THE perfect example of the minor broadway musical a generation ago -- or two -- the broadway musical season would usually produce one blockbuster, several flops, and 2 or 3 "nice shows" that would play to theatre parties and tourists and show queens, and then after six months to a year, close at a modest profit or a modest loss.
BAJOUR is a classic of this type of show. it is replete with almost hilarious comedy songs, and almost lovely ballads. its ambitions were modest, but it accomplished them 100%. and there are some great performances here by broadway legend chita rivera,and the sadly ignored and underrated nancy dussault.
if you expect every show to be MY FAIR LADY, this album is not for you. but if you want to spend a thoroughly enjoyable hour listening to what the broadway musical once was, you cannot do better than BAJOUR!
Album DescriptionAt last, this long-deleted Broadway cast recording from 1957 is available again, on CD for the very first time and including bonus tracks!
The musical is based on stories by celebrated poet Langston Hughes, with lyrics by Hughes himself and music by David Martin.
REVIEW
Heavenly Original Cast Excellent musical score and happy to see this issued again. Claudia McNeil is wonderful and the score is not great but very enjoyable with excellent lyrics. Refreshing and a nice addition to my collection.
Mick, Growing Up Before Our Very Eyes! I received this in my order a few days ago, and I have watched it over and over! This is the best group of videos for any artist or group that I have ever owned! Every video is so great! And Mick Hucknall starts out in the first video as a kid and as you watch the videos he grows up before your very eyes! It is fun to watch how he has maintained his voice and his appearance for all of these years. If you are a "Simply Red" fan, you must own this! Buy It!
"three decades of film composers ~ Simply The Best" Rhino Movie Music presents "Simply The Best Movie Themes", featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and other various artists ~ within the realm of the following composers David Arnold, John Barry, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Wendy Carlos, Fred Ebb, James Horner, James Newton Howard, Michael Kamen, John Kander, Michel Legrand, Alex North, Basil Poledouris, Howard Shore, Wladyslaw Szpilman, Stephen Warbeck, John Williams and Hans Zimmer ~ each composer has created one or more of the scores in this twenty nine classic line up.
Film scores covering over three decades with "2001:SPACE ODYSSEY", "A CLOCKWORK ORANGE", "APOCALYPSE NOW", "THE BODYGUARD(I Will Always Love You)", "CHICAGO(Overture to All That Jazz), "DIE ANOTHER DAY", "EYES WIDE SHUT", "FEARLESS", "GLADIATOR(Theme)", "HANNIBAL", "HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE(Hedwig's Theme)", "HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE(Harry's Wondrous World)", "THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER", "JURASSIC PARK:THE LOST WORLD", "LICENSE TO KILL, "LIVING DAYLIGHTS", "THE LORD OF THE RINGS(Theme)", "MINORITY REPORT", "MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (Theme)", "OUT OF AFRICA", "THE PIANIST", "ROBIN HOOD, PRINCE OF THIEVES", "SCHINDLER'S LIST", "SE7EN", "SHADOWLANDS", "SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE", "THE SIXTH SENSE", "THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR"and "TITANIC(My Heart Will Go On)" ~ a mixture of original compositions and classics of the old masters. Loaded with not just themes, but full of orchestral arrangements that are fresh and rewarding ~ sure to bring back those special moments from the film.
The presentation is superb with every cue inclusive with spectacular performances from suspense, romance and adventure all rolled into a two disc package. Rhino must be commended on doing such a great job and doing it well. Most serious "film-score-buffs" will welcome this compilation, has many cues available all under one banner ~ Rhino Records...gotta love it!
Total Time: 2-CD-Set ~ Rhino/Warner Classics 78061 ~ (2/24/2004)
Album DescriptionGMCLA's final performance with Dr. Jon Bailey as Artistic Director was dazzling, for it confirmed Dr. Jon's extraordinary legacy, building GMCLA into a nationally-heralded musical ensemble. Fortunately, that special show was captured on this live CD. Entitled Simply Sondheim, and featuring guest star Joanna Gleason, all material was written by Broadway's reigning genius Stephen Sondheim, whose gay sensibility puts an extra spin on his acclaimed lyrics. In fact, lyrics from songs unsung by GMCLA can be heard as clever narrative links throughout the performance.
Hear some of your favorite Broadway classics, like Send In The Clowns and No One Is Alone, performed as only GMCLA can, along with rarities like Pleasant Little Kingdom (cut from the score of Follies) sung by Joanna Gleason, as well as new arrangements created especially for the occasion, like the Sweeney Todd Rhapsody. Join the ecstatic audience as GMCLA performs with humor, depth, and emotion, while closing a chapter with Dr. Bailey and preparing to welcome its new Artistic Director.
REVIEW
Cult Classic Those remarkable men within the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles have done it again! After delivering that powerful classical CD With A Mighty Voice, they pivot-turn and deliver this show-stopping performance of music composed for Broadway by Stephen Sondheim. The diversity ofthese singers is magnificently realized in an event that could possibly only succeed in L.A. Part of the fun of Simply Sondheim is imagining yourself among that theater-savvy audience 3000 miles away from Broadway as it devours every nuance of these modern show-biz classics arranged for 150 male voices. It's apparent right from the start that Stephen Sondheim's gay wit is ideal material for these talented men, whose memorable performances are captured live on this terrific recording.
And what a sound! Fans who think they know Sondheim's Sweeney Todd for example, will revel upon hearing the 15-minute Sweeney Todd Rhapsody where 150 voices bring new depth to some of Sondheim's greatest work. Familiar tunes like Send In The Clowns sound fresh when delivered by these gents, thanks to their unique and ingenious arrangements. Equally great are the Sondheim rarities, like Goodbye For Now (composed for the film Reds,) or Pleasant Little Kingdom (cut from Follies, performed here by guest star Joanna Gleason), or Loving You from Passion, all charged with the humor, bite, and aching tenderness that keeps the live audience in a whirl.
Sure wish I could have been in that audience! Owning this CD is the next best thing. To Sondheim fans, this is a cult classic; to theater fans, this CD makes a terrific gift. Perhaps the real gift is knowing that the Gay Men's Chorus thrives so well in Los Angeles. What can they possibly record next? Can't wait!
Very Peaceful! Beautiful beachy scenery to a gorgeous musical score. I truly enjoyed playing the DVD and just enjoying the changing scenes. I found it to be truly therapeutic.
