Customer Reviews

Howard Sings Ashman

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Howard Ashman's impact on American popular song - and American culture - is vast. Known for his unerring ability to alternate between sly and sincere original lyrics, he was equally skilled at conveying how he envisioned his work be executed. With theatrical flair, Ashman helped facilitate remarkable performances from his players. In a recent interview, actress Pat Carroll (who provided Ursula the Sea Witch with baritone pipes in Disney's animated feature "The Little Mermaid") recalled: "One day we were waiting in a music rehearsal for something and I said, `Howard, could you sing Ursula's song for me?' Well, he put on the cloak immediately and sang the song. He was brilliant...I watched every body move of his. I watched his face. I watched his hands. I ate him up!"

Carroll's words paint a vivid portrait of Howard Ashman, the artist. Happily, this two-disc CD set allows us all the rare opportunity to enjoy (as Carroll did) one of the greatest lyricists of modern musical theater history "perform" his masterworks.

Ashman's skills, according to those who knew him, were bountiful. His lyrics, as any listener of this CD set will concur, were genius. And though his passing was premature, his output is richer than many who enjoyed the luxury of lengthier careers. Many will say (and I'd be inclined to agree) that in his brief lifetime, Ashman had only scratched the surface of his potential. But brilliance is rare - and Ashman's legacy is truly brilliant.

My first introduction to Howard Ashman's musical gift was watching "Little Shop of Horrors" (the film). I certainly enjoyed his lyrics; especially the clever use of alliteration in "Suddenly Seymour" ("...is standing beside me"). But it wasn't until "The Little Mermaid" that I really took note of his unique ability to combine buoyant wit with tender earnestness. The audience at that screening literally could not contain themselves at the conclusion of "Under the Sea." Cheers erupted throughout the movie theater for no reason other than they simply had to express their appreciation, admiration, and approval. Later, during "Les Poissons," where Ashman crafted the rhyme "Les Poissons, Les Poissons / Hee Hee Hee ,Haw Haw Haw" I doubled over laughing. Clearly this was a mind that worked on a different plane than others - and thankfully so!

In interviews, his colleagues extol that Ashman "just understood musicals." At this, I am reminded of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's resident (and unsung) musical master Roger Edens, who provided lyrics, arrangements, and know-how to create many of those "Glorious M-G-M Musicals" -- and how those who worked alongside Eden's would praise his unique - and varied--capacities. Ashman obviously is a direct descendant of this royal musical lineage. It's difficult to know where such gentlemen garnered their sensitivity and ability, but we lucky audience members can be grateful that they did.

Listening to this CD set is to be in the presence of greatness. Above all, this set (in my opinion) appears to have been produced with a great deal of reverence and love; presenting an eclectic sampling of his work, including numerous discarded tunes. Many familiar songs are here as well, often with unused lyric material. Hearing Ashman quietly sing his "Sheridan Square" is a particularly emotional experience. The memories generously shared in the liner notes (especially those by his sister Sarah Gillespie and partner William Lauch) are heartfelt. Kudos to the Library of Congress and their Songwriter Series. This is more than a tribute - it is a compelling, breathing, enchanting accolade to man of uncommonly rare gifts.

Highest recommendation.

I have been a fan of Howard Ashman's for over twenty years and was so glad that this compilation of his performing was done. His talent shines through and it is a joy to listen to the tunes in what must be one of their earliest incarnations. His sister, Sarah, and partner, Bill Lauch, are to be commended for helping to make this material available.

Mary Vigdor
Milwaukee, WI

Howard Ashman was probably the single biggest reason that the new Golden Age of Disney Animation starting with The Little Mermaid was the big success it was. Master Storyteller in song, producer and just an all around nice guy he was the single reason that all those Animated Features from Mermaid to Lion King were as big as they were. This CD from The Library of Congress give a unique look at Howard and his unique songs. You will here him singing with nothing more than his piano and sometime with full orchestra or band. These were the demo cuts he did to sell the music to the exectutives of many studios and Broadway Theaters. Most of the material here is for the Broadway Theater and Disney Animation. The second disc is all the music he did for "Smile" a broadway play I had never heard of that he did with Marvin Hamlish. It is a great CD and for any Disney or Broadway Musical that Ashman was ever associated with, it is a real treasure.

I really enjoy the music on this CD and it came promptly. However, it only had 1 CD of the 2 CD's it was supposed to have. It had disc 1 which had the music I was most interested in so I did not complain.

By listening to these CDs you feel the presence of a true genius. I think that only Tim Rice can really be compared to this giant of a lyricist. If it hadn't been for his untimely death, what incredible works would he have created? My only wonder is how this set hasn't become an absolute bestseller. Real musical theatre fans cannot do without it. Kudos to PS Classics for making such a wonderful work. And God bless you, Mr Howard Ashman, wherever you are.