Not what I'd hoped
A. Stewart | California | 05/08/2005
(2 out of 5 stars)
"This is the CD I currently have running in my car. And I have a routine. Tracks 2-5 and repeat. Because the rest range from okay to less than okay to just plain bad. And Michael Crawford's selection is the worst of the lot in my opinion.
The best track is #3, Hugh Panaro's "You're Already There." He has a wonderfully smooth voice. I loved it. There's a decent rendition of "This is the Moment" although I prefer the singer who performed on the Jekyll & Hyde soundtrack. Track #4 grew on me. Track #5, Davis Gaines' "Ol' Man River" is certainly passable. He does a decent job although it's really not as powerful as it needs to be. I've heard better renditions. And I like Davis Gaines a lot, was privileged to see him perform the Phantom live at one point.
The rest of the selections were either great singers performing lackluster songs...or mediocre singers singing lackluster songs. Michael Crawford was the worst. He did a terrible job. And the song wasn't great either. Doubly disappointing because he was a superb phantom.
Over all, unless you're an avid collector of all things Phantom-related, I recommend passing on this CD"
Lovely collection
Gwynevere1 | 02/09/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I just received this today. It's really a lovely collection.
Howard McGillin does a nice job with "All the Things You Are," although I think it's a weak song (well, by Hammerstein/Kern standards).
Gary Maur does a fantastic "This Is the Moment".
I've never cared for Hugh Panaro as the Phantom, but he's wonderful on "We're Already There." Sweet little song. Maybe the reason I don't really care for him as the Phantom is that his voice is suitable to more of a traditional romantic lead, which works well here.
Brad Little's "Forever From Here" is a good song. Again, I prefer him on this track to what I've heard of him as the Phantom.
The only misstep on the CD is Davis Gaines performing "Ol' Man River." Whoa. Bad. I like Davis Gaines, but the song is not suited to his voice. He really doesn't put enough emotion in it, and it comes across like a lounge singer. Which is just wrong. Plus, it goes on forever.
Far and away, the best track is Steve Barton singing "I've Got You Under My Skin." Wow. This track is so powerful, I forgot to breathe. Literally. I didn't notice until the end, when I had to let out a long breath. Absolutely stunning, smooth, deep, rich performance. I usually think of this song as a light, fluffy piece. I guess I'm used to Sinatra's swinging version, but this is a more melancholy arrangement. I can't say enough how touching I found this (although, saying that it's better than Sinatra's says a lot). The CD is worth it just for this track.
Ted Keegan's "Marianne" is fun. I enjoyed it a lot.
Mark Jacoby does a decent job with "So In Love"--but suffers in comparison to how many great singers have recorded this.
"It's My Time to Shine" from Kevin Gray is OK.
Michael Crawford singing "Charlie" is actually somewhat weak. It's interesting, though, to hear him from that time period.
David Gaschen, who I've never heard before, does a nice saloon rendition of "I'll Be Seeing You."
I'd definitely recommend this CD to anyone--not just phans.
"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1
