Customer Reviews

Emily Skinner

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

 

 

Emily Skinner creates a soulful, delightful recording. And don't fret, her partner-in-crime, Alice Ripley makes guest appearances on "You'll Never Get Away From Me/Together Wherever We Go," "I Could Always Go To You," and "Ballyshannon." In keeping with Duets and Unsuspecting Hearts, Emily brings a wonderful mix of Broadway showtunes, everything from classic Broadway to Broadway now to some of the most obscure musicals. There are also some non-Broadway tracks on this CD that are beautiful, "My Brother Lived in San Francisco" reduces me to tears. But my favorite track on this CD is "Ballyshannon," one of Emily's duets with Alice. This is from the musical James Joyce's The Dead, (2000 Tony Award nomination) and since there is no soundtrack released I delight in re-living the moments that I saw on the Tonys last year. If you weren't an Emily Skinner fan before, you will be now. It's impossible to hate her or Alice Ripley after sampling this cabaret CD. I've hardly ever called an album "perfect," but that's not even where I'd BEGIN to describe this one.

This woman can SING anything! Plus... she sings smart and funny. Every cut on this CD is a gem. I laughed out loud listening to "My Simple Christmas Wish," cried to "My Brother Lived In San Francisco," mellowed out to the jazz groove of "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most," and boogied with "Be Good Or Be Gone." Can't wait to hear what she going to do next.

Varese Sarabande presents exciting musical theater of today - composers and lyricists drawing on every genre of music for their inspiration. And to carry out those wishes is Emily Skinner - each track will float your boat, go onto the next one, and when you find one you connect with, by all means play it over and over again - she's got it all on this album.

Emily's favorite composers vary - Stephen Sondheim, Alan Menken, Leslie Bricusse, Tim Rice, Cy Coleman, Stephen Schwartz, Bill Russell, Lynn Ahrens...but the arrangments shine bright from Todd Ellison and outstanding orchestration by David Siegel...awesome broadway highlights from this talented young lady.

Special thanks to - Bruce Kimmel (producers), Vincent Cirilli (engineer) Alice Ripley (vocal/duets) and Varese Sarabande...if you enjoyed this CD, you might try other albums by Emily Skinner - "Duets" (1998 - Varese Sarabande) and "Unsuspecting Hearts" (1999 - Varese Sarabande)...the entire album spells "Broadway and Theater" featuring our wonderful hostess - EMILY SKINNER!

Total Time: 55:21 on 15 Tracks...Varese Sarabande 302 062 102 2...(2001)

Emily Skinner is a true Broadway great. Her work in "Side Show" was worthy of all the acclaim that she (and co-star Alice Ripley) recieved. This album does not disappoint. This gal can sing pretty much ANY style - from the soft "Lazy Afternoon" to the powerful "Be Good Or Be Gone." Also, Emily's version of "My Brother Lived In San Francisco" from "Elegies" is absolutely gorgeous. I had the pleasure of seeing Emily perform that song live at the All-Star concert version of "Elegies" (a benefit for the Momentum AIDS Project) and it was by far one of the best moments in theatre I have ever experienced. I look forward to seeing/hearing what Emily comes up with next because she is truly an AMAZING talent.

One clarification: At the time this review was written, the ... track listing includes the song "Maid Of The Mist" which was cut from "The Full Monty." Please note that this track is ONLY available on copies of this CD purchased directly from ...

I can not listen to this recording without closing my eyes and just becoming absorbed in Ms. Skinner's absolutely ravishing voice. What a talent! Hearing her softly croon such a classic as "Lazy Afternoon" is enough to bring one to tears. Her voice is filled with a rich warmness. This is the creme de la creme of cds! God Bless you Fynesworth Alley (and especially Mr. Kimmell who is no longer with F.A) for giving us all such a wonderful cd. Ms. Skinner is also very versatile. Many tracks on the cd are HILARIOUS. I don't mean smirk a few times funny... but laugh out loud hilarious. Don't miss "I could Always Go to You" and "My Simple Christmas List" both are incredibly funny. This cd should not be missed. I play it all the time!

I love Emily Skinner's voice. It has a special quality to it that not many people have. I first liked her when I saw Side Show. I have to admit, I was a little dissapointed with this album. She has a great middle voice, but when she starts to go into her head voice it doesn't always sound great. Songs like "Growing Boy", "My Simple CHristmas Wish", " THe Long Way", are great songs and shouldn't be missed. Some of the songs that I don't think are suited for her voice are "I never said I Love You" and "Lonely House". THey are too high for her and I don't really like her high voice. For the most part, it is a great album and her voice shines like it always have. I give her credit for trying new songs that she has never heard before, but I think that some of the songs just don't fit her voice and wasn't good song selection. I think you should buy this album, most of the songs are excellent. I mean there aren't many CD's that you can listen all the way through anyway. THere usually is one or two songs that someone doesn't like. Buy this album! YOu shouldn't be dissapointed for most of the album is great!!

This is a WONDERFUL collection of songs covering a wide variety of styles....and Emily Skinner sings them all BEAUTIFULLY! This album is a delight! I happen to like all types of music, but even if you don't, you'll find something to love on this album. If you weren't an Emily Skinner fan before getting this album, you'll be one once you listen to it!