Customer Reviews

Encore

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I only recently heard Elaine on "Bravo's" bio. I became absorbed in the voice and music. The next day I had to see what was available on compact disc. "Encore" had most of the music I had heard the night before. I was not familiar with the music from "Sunet Boulevard". All three selections from SB are memorable. "I Know Him So Well" was also new to me. Another hidden gem. "Memory", "I Don't Know How To Love Him", and "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" need no further praise. I'm just happy to hear yet another great recording of these classics. The highlight of this CD were the selections from "Piaf". These three songs blew me away. I am not a fan of Piaf's voice and style. However, "Mon Dieu" and "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" took me to some enchanted place within. I found myself completely lost to the rest of the world when I pugged my headphones in. This was a total music experience. Through much persistence I finally located a copy of "Piaf" and can't wait to hear the complete collection of Piaf songs as done by Elaine Paige. There isn't song on this CD not worth having.

In December,1997 I planned a trip to London to sightsee and see "Sunset Blvd" with Petula Clark. On arriving at the theater,a change notice that P. Clark was on Christmas leave and Elaine Paige was in the lead role. Disappointed at the time,I was greatly pleased with the performance of Elaine. Her delivery of the music had an emotional effect on me. At that time I became a "FAN". I purchased the CD in England and play it often. I have purchased several of her CDs, but "Encore" is her best!!

The first time I conscientiously (Sorry, I don't feel like fetching a dictionary to make sure I spelled that correctly) heard Elaine Paige sing was in the film version of "CATS"...and after her soul-bearing rendition of "Memory", I was literally in tears. (My only current regret is that the RUG hasn't yet released the film version CD of "CATS", but CATS fans, don't fret-it IS coming-someone from RUG just confirmed it!) After that, I went out and bought this CD...and it's my favorite CD. Every song on there is magnificent, from her hit "Memory" to her songs from "Evita". Also, La Paige delivers her "Piaf" songs in that flawless French of hers..."Mon Dieu" is definately a highlight, along with "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien". After listening to "I Know Him So Well", it's easy to see how she and La Dickinson set a word-record with that song. This CD is a must-have for any fan of La Paige, whether you're just being exposed to her for the first time or whether you're an old fan of hers. You'll lfind yourself singing these songs instantly. Every beat of music, every note...it's worth it. When Elaine sings, she bears us the depths of her entire soul, and trust me, it's QUITE deep. And, for anyone out there thinking that people who aren't very tall can't succeed, this one's for you- Elaine Paige proves that statement wrong. She may not have the height, but she makes up for it with her immense talent...and after you do the math, she's a giant. An extremely talented one. Elaine Paige rules.

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This CD is an excellent choice for a new fan of Elaine Paige, or one who would like a 'best of' compilation of her musical theater songs. Many of them are the best interpretations I've heard of them, her unrelenting voice hits the notes dead on, without any pretense. Of particular note are her "Sunset Boulevard" selections, which makes me wish there was a complete CD of that with her available. The only reason five stars was not awarded here is because some of the orchestrations have too much of a pop quality to them, as in "I Dreamed a Dream" and "Another Suitcase in Another Hall". But obviously the main focus here is her voice, and for that I easily award five stars.

This is an incredibly eclectic, and strong mix of Elaine's work. The power of her voice is obvious in the tracks from "Piaf" as well as "Sunset Boulevard." Also enjoyable is the reworking of "Another Suitcase in Another Hall." Encore is not only powerful and well done, but fun to listen to.

Encore is a wonderful representation of the many wonderful musicals that she has starred in. I have seen her in London in the musicals Chess and Sunset Boulevard and just recently in Salt Lake City with the Utah Symphony conducted by Keith Lockhart. When I listen to the Encore cd it takes me back to my memories of the London stage and being awestruck by her incredible voice. She lifts one to another spiritual sphere. One cannot help, but love her voice. This cd is excellent.

Elaine always take our breath out of compass, always. Her version to I dreamed a dream is astonishing! We all know that she is the best singing actress in the whole world, and once again on this CD she is proving we can trust her... She never failed. She is the real Queen!!! This CD can show to anyone the power of her voice!

Ms. Paige has a unique voice capable of portraying the right mood and pathos to the audience. She can sing in a wide range of voices, with such a versatility that no singer can match her in any genre (may be Ella Fitzgerald). In each song that was not written originally for her, her rendering is even superior by adding shades of emotions unique to her. Such is the case for example of "Don't cry for me Argentina". It would be ideal to watch her on video or on stage in order to appreciate her demeanor and expression. I have all of her old cd's but this is the best single cd to own, since it has the best selection of songs ever compiled, reflecting her superior artistic taste. One should pay a special attention on her clear and lively intonation, especially the verstile change of pitch that reflect the many nuances of meaning in each song.

I don't recall hearing Elaine Paige before a few months ago when the local PBS channel presented her in concert as part of their fundraising. I was captured by the clarity and expressiveness of her singing and her interpretation of Lloyd Weber's classic numbers -- "Memory," "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," etc. What particularly grabbed me were her Edith Piaf songs, presented as well as the great chanteuse herself did. I've been playing this CD over and over since acquiring it. All you lovers of great voices in grat musicals, grab it.

Elaine Paige is unequaled in voice (but she is getting some good competition from Susan Boyles!) and this cd proves it. I could listen to her sing the phone book. I especially love hearing her sing Memory, I Dreamed a Dream and my favorite of all her songs, I Know Him so Well.

If you love Broadway and Elaine Paige, then this is definitely the cd you will want to buy. She is the best of the best and the cd brings back nice memories from the musicals I've been lucky enough to attend.

If you are a Paige fan, it is a must have in your collection.