Customer Reviews

Build a Bridge

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love this cd, it is a joy devine to listen to, yes we can sit back and critique it for what it is not. But in this case, I'd rather spend my time enjoying what is offered here. It is a very moving experience for me to hear Mrs. Mcdonald singing any thing,any time ,any place, I was fortunate enought to see her in Ann Arbor, Michigan a couple years ago. It was very satisfying to say the least. And once again I have no complaints with her choice of material for this disc. I believe that we must learn to except that artist must be allowed to do what moves them. This is what makes the hard work that goes into every performance (when such is the case) worth while. With a voice like hers I would not care if she sang theme songs for sitcoms. I just love to hear her sing.

Love,Peace and Harmony-

The*Hot*Wax*Kid*

I'm confused by Amazon's review - I think this is a beautiful album. It features Audra's trademark surprising song choices and nuanced interpretations. I think the reviewer who said that Audra's interpretation of the Nellie McKay song was completely straightforward should have another listen. One of Audra's biggest gifts (aside from her incredible set of pipes) is her dramatic ability, her ability to communicate such a wide range of colors and emotions.

Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for Audra to record the wonderful set of "7 Deadly Sins" songs she sang at Zankel Hall a couple of years ago. Please, Audra, please!!!

Although I love Audra McDonald's voice and interpretation and acting ability, I'm disappointed by the choice of songs. From reading the other customer reviews, it seems that I'm out of step. I want to hear songs with melody; something you can hum afterwards. These songs are more like musical prose than musical poetry. Like the boring part between the arias, if you're not an opera lover. The singing is of course wonderful, but I wish she'd go back to the kind of music she had on Happy Songs.

I worship Audra McDonald for her voice, her acting talent, and her shining personality which I have had the good fortune to encounter in multiple live performances. Although I adore each album that has come along, this one feels particularly warm and deep to me - I have the feeling I will continue to listen and find new things each time. I was struck in an NPR interview by her comment that people have asked if she's trying to be Norah Jones - no offense to Norah, but Audra is not even in the same category. She can't be background music, or lull you into a stupor. She makes you pay attention, she makes you cry, she gives you goose bumps. If she doesn't, maybe you've been permanently damaged by top 40 music for too long. I only wish she could find the time and financial backing to release more and more CDs- I want a recording of the Lola song about the bass, and the old-fashioned but perfect I-just-can't-stop-talking-about-him-and-talking-about-him and many others that she performs live. Hey, even a live recording would be fantastic. Like Joni Mitchell (another artist I deeply admire) she just keeps reinventing herself while staying true to who she is as an artist, and that is a completely unique and wonderful thing that we should all be grateful for.

There are certain singers, Ms. McDonald being one of them, that I've often said are so good that I'd pay to listen to them sing a phone book. Up until now, that claim wasn't ever tested. Let's back up a bit first. I love Ms. McDonald's voice. I first heard her sing an ingénue role in Lincoln Center. It was Carousel. She stole the show in my and a lot people's eyes. Ever since then, I've been mesmerized by her voice. I still am. But this album is a mess. It's well produced and arranged, but the song choice is bizarre. No I don't want to hear anyone, even Ms. McDonald, do a cover of the novelty song Bein' Green. Ms. McDonald's voice is a gift made for the musical theater. It is not made to sing the wonderful songs of Laura Nyro or Randy Newman. Lord knows other great singers have made clunkers of albums like this and returned to fine form with the next effort. I imagine the same thing will happen here.

An unparalleled songstress and multiple Tony Award winner returns to disc with a collection drawn from new Broadway and current pop and delivers a surefooted disc of impeccable and tasteful performances. I bought this after watching her perform in concert on PBS and was not disappointed in any way, shape or form. Her version of popster John Mayer's "My Stupid Mouth" is a particular stunner and the sly sexuality of "Tom Cat" smolders and leaves you wanting more.

I was intrigued when I heard Audra McDonald tell her audience during a recent performance in San Francisco that her next CD would be a compilation of popular music written by new and established singer/songwriters. Having followed her career for ten years now, and seen her perform with the San Francisco Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, as well as her usual 5-piece combo, "Build a Bridge" is a refreshing departure from the music for which Ms. McDonald is renowned. Overall, the selections on "Build a Bridge" are well-chosen songs that showcase her beautiful instrument around lovely arrangements in a new way. Impressively, Ms. McDonald's voice is warmer and richer than on any previous recording (and I've listened to nearly every one countless times). Have you ever walked the length of a bridge and been surprised and happy when you reached the end? Listening to this CD is like that.

Not my favorite album of hers, but the Laura Nyro songs alone are worth the price.

I truly admire Audra for constantly seeking new music to record. While this album is not my favorite Audra recording (Happy Songs wins that award :) it is still a very enjoyable record. Some of the tracks are sheer delight ("My Stupid Mouth" and "Wonderful You") while others just don't appeal to me ("Tom Cat" and "I Think it's Going to Rain Today") but that's to be expected whenever an artist is exploring new territory. I applaud Audra for her willingness to always seek new and varied music for her albums and will continue to be a big Audra fan!

audra is not only a multiple tony award winner and phenomenal actress, she is a beautiful recording artist. You will not be disappointed by this CD. It is so beautiful...the best track is "my stupid mouth"...get this CD!!