to fulfill. She sings I'm ready. We won't have to give up a thing, we'll stay who we are the words say. Someone I'm Ready. I would give this song 5 stars on its own. It makes me cry because she sounds like she will settle but at the same time she wants the love fully. The arrngements on this album are unique. She sings I've Got the Sun in the Morning from Annie Get Your Gun jazzy. Most of the other songs on the album are not known by most people. I can only say that Liz makes you want to see these shows and she pulls you in. I think I've become her biggest fan. I'm a singer too. I could see myself singing with her. I have her The Beat Goes On album too with sixties hits. I hope that people will get to know her because if you haven't heard this or her voice, you are going to be deprived of a remarkale clear strong voice. Buy this. I promise you won't be sorry! One more addition, Meadowlark. Spectacular! The story tells of someone hesitating because the time wasn't right and she learns from the story to live your life, climb every mtn.

Barbara Cook Sings Mostly Sondheim (Live at Carnegie Hall 2001)

Average customer rating:

Wow!
Everyone Should Whistle
An amazing intro to the body of work of a true master
Beautiful, moving concert
... and I love Barbara Cook

Barbara Cook Sings Mostly Sondheim (Live at Carnegie Hall 2001)

Manufacturer: Drg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Barbara Cook's Broadway!
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ASIN: B000059LFF
Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

Everybody Says Don't
I Wonder What Became of Me?
The Eagle and Me
I Had Myself a True Love
Into the Woods / Giants in the Sky (Malcolm Gets)
Another Hundred People / So Many People (Malcolm Gets)
Let's Face the Music and Dance / The Song Is You (duet with Malcolm Gets)
Happiness
Loving You
You Could Drive a Person Crazy
Not A Day Goes By / Losing My Mind

Tracks:

Buds Won't Bud
I Got Lost in His Arms
West Side Story Segment: Something's Coming / Tonight (Malcolm Gets)
Move On (duet with Malcolm Gets)
Medley: Hard Hearted Hannah / Waiting for the Robert E. Lee / San Francisco
Ice Cream
Send in the Clowns
The Trolley Song
Not While I'm Around (duet with Malcolm Gets)
Anyone Can Whistle

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Barbara Cook is one of today's most accomplished song stylists, and if you don't believe us, just listen to this live album. It's a master class in the art of singing. It documents an evening at Carnegie Hall during which Cook proved that she can dissect and extract the substance out of the simplest of lyrics. One of the best surprises is "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" (from Company), which is taken at an amiable trot and allows the singer to display its humor. Cook is not a swinging singer and uptempo is not her pace; give her a ballad, though, and she'll wring the last drop of emotion out of it. Her version of "Losing My Mind" (here paired with "Not a Day Goes By") is simply astonishing. The singer also performs songs that Sondheim has said he wished he had written, an awful lot of them by Harold Arlen. No complaints here. Guest Malcolm Gets solos on a few songs and duets with Cook on others, including "Let's Face the Music and Dance." This is classic material done masterfully by a classic singer. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Wow!.......2004-02-20

Having read the other reviews there is little more for me to add. I have been a Barbara Cook fan for a longtime and for me, this is one of her best concerts ever. I do, however, prefer the DVD. As with some other reviewers, I do not want to hear Malcolm Gets (as much as I like him) when I want to listen to Barbara. Her flawless interpretation of music is a hard act to follow for any singer! I managed to see this concert 4 times over a year and a half. Each time I saw her the voice was stronger and more assured (I would not have thought that possible). I can't help but think we will have the pleasure of hearing Ms Cook for many years to come. For those people who enjoyed his CD I strongly recommend purchasing the DVD. Barabara's rendition of So Many People is breathtaking (literally, I don't think I breathed once during the entire song). If you ever have opportunity to see her live - go! She has an ability to make you feel as if every song she sings and every word she speaks is directed to you alone. She can take a large venue and make it feel as intimate as your own living room. Having had the pleasure of meeting her I can say she is as youthful and pleasurable in person as she is in her performance.

Everyone Should Whistle.......2003-10-11

After being privileged to attend this concert, I had to own the CD. Once a lyric coloratura and the original Cunegonde in Bernstein's Candide, Ms. Cook has become (in her 70s) a true diva, blessed with a velvety, warm sound. Every note has meaning. Her high B-flat on "Ice Cream" is still the envy of any soprano today. Everyone should whistle after hearing the superb performances on this CD. Even better, though, is the experience of having been in the concert hall for the live performance. Brava, Ms. Cook!

An amazing intro to the body of work of a true master.......2003-06-16

When I first bought tickets for the 'Mostly Sondheim' show on tour (in San Francisco) I figured it couldn't be too bad. Besides, I had only been exposed to a few of his songs (Anyone Can Whistle, Losing My Mind...) and had only seen "A Little Night Music". On the way out of the theater I immediately picked up this recording of the program. It is truly amazing. I immediately began listening to it and have barely put it down in the last few months. Furthermore, my Sondheim CD collection increased in size from an unflattering zero to five (and it's still growing)! This is an amazing introduction to the works of Stephen Sondheim, who is now my favorite modern musical composer). Buy this now if you don't already have it!

Beautiful, moving concert.......2003-04-13

This is a wonderful CD set with a great selection of songs. I do want to express a slight reservation, however. Barbara Cook has been one of my favorite singers for a number of years and the way her voice defies time is extraordinary -- for her to be singing with such bright, beautiful tone in her mid-70s with no wobble or beat in the voice is an amazing achievment.

I do have to say that by 2001, when this concert was recorded, Cook seemed to have a lost a little bit of power and intensity in her singing. This is only natural for someone of her age. Her voice is still lovely, but you can sense her keeping it in reserve a bit. She's as expressive as ever, but compare the rendition of "I got lost in his arms" on this album to the one on her previous album recorded in 1999, "The Champion Season", and there's less urgency and vocal depth in her singing here. That said, the high B at the end of "Ice Cream" is sensational.

So, despite that caveat, this is, again, a wonderful album, a must for Cook fans, especially for the gorgeous renditions of songs I'd never thought I'd get to hear her perform: "Not a Day Goes By", "Happiness/Loving You", "San Francisco", etc. Buy it!

... and I love Barbara Cook.......2003-02-11

This recording is a disappointment for me. It is not her best work, and Malcolm Gets is uninspired. My biggest complaint however is the engineering of the recording. Throughout the speaking was to soft, the singing volumes uneven, and the applause deafening. I will be passing this CD on to friends, and will later donate it to my local library.

Average customer rating:

Songbird of the South
Kate Smith
Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006RSMJ
Release Date: 2003-01-21

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