Customer Reviews

Blue - The Complete Cabaret Songs of William Bolcom and Arnold Weinstein

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am not a student of cabaret songs, but I had heard of the genre and this recording seemed a good place to start. Honestly, the first time I listened to it, I wasn't very impressed. However, I attributed that to my lack of familiarity with the composer and the style of the music, and kept listening. After letting the music sink in for a while, I began to notice how well the Murrays interpret and perform these pieces. Michelle does not sound like a performer singing a song, she IS the character of the song, telling her story. You can hear her disgust and pain in "At the last lousy moments of love", her combined amusement, gruff love, and desire to teach street smarts to the child in "Love in the thirties". The pianist is amazingly expressive. The accompaniment as provided by David, rather than being part of the background to the singer, is an integral part of the story. At times the accompaniment sets the scene, at others it reacts to the vocalist, at times they go back and forth in a tight interplay that is reminiscent of a couple who finish each other's sentences as they chat. Replace either David or Michelle, and these songs would all fall flat. Together, they form a team that compels one to listen. Their performances made me like this music whether I wanted to or not. I had hoped this CD could provide background music at work. It fails miserably in that regard, because I get so drawn in to the pieces. I always end up with my hands frozen over my computer keyboard, my mind eavesdropping on a father and son on the street, squirming away from someone I shouldn't have brought home the night before, communing with someone I love. Get this CD - you'll be glad you did.

David and Michelle Murray really, REALLY know their stuff. Their collective sensitive interpretation of these intimate works belies the intimacy of their relationship. (At least I hope their marriage is a good one!) Check out the liner notes for an insightful, albeit brief, analysis of the works. Who knew musicologists could be interesting?

She's clearly a soprano and these pieces are too low for her. And on sustained notes, she sings sharp. I prefer hearing these sung by a lower and richer voice. Still and all, glad to have them on a recording, so thanks for that.

Upon listening to Blue, it is very clear how passionate David & Michelle are about the music they are performing. Michelle's rich soprano flows very nicely from track to track with David's eloquent piano playing. On numbers like "Song of Black Max" & "At The Last Lousy Moments of Love", you can just picture the performance - graceful & gorgeous. Songs like "Amor" & "Toothbrush Time" will bring a smile to your face with their humor. "Waitin'" will give you goosebumps & "Radical Sally" will most definitely make you want to get up and dance. Michelle's voice is full of life - not wispy at all and it is clear on each track and David's piano playing is the perfect compliment to it. They make a very wonderful pairing both on stage and off. I highly recommend this CD to anyone!

As a former piano student of David, I do have a bias, but it is completely understandable. These two work together so well, and make music like no other! Some of my favorite tracks are Amor, Toothbrush Time, Oh Close the Curtain, George, Love in the Thirties, Song of Black Max and Fur. All of the songs are excellent! David's piano skills are off the chart, completely amazing. Michelle's vocals are absolutely wonderful. I would urge you to buy this recording, as any cd collection is incomplete without it.

I agree with the previous reviewer - the interpretations of the Cabaret Songs by Michelle and David Murray are priceless, and show what someone who knows what they are doing can do with these tired old songs. For that reason alone, this recording is worth more than three stars. I disagree, however, with her quibbling over the performance. Too often, jazz and cabaret are stereotyped as genres in which only a low, husky, almost male-sounding female voice can do the music justice, and this is simply not true. My advice to anyone who thinks that this performer does not sing these songs well is -- OPEN YOUR EARS and get off your high-horse.

BLUE has become the one CD that is constantly playing in my car home and work sterio. The minute that I fist heard the songs play I fell in love with each and every track! The rythem of the soungs are very soothing and romantic. David and Michelle make beautiful music together I truly hope that they colaberaite on many more pieces in the near future!

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