Customer Reviews

Basia on Broadway

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is my review of Basia on Broadway. Finally, I can write this after I had to wait for years to have a copy of BOB. Thanks to Thelma Gunter in Greenville, SC, for her kindness so I can have it.
In general, BOB is the best live recording I've ever listened to. Basia's vocal is just amazing, no different to her recording session vocal at the studios, even better in some songs. Moreover, she doesn't lose her special 'Basia-Nova' characteristics in this live album.

Copernicus
This is the song that opened the entire Broadway show. Still energetic and catchy just like the version of LWNY. However, for me it is better because it includes the live instruments, not the programmed one. Her vocal is magnificent, better than the LWNY version. In addition, she didn't forget to sing 'doo, dee, doo, doo' at the end of the song, along with the piano. By the way, it's still 'dangerous' enough for drivers and riders on the road due to its attractive tunes (see my review of LWNY).

Cruising for Bruising
Still great, not so different from LWNY version. However, the live instruments bring the flexibility in the style of this song. Take the brass session at the end of the song for example. In addition, the sound of the guitar and bass is also great, not like the programmed instruments.

Third Time Lucky
Now, this song is not started by Danny's whistle. Instead, it is opened by the applause from the audience followed by the percussion and bass. The percussion is wonderful, so alive with its variations. In general, it's better than the TSI version. And the ending is just unimaginable!

Drunk on Love
The opening of this song is more attractive than the original version, especially with the drum and the piano. The rest is just the same as the original but with a lot of additional little variations that make the entire song has a new more energetic spirit.

From Now On
This song is far better than the original version and band version, especially in Basia's voice. You can read my review of Clear Horizon for further info.

Baby You're Mine
Excellent touch in this song! Started only with guitar, percussion, and magnificent vocal. It gives another sensation in listening to Baby You're Mine. Moreover, the backing vocals are more 'tangible' and clearer. The surprise is in the middle of the song when all instruments plays together instantly, bring the style of the original one but with a better touch. It's just irresistible!

Yearning
Nothing special with the opening of this song, just like the original one. However, the audience will find the amazing instrumental section with Soprano Sax solo by Jay Beckenstein of Spyro Gyra as the leader. From this part to the end, the audiences enjoy the great touch from all players and Basia. Nice
blending between old and new styles.

Take Him Back, Rachel
Still started with 'shoo bee doob - doob, doob', this song is more attractive and catchy with Basia's more powerful vocal. Compare it to the original and you will feel the difference. The drumbeats are just irresistible mixed with its original Latin style. The ending comes in a sudden, which is able to separate this part of song with others. In general, this song is longer and better than the original.

New Day for You
Though it is not opened by Basia's vocal directly, the true audience will recognize that this song is New Day for You, from its rhythm. The drumbeats are better and more attractive than the original. The sound of the guitar is clearer and more various, and the big plus mark is the sound of the brass sections that can't be found in the original one.

Promises
"1, 2, 3, 4,...ya...ya.ya...ya..ya...", that's how this song is started. Followed by the sound of the bass, which is now the real one, the song goes smooth and sweet. The surprise is at the instrumental section, when the drummer does his solo. Followed by the extended new style of instrumental section, the song goes back to its original style smoothly which later invites the audiences to give a big applause.

Time and Tide
"The next song is called, Time and Tide," is how Basia started her song by introduce its title. Still brings the original pattern, this live song improves itself by the various instruments. However, the pattern slowly changes when the song reaches its end. Instead of ruining the beautiful familiar pattern, the new pattern gives a better touch in this song.

Half a Minute
Please read my review of Clear Horizon to find out the info of this song because the song is the same, no different,...trust me!...:-)

Reward
Besides the solo by the piano, a somewhat funny moment started this song when someone who is responsible for percussion hit the bell as the starting point, which then makes some audiences laugh. It's OK, anyway a little humour in a live concert will make it more 'alive'. The extended opening give us a new sensation. In general, the original pattern of this song is still 'preserved', combined with the live instruments.

Until You Come Back to Me
Started with the request of the audiences, Basia opens it with solo vocal. Next, the instruments and the backing vocals accompany her. Even, Basia asks the audience to sing along with her.

Dzien Sie Budzi (The day is Awakening)
This is the only song in this live album where Basia sings in her native language. I have no idea about how the backing vocals learn to sing in Polish but they did it well! "Dzien sie budzi, w kolorze slonca. W otwartych oczach ludzi...(The day is awakening, in a color of the sun. In the people's opened eyes...)"

Brave New Hope
I think it is a wonderful choice to sing Brave New Hope at the end of the concert. This song is wonderful and her vocal is more magnificent than it in the original version. Together with the live instruments, Basia finally says, "So bye, bye... and hello brave new hope...," say good bye and good night to the audiences.

Honestly, I'm running out of words in describing this album. Everytime I listen to each song in it, I get something new. It's true that Basia performs very well both in studios and in live concerts, unlike other singers who usually perform well in studios but not so good in live performances. However, I think all the musicians, all the people contributing to her concerts, and of course, all the audiences also play the important role in her performances. And there is no other words to describe this except....I don' know, I'm running out of words...!

There are few words to describe Basia in my opinion. One of the words is spectacular. Her vocals, personality and music content is just great. She is the only artist I have ever seen who actually takes requests from her audience. I was actually at one of the shows on Broadway where this CD was recorded, and wish I could see her again, right now!

I am in love with Basia forever....

Usually live albums are duds and prove the artist is stalling for time until their next studio album or has run out of ideas. Neither apply here (although Basia does take her time between discs!). Basia On Broadway captures her energy and enthusiasm without losing anything in the translation. I've seen her three times in concert and this captures it perfectly; sans visuals natch! The live versions don't stray too far from the studio originals but have just enough spark, vitality and improvision to keep them from becoming rote. A good starting point for those new to Basia and reminder to those who like her to make sure and see her on the next tour!

I had the truly good fortune to hear this show live at the Waikiki Shell in July of 1994. My wife turned me onto Basia with Time and Tide but we were still not sure what to expect in concert. Our fears were soon gone as Basia and her top notch musicians performed one of the best live shows I've attended. Basia leans toward the "bossa-latin-funk" style and her band did a hell of a job. The intricate harmonies on the recordings were faithfully reproduced live as the back-up vocalists were excellent.This recording is well worth the effort. Basia is miles ahead of mosts artists with her singing and compositions. I only wish she would release some new material soon. Thank you Basia,Peter and Danny White and all the excellent players and singers who make this project a 5 star success!

I bought this CD after seeing her in July 1994 at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans. I got fabulous seats right in the orchestra pit--they were costly but well worth it. When I listen to this one I get to think about seeing that tiny Polish woman on stage literally right in front of me, and she looked right at me and the guy I was with. No pyrotechnics, no elaborate dance numbers, just good music well played. While they played "Take Him Back Rachel," audience members were literally dancing in the aisles! Try to find that at an N'Sync concert! It's not exactly like being there, but if you did see her on her Sweetest Illusion Tour, it's like going back into the theater for one more performance.

Long ago, a friend turned me on the Basia around the time she released London, Warsaw, New York. I got to explore Time and Tide and became a die-hard fan after The Sweetest Illusion. While I have always loved her music, the recorded versions of her songs sounded a bit overproduced. I love this album! It is great! Her vocals are great and the arrangements are fantastic! The best track being Yearning-it is actually better than the recorded version!

By the time this album was released, Basia's talent and creativity were already indisputable on the jazz-pop scene, given the success and the impact of her previous three solo records, post Matt Bianco. And, just in case there was still any doubt, this live album makes it quite clear why when it comes to the best female singers, Basia's name is always on the top of the list.

The backing vocals, the band, Basia's performance, the entire setup, everything is so perfectly produced and mastered that it made this one of the best cristal-clear live albums ever recorded, and with regards to the music selection itself, is simply amazing.

Not only quite good because of the sound quality, but also because of the beauty of the songs. A relaxing symphony, both groovy and hypnotic at the same time, which deserves to be heard a few times in order to really find out all the little details and quality glimpses that makes this a standout masterpiece.

A Jazz-Pop gem indeed.

I just bought a copy of this album, the tardiness of which I have no explanation having bought The Sweetest Illusion when it was first released. I concur completely with the comments preceeding mine, but I would like to add some observations regarding the live performances of these tunes. For those who may not know, for studio albums Basia has traditionally sang and layered all of her own harmony vocals. From a production standpoint, this method has several advantages, one of which the timbres and vibratos all match up. What impresses me so much on the live album is how the vocal ensemble members totally nail not just the parts from the studio versions, but all of the nuances in the phrasing as well. Heaven only knows how much work and rehearsal went into the achieving this.

I would also like to mention the overall audio quality of the CD. It seems that the acoustics in the Neil Simon Theater must be superb, because the recorded live sound of the band is wonderfully "present" and sparkling. Production done this well makes having a great sound system worth the money.

I realize that this is 2007, and the album was recorded in 1994. Who cares. If you don't have it, get it!

This has a lower price, but even for $20 it would still be worth it. This is kind of Best of Basia, but you receive a freshly recorded version of the hits in live environmnet with real instruments and the 80 song sound even better as on her records, where there is also a lot of keyboards instead. Her voice is amazing, so are the backup singers, that sing well also the parts in polish. Overall, one of the best live albums for this kind of music.

Basia is by far one of the most original and gifted entertainers around. Her music, while maybe not as mainstream as I would like, is still some of the best around. Her style and simple lyrics make this a must-have album. I have played her "Live on Broadway" CD non-stop for the past week - it is that good - especially Copernicus. Indeed, Basia live is Basia at her best. I only wish that she would release her live show on VHS/DVD.