It?s easy to disguise musical shortcomings by piling on bells and whistles (both vocal and instrumental). Simplicity, however, is much harder to pull off?which is why Sunday in New York is such a minor triumph. Basically a... more »ll it has is a singer (Christine Ebersole) and a pianist (Billy Stritch, who contributes quite a bit of vocals as well) backed by a rhythm section; the performances are unadorned; the songs mix well-known classics and more obscure tunes in a classic mode, and the arrangements aren?t radical either. But what fun it all is! It?s as if we had been beamed to a 1950s nightclub. The quartet displays an innate sense of swing (check out the thrilling, fingersnapping "Hit That Jive, Jack") and easily rides a samba-ish beat ("Walking in New York"). Even chestnuts such as "My Favorite Things", in a particularly fleet-footed version, and "I Only Have Eyes for You/Lullaby of Broadway" come across as fresh. The album ends with "Will You?," from Grey Gardens (a show for which Ebersole won a Tony), and while, on paper, the song looks as if it may have been out of place, the result never feels less than organic. -- Elisabeth Vincentelli« less
It?s easy to disguise musical shortcomings by piling on bells and whistles (both vocal and instrumental). Simplicity, however, is much harder to pull off?which is why Sunday in New York is such a minor triumph. Basically all it has is a singer (Christine Ebersole) and a pianist (Billy Stritch, who contributes quite a bit of vocals as well) backed by a rhythm section; the performances are unadorned; the songs mix well-known classics and more obscure tunes in a classic mode, and the arrangements aren?t radical either. But what fun it all is! It?s as if we had been beamed to a 1950s nightclub. The quartet displays an innate sense of swing (check out the thrilling, fingersnapping "Hit That Jive, Jack") and easily rides a samba-ish beat ("Walking in New York"). Even chestnuts such as "My Favorite Things", in a particularly fleet-footed version, and "I Only Have Eyes for You/Lullaby of Broadway" come across as fresh. The album ends with "Will You?," from Grey Gardens (a show for which Ebersole won a Tony), and while, on paper, the song looks as if it may have been out of place, the result never feels less than organic. -- Elisabeth Vincentelli
"Ms. Ebersole recent Tony winner for Grey Gardens joins forces with Billy Stritch for a great CD- when you have a really great voice you don't need an orchestra, as Ms. Ebersole demonstrates. Mr. Stritch is her right hand on the piano and her duet partner on a number of songs the first part of the CD is fun and lively. The second portion of the CD has exquisite piano work by Mr. Stritch and Ms. Ebersole's voice filled with emotion as she sings 'What'll I do" ,"Not while I'm around" and as a special treat a new take on "Will You" from Grey Gardens. Thank God Ms. Ebersole is getting the accolades and attention she truly deserves! Brava!!!!"
SHE KEEPS GETTING BETTER....
Steven | N.J. | 05/24/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"..."BRAVA & BRAVO"--WHAT A TEAM THEY MAKE....THIS CD HAS GREAT RANGE, VERSATILITY, FINE-TUNED VOCAL NUANCES THAT BOTH MOVE YOU AND DELIGHT
YOU----MS. EBERSOLES' VOICE HAS A CLARITY AND PRECISION THAT IS RARE
AND EXCITING. THERE ISN'T ONE TRACK THAT MISSES A BEAT............
WHAT A JOY!"
What a voice!
Amanda Abel | 06/19/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although I have always been a fan of Christine Ebersole's work, I had never owned a CD of hers before. What a great introduction to the lady and her craft! This is by far one of the best CD's I've purchased in a long time. Her incredible range - from comic alto to lyric soprano is simply flawless, and the arrangements a clever wink to sassy nightclub acts circa 1962. Run, do not walk, to this jewel of a recording."
Sunday in New York CD
Donna Miller | Oklahoma | 08/13/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Excellent CD. I actually saw them perform numbers from the CD at Barnes & Noble in NYC in June when on vacation. True New York feeling!"
Distinctive elegance--and so much romantic charm
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 01/05/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sunday In New York showcases the superlative talents of Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch. Christine sings better than most modern day female vocalist; and Billy accompanies her to make these numbers very memorable. The quality of the sound is nothing short of excellent and the artwork is quite good. Amazon refers to this CD as "a minor triumph;" but I prefer to think of this album as a great triumph--it has that 1950s lounge style music that I always loved; it's so elegant and timeless.
The album starts with Christine and Billy performing "Haven't Got A Worry." Billy sings and plays the piano flawlessly; and together Christine and Billy harmonize to perfection! Christine's voice is especially strong and she sings as clear as a bell--marvelous! "Haven't Got A Worry" is worth the price of admission alone. Then comes "Sunday In New York;" this title track tune shines well and the percussion enhances the natural beauty of this number. Billy and Christine give blood to make "Sunday In New York" a very special number; and I predict that if you like this type of music you will be charmed by this number.
"My Favorite Things" from The Sound Of Music isn't the strongest ballad on this album; but it works well. As opposed to "My Favorite Things," I much prefer "Surrey With The Fringe On The Top;" this classic pop number shines bright when Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch perform it. The music complements their vocals very well; and of course Billy plays piano without a superfluous note. Great!
"Give Me The Simple Life" was always one of my favorite classic tunes; and the jazzy arrangement enhances the natural beauty of this tune. Listen also for "Hit That Jive Jack;" Billy and Christine handle the tempo changes very well; they make it look easy but it is their sublime talents that carry them through. "Walking My Baby" is yet another classic love song; and "Walking My Baby" is easily a highlight of this album.
"I Only Have Eyes For You" gets a very pretty, sweet arrangement that highlights Billy's expertise on the piano; and I really like the timeless love song "Not While I'm Around." "Not While I'm Around" gets a fantastic interpretation from Christine and Billy; and that's grand. The CD ends with Christine and Billy performing "Will You;" "Will You" is actually a tune that is new to me but I like it very much.
Overall, Sunday In New York is a great album put out by two remarkable artists who deserve more recognition that they get, Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch. I highly recommend this CD for their fans and for people who like classic pop vocals. This album is also a fine starter CD for people just discovering Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch.