Customer Reviews

Brian Stokes Mitchell

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

Thank God we finally have an inventive and imaginative solo album by a Broadway artist. These are NOT the cookie cutter versions of these songs that we love so much. These are brand new arrangements, most by Brian Stokes Mitchell himself. They are smart, immersive interpretations of this music, and Brian is able to demonstrate the full range of his talents here. There is more to life, and singing, than simply belting out one standard after another, and Brian Stokes Mitchell delivers here. Buy it.

I am so dismayed by the amount of negative reviews of this cd. An artist does not have to maintain the exact same style from show to show and cd to cd. Since this is his first release that is not from a show, he had every right to take liberties w/ production, style, etc....and the result is a breath of fresh air and a slick and soothing sound. He possesses such a great tone and delivery to his voice and I look forward to many more! It's sad that people that can call themselves fans can be so quick to put someone down.......not a fan.....more a fairweather type.

If you are expecting the new Brian Stokes Mitchell album to be the ordinary renditions of standard show tunes this may not be the album for you. This album has original and innovative jazz renditions of some show tunes. Some are playful and fun with nuanced humor as in `The Best Is Yet to Come' and `Just in Time'. He uses the power and versatility of his deep baritone in the excellent rendition of `How Long Has This Been Going On'. The least interesting track is `Something's Coming' as it is the closest to the original version.

His voice is a fine-honed instrument with amazing versatility, control, power and range, and he knows how to use it for maximum influence on these tracks. The songs are sung with the feeling and emotion for which Stokes is known.

The arrangements, most of which are done by himself, are brilliant. He is an innovative jazz interpreter and we are fortunate to have him turn his many talents in this direction. Let's hope there are many more albums to follow.

Dot implores of artist George in "Sunday in the Park with George," to "show us something new." Begin with a blank canvas, and take us somewhere new. Like some of the Sondheim shows over the four decades I've been exploring them, on first seeing them, their true beauty and depth wasn't immediately apparent. But taking each show closer to heart upon further study and listening truly took us--as Broadway enthusiasts--somewhere new. This is Mr. Mitchell's gift, in my opinion: taking songs immediately familiar, and casting them in unfamiliar and completely original arrangements. Taking a Broadway standard as a blank canvas, and showing us just one new possibility. This CD is cause for celebration of the vitality of the Broadway song.

I agree completely with Music Lover's review. I saw Brian Stokes Mitchell perform the songs in this CD in his show at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington DC, where he performed with a 3 piece jazz ensemble. He was sensational, as was the ensemble, and my husband, who is *not* a Broadway musical fan, thought the show was a wow. I am so happy that BSM recorded these songs for his first CD.

People who are expecting a "Broadway's greatest hits" album will be disappointed. I for one am really glad that BSM wanted to do something more distinctive in his first solo album. He has a great love of jazz and is a wonderful jazz singer, a part of his talent that he cannot show on Broadway. There is something really supple and sexy when he does jazzy numbers, and he can really ACT--BSM is a terrific interpreter of lyrics.

I love this CD, and it showcases some facets of BSM's range and abilities that might be new to many of his fans. Highly recommended.

I'm uncertain as to how someone can describe BSM as average-but, maybe they're having a bad day. I don't know how long I've been waiting for this album to come out but I was pleasantly surprised to find it on my kitchen table after a long day at work. What a way to end the day! The sun setting, BSM's voice and a slight breeze from the back porch. It's unfortunate there's the expectation to produce the same work over a span of so many years. If even for a moment naysayers allowed his wonderful voice to reach their hearts, clearly they would experience it's wonder and beauty.

Every previous reviewer recognizes the matchless beauty of the voice of Brian Stokes Mitchell, his talent, artistry, charisma, versatility and ability to move audiences to tears and rapture in theaters and concert halls as no one else can.

The keen anticipation of the release of his new solo album may have set up an expectation that everyone will be able to embrace what is, after all, a lovely, original, quirky, utterly personal creation by an artist who has nurtured it in private as he has shared his prodigious talents with the world in so many other ways.

With time and repeated listening, those who weren't immediately gratified by BSM's long-awaited solo album will be rewarded with surprises and delights. This singing is just for you, gorgeous, intricate and evocative. And, as usual, he has left us wanting more.

I'm picking myself off the floor in shock over the negative reviews here. I'm sorry but we must be listening to different records. Stokes is the preeminent baritone of our generation... and if you can listen to him without getting goosebumps, then you must be dead.

This album is a delight.. for those of us who are longtime fans of his Broadway work, it gives us a bit of that but also shows us how much more he can do and how versatile he is. It's beautifully produced and a treasure. I would highly recommend it to anyone with discerning musical tastes who will appreciate one of the most gorgeous voices of our time interpreting showtunes, standards, jazz, and pop. I only hope he puts out more of the same... and SOON!

Thank you Mr. Mitchell for this gift of an album. I love the range of styles (especially the mournful, evocative "losing my mind") and the inventive and thoughtful arrangements. With this album BSM bares his soul and shares his love with us. How lucky we are!

At my local Barnes & Noble this morning I gave this a listen and was suitably impressed. Interesting song selections, Inventive arrangements, and a voice that knows when to sing subtly and nuanced, or full-force belt! While I am mostly a fan of female singers, I must admit I enjoyed the sound clips I heard enough to buy the CD!