After starring opposite Hugh Jackman in The Boy From Oz, in the title role of The Pirate Queen, and as Elphaba in Wicked, Stephanie J. Block wowed audiences anew in the spring of 2009 in the lead role of Judy Bernly in the... more » hip and hilarious 9 to 5: The Musical. With a clear thrilling voice capable of both intimate lyricism and unrestrained passion, Stephanie stands poised at the center of contemporary Broadway. It comes as no surprise, then, that an array of award-winning musical theatre songwriters have assembled to join her on her debut solo album, THIS PLACE I KNOW. Composer Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime) accompanies Stephanie for the recording premiere of his Something Beautiful, while Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell) assumes the piano on Making Good, the driving ballad Stephanie originated in Wickeds initial workshops. Marvin Hamlisch not only accompanies but arranges his own Smart Women, cut from the Broadway play with music Imaginary Friends, while country music legend Dolly Parton joins vocal forces with Stephanie to reinvent her 1974 classic, I Will Always Love You. In fact, every track finds the composer joining Stephanie to interpret his or her song. THIS PLACE I KNOW presents listeners with the rare opportunity to hear one of Broadways most exciting talents collaborating with the artists who are shaping the modern American musical.« less
After starring opposite Hugh Jackman in The Boy From Oz, in the title role of The Pirate Queen, and as Elphaba in Wicked, Stephanie J. Block wowed audiences anew in the spring of 2009 in the lead role of Judy Bernly in the hip and hilarious 9 to 5: The Musical. With a clear thrilling voice capable of both intimate lyricism and unrestrained passion, Stephanie stands poised at the center of contemporary Broadway. It comes as no surprise, then, that an array of award-winning musical theatre songwriters have assembled to join her on her debut solo album, THIS PLACE I KNOW. Composer Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime) accompanies Stephanie for the recording premiere of his Something Beautiful, while Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell) assumes the piano on Making Good, the driving ballad Stephanie originated in Wickeds initial workshops. Marvin Hamlisch not only accompanies but arranges his own Smart Women, cut from the Broadway play with music Imaginary Friends, while country music legend Dolly Parton joins vocal forces with Stephanie to reinvent her 1974 classic, I Will Always Love You. In fact, every track finds the composer joining Stephanie to interpret his or her song. THIS PLACE I KNOW presents listeners with the rare opportunity to hear one of Broadways most exciting talents collaborating with the artists who are shaping the modern American musical.
"There ae never enough good things to day about Stephanie J Block. She's incredibly talented, kind, amazing. She has a voice to be reckoned with and this CD is long overdue. It has something for everyone. It has songs by Andrew Lippa, Dolly Parton, Scott Alan, Marvin Hamlisch, you name it. Whether or not you are a musical theater person you will love this CD. It will make you cry, and laugh. It is definitely an all encompassing example of the amount of talent Stephanie has. Enjoy!"
AMAZING VOICE!!
john | 06/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"STEPHANIE J. BLOCK IS AMAZING! I have been waiting for her solo album for a few years and so excited for it to be out! She has such a pure voice. So powerful. The songs are great and easy to listen to. The duet with Dolly Parton is sweet and 15 Pounds is SO FUNNY! 5 STARS STEPH!!"
A Power House!
Jake Mestes | 05/28/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lets just say that this Album is the most Awsome Album I herd it brings out your heart and joy just by listening to her voice! She was in Wicked the musical and The Pirate Queen and now in 9 to 5 the musical. Any song that she does its still a power house to me Im such a fan of her and her album I love all her songs well maybe the song "Because I am a wife" such amazing song! Anyway I give her a 5 stars!!! you go girl!"
Great album!
Kenneth S. Kowalski | Clifton, NJ United States | 07/20/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Was looking forward to this and wasn't disappointed. Also saw her at Birdland last week performing songs from it - place was sold out. Highly recommended."