Customer Reviews

London Concert

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

 

 

I'll start by putting my cards on the table: I have mixed feelings about Betty Buckley. On some recordings, her vibrato could cut glass. Then there's her extreme divaness, which can veer into hilarious pretentiousness (case in point: the DVD "Betty Buckley - Stars and the Moon").

That said, this CD (taped live in London) is a must-have for any Broadway fan. Buckley is in her very best voice, and she throws herself fully into the songs. It's both tremendously exciting and moving.

If you've heard her other CDs and wondered what all the fuss is about, then give this one a chance. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

This CD was recorded Live in London with the BBC Concert Orchestra & the BBC Big Band while Ms. Buckley was performing as Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd. Ms. Buckley has a truly awesome voice that sounds so wonderful with a full orchestra. This Diva can "Belt it." Her rendition of "Over You" is the best to date. "The London Concert" is one of her very best performances, and I have seen many of her performances live over the past 20 years.

This CD captures all the excitement of Ms. Buckley live. Her voice is awesome here, and the song selection is a nice mix of her personal favorites, current role (she was starring in Sunset Boulevard in London at the time), and theater/cabaret music that is completely well suited to her voice and styling. There are moments where I am blown away by her intensity, and then the next minute she pares down her voice to the most intimate and vulnerable sound. My favorites here are:

1) Pirate Jenny - sung with a ferocious bite to her voice, yet also capturing the gloomy desperation of the piece.

2) Finishing The Hat - A bold interpretation of the song, sung in the original arrangement from the show - heartfelt and beautiful.

3) Marry Me A Little - I think I have waited my whole life to hear someone put this much passion into this song.

Those are my faves, but the rest of the album is great too. Her interpretations of Meadowlark, Memory, and With One Look are as brilliant as ever.

If you like good theater singing, you MUST own this album!

....I had been wanting to get a recording Betty Buckley's signature song "Memories" for quiet some time. This live CD recorded in London contains that song and whole host of other treasures. If you are a lover of show tunes or a fun of Ms. Buckley this CD is definately for you.

If only American Radio produced and broadcast events as electric and sophisticated as this, perhaps I'd be listening and not typing on my computer. This CD has become an old friend, opening with Sondheim's "Old Friend", and here's to us. The most amazing "Meadowlark" arrangement gives Buckley a running start as she takes flight and pulls the listener up with her to stay. The haunting medley of Paul Simon's "Old Friend">"Unchained Melody" is astounding. The defiance in "Pirate Jenny" and "Memory" sticks in my soul.