Customer Reviews

The Alamo: A Musical Tribute To John Wayne's Epic Film

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Although the movie "The Alamo" is certainly considered a classic, even the most enthusiastic history/movie buff might concede that the effort came up short *dramatically*. Multi-talented Mike Boldt has delivered a solid musical tribute to the movie and by extension to perhaps the most significant battle in U.S. history - when the physical gave out, the spirit fought on...and fights on. Playing all the instruments, providing all the singing; writing three mesmerizing spoken word segments, he has contributed mightily to the legend. A recitation by Joe, Travis' Slave, might have added another dimension, though, as Slavery ironically figured in the impetus for 187 to fight 3,000.
The original movie soundtrack now has a contemporary, personalized companion to be enjoyed by old and new enthusiasts.
"Ballad of the Alamo" is the rousing opener with fine singing, although I would have preferred hearing Mike's voice(s) isolated in the center (to me more effective than the "reverb" effect in both channels). I've heard Mike in live performance and his solo voice should be front and center. An expert drummer as well, I would like the percussion a bit more to the fore.
"The Green Leaves Of Summer" is certainly the imagined hit single taken from the album. (Ok, CD single taken from the CD). The harmony is exquisite (with a hint of the Beach Boys). The guitar is beautifully mixed.
The expression "Labor of Love" is sometimes overused but here it is obvious and true: you can hear it especially in Mike's voice during "Finale".

Coming across this CD through a friend was an unexpected surprise... I found the music overall to be quite riveting and emotionally moving. Mike Boldt does an incredible job capturing the spirit of an era that many of us (like me) are not as in-touch with, as those who are "real Alamo aficionados"... But when I heard the sweeping music on some of these tracks it pulled me right in - I wanted to hear more. "I Am With My Friends" (track 4) was especially stirring, as were the arousing harmonies in "The Green Leaves of Summer" (track 5). I absolutely loved the "spoken word" that can be found scattered throughout several of the tracks; it adds an inspiring complement to the music of Mike Boldt since this format has the uncanny ability to bring a haunting period of our history to life. Nancy Boldt's narration of Susanna Dickenson in "A Parting Kiss" was exceptionally heartfelt! And (last but not least) to add a bit of whimsy, the last track on this CD contains the original radio spots for John Wayne's The Alamo... another unexpected surprise that takes you right back to yesteryear! To those who love the Alamo: don't miss this CD... (And to everyone else) Mike Boldt's The Alamo is very impressive; treat yourself to some stirring music that will capture your attention with its timeless quality...

In my opinion what elevates Mike Boldt's musical homage to
John Wayne's film version of 'The Alamo' (1960) are his impassioned
and sterling vocal renditions of the film's main songs.
Particularly 'The Ballad of the Alamo' itself which is the
best vocal interpretation of this particular song since Marty
Robbins's original and makes the CD well worth the price of
purchase. Boldt's own 'soundtracks' to spoken word passages
attributed to the actual David Crockett, William B. Travis
and Susanna Dickinson are also heartfelt and appropriate.
This is clearly a labor of intense love and it's hard to
fault it. The only criticism I might have is that some of
the synth tones are a bit dated - but other than that it's
a sincere and timely (50th anniversary of Disney's Crockett)
release. Being an absolute fanatic for the music of Dimitri
Tiomkin myself - I welcome any variation on one of his themes.
This CD contains 8 melodies composed by the maestro.
One unquestionable bonus for collectors of Alamo flotsam is
the inclusion of 7 actual radio ad spots for the film. They
are such a hoot!!! 'Any man who shoulders a CD like this is
worthy of respect'.

I really enjoyed Mike Boldt's Tribute to John Wayne's The Alamo. I have loved that soundtrack for years and did not think this would be up to the original, but was I wrong. When I heard the first song, a modern version of The Ballad of the Alamo, I knew right away that Boldt had captured the spirit of Tiomkin's Alamo. I really liked the use of voice overs on the original songs. Although the music tends to be a bit somber, the readings make them come alive. My favorite was Mrs.Dickensons reading. It's the first time this has ever been recorded to my knowledge. And Nancy Boldt, must be Mike Boldt's wife or relative, reads it perfectly. Other readings by Bill Chemerka, of the Alamo Society, as Crockett and Tony Pasqua, as Travis, fit in like a glove. All in all the CD is well worth getting for the music. But as an added bonus, they put in all the radio spots from Wayne's movie. I never heard these before.
I highly recommend this Cd for anybody who is an Alamo fan.

This is a great album...Mike Boldt has entirely captured the excitement and patriotism of John Wayne's film. Not only are Dimitri Tiomkin's classic themes from the film given new, innovative renditions, but there are also some terrific new songs inspired by the movie. What is unique about these new tracks is that Boldt has narrators provide actual readings from Alamo legends and it's wonderful to hear their actual words. Best of the lot is "A Parting Kiss" which is narrated by Mrs. Dickinson, one of the few survivors of the battle. Set against Boldt's haunting music, Mrs. Dickinson gives fascinating and moving insights into the final moments of the battle and the death of her heroic husband. As if that wasn't enough, there are also a number of nostalgic radio commercials for the Wayne film. The narration is really "over the top" which makes them even more enjoyable to listen to. This album is a "must" for all Wayne and Tiomkin fans.

I just received my copy of Mike Boldt's The Alamo: A Musical Tribute to John Wayne's Epic Film in the mail.

It's a very spirited cd, full of great pieces and lyrics. Mike Boldt has done very well to bring the spirit of Dmitri Tiomkin's score and John Wayne's film to this cd. Everyone from Mike Boldt, William Chemerka, Tony Pasqua, to Nancy Boldt did an excellent job to bring these pieces to life. Pieces such as "I am with my friends","I'll never Surrender or Retreat", and "A Parting Kiss" fills the imagination as the nice tunes play very well with the dialogue. From the 8 original radio spots for the John Wayne film, to the two versions of "The Green Leaves of Summer" ,to "The Ballad of the Alamo", Mike Boldt's Alamo cd is a great tribute to John Wayne's film and our beloved story of the Alamo.

~Wade Dillon

Mike Boldt's The Alamo: A musical Tribute to John Wayne's Epic Film is a great piece for any fan of the story of the Alamo and the film which John Wayne did over 40 years ago.

I can see much dedication and heart went into this cd by everyone who took part with Mike Boldt to make this great tribute to John Wayne's epic film.

Just received my copy of Mike Boldt's CD tribute to the John Wayne "ALAMO" film and it's a good'un!

The opening track- "Ballad Of The Alamo" - might sort of be retitled "Boldt Rocks The 'Mo!" It is a really electric, stirring version. Most of the selections on the disc, as a matter of fact, have that contemporary edge to them, making this tribute to Tiomkin's works perhaps a little more palatable to a modern listening audience. Nothwithstanding, the "Spirit" of Tiomkin's Alamo manages to ring through enough to satisfy even the older element of listeners. The vocal rendition of "Green Leaves Of Summer", on the other hand, certainly gives the Brothers Four a run for their money. It is beautifully harmonized.

The original tunes by Boldt, "I Am With My Friends", "I Will Never Surrender, Or Retreat" and "A Parting Kiss", blend well with the Tiomkin soundtrack to the extent that you feel as though you may have heard them before.The dialogue to each of the new pieces has been lifted from the genuine letters and memoirs of Crockett, Travis and Mrs. Dickinson, respectively. I was particularly moved on hearing Nancy Boldt's recitation of Susannah's reminisces of her last moments with her husband, Almaron, there in the Alamo church. (So much so, as a matter of fact, that it left me even more convinced that the latest Alamo film should have definately shown the entire Alamo aftermath, survivors and all.)

Again, while Mike Boldt's tribute to John Wayne's Alamo has a contemporary feel to it, the seven radio spot "trailers" for the film definately smack of 1960. There's just no way someone could get away with such hoaky dialogue, otherwise. Still, as collectibles, they are gems and certainly worth adding to your collection, along with Mike's revisiting of those thrilling days of yesteryear in music and in song. Ned A. Huthmacher

Mike Boldt has created a wonderful tribute to the
music of John Wayne's "The Alamo", Dimitri Tiomkin's
score, and beyond the film, to the writings of people
who were actually involved in the historic battle.
Boldt creates new versions of the score, and of the
songs of the film, adding his own nuances to the
originals. It is incredible how he can imitate the style
of the song "The Green Leaves Of Summer", keeping the
1960s flavor, but still modernizing it. Best of all is his take
on Marty Robbins "Ballad Of The Alamo", which is
especially effective.
There are also reenactments of writings of people
who were involved in the actual Alamo battle, put to music,
the most affecting being Susanna Dickinson's "A Parting
Kiss", nicely done by Nancy Boldt.
Even those not as familiar with the film should enjoy
this detailed, and loving, tribute to the 1960 film. There
are no tracks to rival Boldt's takes on "The Persuaders"
and "The Man From Uncle" from his previous SpyGuise
CD "James Bond & Beyond", but those two were
masterpieces. This is just GREAT!!! What will he tackle
next?!?!

The music is terrible, not even close to the sound track music. I think they should take John Wayne's picture off of the cover