Search - Michael Callen :: Legacy

Treasure It - They Don't Come Around Often

like-it-is | Arlington, VA United States | 02/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't ever make it through this album without feeling a profound sense of loss. I was lucky enough to see and listen to Michael Callen in person a few times singing with the "Flirtations," a now defunct a cappella group, and treaure those memories. Here, in a posthumous release of a wonderful "Legacy" of songs, Michael Callen gives you a brief glimpse of a talent lost forever.His voice is that of a very old soul, wise beyond its years. In every note and syllable warm colors, tones, and memories resonate with an ache and longing that stay with you long after the songs stop playing. There isn't a bad song in the bunch.The over-all recording quality is excellent -- when you realize that many of the tracks were put down after Michael died, you value these recordings even more. For the most part, Michael's piano/vocal tracks where laid down with other instruments and backup singers added later on -- after sufficient funds were raised to put this album together. Michael was determined to finish this project before he passed. He was determined to leave a "Legacy" of songs that explored the human condition and touched the soul. We're very lucky he was able to do so."

A MUST-HAVE

Rikk | Grand Rapids, MI | 11/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first discovered this brilliant singer on television on an HBO special called "Why Am I Gay?" It showed him performing with the a capella group The Flirtations" as well as singing solo on the March on Washington. I first bought "Purple Heart," his first, and lovely album. A few years later, I saw this in a bookstore and HAD to have it. I still consider it one of the BEST albums I have ever heard. Vocally, musically, lyrically, it can compete against any brilliant mainstream (easy listening) album. The man's voice is brilliant (think Elton John meets Barry Manilow), and soothing. The range he has is undisputably one of the finest in the world, certainly surpassing Elton and Barry by light years! "Glitter and Be Gay" [Track 6, Top Disc] is an amazing opera aria which he sings as brilliantly as any female opera diva has ever done it. Amazingly enough, he was very sick during much of this recording, and had more stamina and an even bigger range on Purple Heart. However, the passion and soul in this album far surpasses Purple Heart, and you're left breathless...song after song. Buy the album, close your eyes, and enjoy a voice that could only be described as "blessed.""

Lost treasure

Rikk | 02/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An exquisite singer and fine songwriter, Michael Callen recorded this album with some premiere musicians and singers, along the way showcasing compositions by unheralded but brilliant composers such as Don Yowell, and throughout thriving on the soaring production values of producer Richard Dworkin. By turns ebullient, stirring and heartbreaking, this remarkable album turned out a tribute to Michael, lost to AIDs. There are all sorts of treasures herein, beautifully shining."