Customer Reviews

An Enchanted Evening: The Music of Broadway

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

 

 

I wanted to like this CD, but after listening to it several times I have to conclude that both the arrangements and the singing are not especially inspired. There is nothing NEW one gets from hearing these interpretations of the songs, and if you have heard them sung by others with a better feel for the words and music (e.g. Liz Callaway's or Patti LuPone's "Meadowlark", Lena Horne's "Bewitched", Streisand's "I Have A Love" and "Some Enchanted Evening"), then the set seems particularly uninventive and emotionally uninvolving. It's vaguely pleasant, but I don't find myself wanting to listen to it again.

This is an excellent cd that true broadway fans should enjoy immensely. I especially loved Lee's performance of the song "Corner of the Sky." Joanne shines on the Stephen Schwartz song "Meadowlark," which I had heard years ago by Sarah Brightman from an inmport cd. I saw them perform these songs in concert, and it was evident that they were as adept at showmanship as they are at singing. Alltogether an excellent cd.

So often, I find that singers who sing with technical perfection lack emotion. That is certainly not the case with this CD. Lee Lessack and Joanne O'Brien are both technically spot-on with this work, and yet both sing with such emotion and intent that I found myself drawn into their songs. And it is that emotion that makes a roster of very familiar Broadway tunes fresh and new. The stripped-down production of this CD is also perfect - John Boswell's piano accompaniment is all that's called for. It leaves the listener to concentrate on the beauty of the lyrics, the voices, and the wonderful connection between Lee and Joanne. For two people to sing together so well, you would think they've known each other all their lives - so it came as no surprise to find out they have been friends for 20+ years.

I also find it interesting that what ended up being two of my favorite songs on the CD initially elicited groans from me. "Meadowlark" and "Bring Him Home" have both been performed so many times; I couldn't imagine what else could be brought to these two songs, no matter how nice the songs may be. I was wrong. Joanne's version of "Meadowlark" took my breath away and has become by far my favorite version of this song. Similarly, Lee's version of "Bring Him Home" brought me to tears just like the first time I heard the song in the theater.

In short, if you love Broadway music, these two talented singers definitely make this CD worth the price of admission.

I LOVE this CD.....Lee and Joanne are unstoppable.....From the beginning song "Some Enchanted Evening"....this CD just excels in sentiment and emotion and character....

So many favorites, but "Just In Love" was alot of fun to listen too....their voices blended so beautifully....I dance to that song all the time!

"Bewitched" by Joanne was stunningly done....and to be followed by "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" beautifully and soulfully sung by Lee....these 2 are magic together!

I also think Lee's voice on "So In Love" is telling a story we would all like to get across...he is the words...he feels the love so strong...he is just that good, his voice is so smooth and he makes this song effortless in his presentation!

Singers like Lee don't acquire this talent, they are born with it! This man's voice makes you stop and take notice....just beautiful!

I will say Lee's rendition of "Bring Him Home" brought tears to my eyes...his honest emotion is evident in each lyric he sings....this man's voice is beyond perfection!

Overall...I am truly enjoying this CD and find myself putting it on more than once during the day! I can only imagine how it would be to see these two in concert singing their hearts out...I would probably have to get up in the aisle and dance!

Another beautiful CD any Lee Lessack fan needs to own.....

Thanks for listening,
Maureen

I like both the singers but not together. They have very different styles. So didn't work for me. Also, they should've made a medley of the West Side Story tunes instead of doing one in track one and then another pops up in track six, and somehow it seems like they ran out of material and went back to Bernstein.

I prefer Lessack and though I think Joanne has a lovely voice, I think she overpowers him. I dunno--she seems more broadway; he seems more cabaret.

Still, the album has a lot of endearing qualities, even if the interpretations and arrangements aren't that original as one of the commenters here pointed out, and, I'd add, the song selections are pretty safe (but they worked for me).