Search - Michael Feinstein, Cheyenne Jackson :: The Power of Two

Pure magic

barry | Boston, MA United States | 11/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this cd by chance. I have long beeen a fan of Michael Feinstein and have heard of Cheyenne Jackson as I am also a fan of theatre but I knew nothing of this project. I read a brief article and had to have it. I love it when truly talented creative people work to produce projects with a message that reach out and touch people. Wow, was this so much more than I expected.



These songs are from the show that the two performers did together for 3 weeks at Feinstein's Manhattan club. A cabaret show that illustrated the ups and downs, difficulties and joys of all relationships. The title THE POWER OF TWO is uniquely an Indigo Girls song about just such subject matter and the tender heartfelt performances here are perfection. But the true gift you get is two major talents at the top of their form. We have 5 time Grammy nominee Michael Feinstein who has been with us since 1987 with his Gershwin Tribute album. And then we have newcomer Cheyenne Jackson who bolted to stardom on Broadway in ALL SHOOK UP in 2004. Since then he has taken tv, film and particularly the theratre by storm.



But here they both add something new and award worthy to each of their individual repertoires. This cd is an amazing collection of standards, show tunes and other eclectic bits that fit together for a truly emotional journey that will touch your heart. They are given equal time on solos and get together on some divine duets. The opening I'M NOTHING WITHOUT YOU is happy and fun and sets the stage for this great colaboration. The way the master of the American songbook and the master of the stage meld their talents together is magic and shows a true rarity in talent.



Cheyenne Jackson is playful on the uptempo OLD DEVIL MOON and A FOGGY DAY but his ballads are mezmerizing. I love the standards and have heard these sung by many but his performance of I GET ALONG WITHOUT YOU VERY WELL - DON'T GET AROUND MUCH ANYMORE has an emotional depth I have never heard before. It is as if the songs are new. His voice is strong, broad and lovely but so excessively emotive it is showstopping. The same is true on SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME. Michal Feinstein gives some of his best vocal interpretations here. He is a great storyteller in song and OLD FRIEND and THE TIME HAS COME show his broad range and control. The other standouts are the duets WE KISS IN A SHADOW and IF I CAN DREAM. They are performed with raw emotion and both are in their vocal prime. Their voices soar.



This cd is truly an emotional journey as described. From the first note you go on it with Michael aand Cheyenne and they pour all their immense talent and artistry into the exploration of relationships thru song. You may see a different side to these performers here and if you are new to them this cd is highy recommended. Be prepared for something very special. This one is truly Grammy worthy."

What an exquisite gem--BRAVO, MICHAEL & CHEYENNE !!!

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 11/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Michael Feinstein and Cheyenne Jackson teamed up and made a gem of an album! These songs are impeccably performed and every one's a winner; there's not a dud in the bunch. Feinstein and Jackson work so well together that they really ought to do another album; their ability to convey the subtleties of emotions in the lyrics to each song ranks highly in my book. In addition, the quality of the sound is excellent and the artwork is very nicely done.



"I'm Nothing Without You" starts the CD off wonderfully; that piano works wonderful for the arrangement and it all holds its own very well. "Me and My Shadow" is done with pizzazz and it shines bright when Cheyenne and Michael do this without ever letting go of a superfluous note! I love it.



"A Foggy Day" and "So in Love" charm me with their beauty. "Old Devil Moon" is quite well done; tempo changes and key modulations don't pose any challenge here--and how's about that lively "I'm Checkin' Out?" I really like "I'm Checkin' Out." "The Power of Two," the title track, is a number that I won't forget anytime soon; it's done with great sensitivity and panache. Cheyenne and Michael do a particularly wonderful job on "The Power of Two;" and I think you'll like it very much.



I'm used to hearing "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter" at a slower pace; but it's slowly growing on me. There's a very good medley of "I Get Along Without You Very Well" and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" that I could never tire of hearing; now THIS is real music! "We Kiss in a Shadow" is very easy on the ear; and "If I Can Dream" is powerful, too. The CD ends with a brilliant rendition of "Someone to Watch over Me."



The Power of Two showcases the sublime talents of Michael Feinstein and Cheyenne Jackson in such a bright way that you'll be hooked on these artists from the word go if you haven't heard much by them before. Cheyenne and Michael ace these tunes as effortlessly as if it were mere breathing--although we know it really wasn't all that easy; their talents carry them through. This is, of course, a must-have CD for fans of Michael and Cheyenne; they really did justice to these tunes. People who enjoy show tunes will also cherish this for years to come."

Wow!

marco polo | washington dc usa | 11/18/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Once upon a time in a long-gone gay piano bar I (and a lot of other guys) would soulfully sing "We kiss in a shadow", (along with "Maybe this time", "The man I love", etc. etc. etc.). But I never thought I'd hear it as a male duet on a mainstream recording. Unfortunately, the treatment isn't what it could have been --- too abbreviated, a little bit flat in places --- but other stuff on the CD makes up for it. We've come a long way, baby!"