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Editorial Reviews
TURN UP THAT DIAL! From the underground dance clubs of 1950's Memphis, TN, by way of hit runs at the La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre, comes a hot new Broadway musical - inspired by actual events - with heart, soul and energy to burn.
MEMPHIS features a brand new score with music by David Bryan (Bon Jovi's founding member/keyboardist)and lyrics by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change), who also pens the musical's book. MEMPHIS is based on a concept by the late George W. George (producer of the Tony®-nominated Bedroom Farce and the film My Dinner With Andre), with direction by Tony nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu), and choreography by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys).
MEMPHIS takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 50s, a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun (Chad Kimball) falls in love with everything he shouldn't: rock 'n' roll and an electrifying black singer named Felicia (Montego Glover). MEMPHIS is an original story about the cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever.
MEMPHIS stars Chad Kimball (Huey) and Montego Glover (Felicia), with Derrick Baskin (Gator), J. Bernard Calloway (Delray), James Monroe Iglehart (Bobby), Tony nominee Michael McGrath (Mr. Simmons), and Cass Morgan (Mama).
The collection contains 19 songs and a bonus track/acoustic version of 'The Music of My Soul' with piano and vocals by David Bryan.
MEMPHIS features a brand new score with music by David Bryan (Bon Jovi's founding member/keyboardist)and lyrics by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change), who also pens the musical's book. MEMPHIS is based on a concept by the late George W. George (producer of the Tony®-nominated Bedroom Farce and the film My Dinner With Andre), with direction by Tony nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu), and choreography by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys).
MEMPHIS takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 50s, a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun (Chad Kimball) falls in love with everything he shouldn't: rock 'n' roll and an electrifying black singer named Felicia (Montego Glover). MEMPHIS is an original story about the cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever.
MEMPHIS stars Chad Kimball (Huey) and Montego Glover (Felicia), with Derrick Baskin (Gator), J. Bernard Calloway (Delray), James Monroe Iglehart (Bobby), Tony nominee Michael McGrath (Mr. Simmons), and Cass Morgan (Mama).
The collection contains 19 songs and a bonus track/acoustic version of 'The Music of My Soul' with piano and vocals by David Bryan.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By C. Miller
Format:Audio CD
I have been working on this show for three years and still LOVE listening to the music. Even my boyfriend, who does not like musicals, listens to this album in the car, and especially likes the David Bryan track and Chad Kimball's high note in "Memphis Lives in Me." In fact, one of the best days of my life was driving in the car over Christmas and singing "Someday" with my non-musical loving boyfriend. "Someday" was the first song I fell in love with and now the whole thing is a favorite.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
With "American Idiot" deemed ineligible, this year's most likely Best Score Tony Winner appears to be "Memphis," by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro, represented on this tuneful cast recording, which recalls the early days of rock n roll. Chad Kimball (excellent) stars as Huey, a white, wannabe disc jockey who falls in love with an African-American singer, Felicia (Montego Glover), and attempts to make her a star in the days of rampant racism.
If that plot sounds potentially heavy, rest assured that for the most part, things are kept light on this disc. In fact, when I first heard this recording, it struck me as a sort of cross between "Dreamgirls" and "Hairspray," without the impact of either. That is, until I got to the bluesy "Colored Woman," in which Felicia rails against the limitations of her race and decides to accept Huey's help. It's sung with such urgent vibrancy by the fantastic Glover that it's become my most-played show tune of 2010 (I bought this cd from the show's web site last December, before it was commercially available, so that's a lot of months of listening to it--and I'm not sick of it yet.).
And the rest of the score has grown on me, too, with "The Music of My Soul," "Memphis Lives in Me," and "Love Will Stand When All Else Falls," among the standouts. My major complaint with "Memphis" is that, given the subject, there really should be some more emotionally-charged, character driven songs along the lines of "Colored Woman." As it is, it comes across as just a bit too watered down, with a few too many songs, catchy as they are, not doing a lot to reveal character. On the other hand, this is a recording I keep coming back to, and I would be perfectly content if "Memphis" wins the Best Score Tony.
If that plot sounds potentially heavy, rest assured that for the most part, things are kept light on this disc. In fact, when I first heard this recording, it struck me as a sort of cross between "Dreamgirls" and "Hairspray," without the impact of either. That is, until I got to the bluesy "Colored Woman," in which Felicia rails against the limitations of her race and decides to accept Huey's help. It's sung with such urgent vibrancy by the fantastic Glover that it's become my most-played show tune of 2010 (I bought this cd from the show's web site last December, before it was commercially available, so that's a lot of months of listening to it--and I'm not sick of it yet.).
And the rest of the score has grown on me, too, with "The Music of My Soul," "Memphis Lives in Me," and "Love Will Stand When All Else Falls," among the standouts. My major complaint with "Memphis" is that, given the subject, there really should be some more emotionally-charged, character driven songs along the lines of "Colored Woman." As it is, it comes across as just a bit too watered down, with a few too many songs, catchy as they are, not doing a lot to reveal character. On the other hand, this is a recording I keep coming back to, and I would be perfectly content if "Memphis" wins the Best Score Tony.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
It's the early 1950's in segregated Memphis, Tennessee. Drawn by the music, a young white man, Huey, overcomes his inhibitions and visits a small club in the "dark" part of town. It is run by Delray and features the talent of his younger sister, Felicia. Huey embraces the music with an evangelistic fervency and falls in love with Felicia. Although his feelings are reciprocated, their love is obviously forbidden due to the color of their skin. Huey seeks to spread his new melodious gospel to the masses and Felicia aspires to become a star against a backdrop of social distrust and repression.
This recording is really all about the music and the fantastic performances. Early era rock n' roll dripping with blues, soul, and gospel is very effectively united with the conventions of musical theater. The score is rollicking and rousing. It is impossible not to envision the cast dancing about provocatively and equally difficult not to join in. Traces of themes and melodies from that era are present, but what is lacking in originality is more than made up for in authenticity. The songs possess universal applications that transcend this particular story - whether finding and embracing one's identity ("Memphis Lives in Me") or choosing to overcome some obstacle or oppression ("Colored Woman") or yearning for change ("Say a Prayer"). This accounts for the success of the cast recording even though the show's narrative is not fully captured. Well, this in addition to the great music and delightful performances. Huey, Felicia, and Delray perform their roles brilliantly. Yet as tremendous as the three principals are, they are threatened to be outdone by supporting cast mates Gator and Bobby. The cast is wonderfully talented.... Read more ›
This recording is really all about the music and the fantastic performances. Early era rock n' roll dripping with blues, soul, and gospel is very effectively united with the conventions of musical theater. The score is rollicking and rousing. It is impossible not to envision the cast dancing about provocatively and equally difficult not to join in. Traces of themes and melodies from that era are present, but what is lacking in originality is more than made up for in authenticity. The songs possess universal applications that transcend this particular story - whether finding and embracing one's identity ("Memphis Lives in Me") or choosing to overcome some obstacle or oppression ("Colored Woman") or yearning for change ("Say a Prayer"). This accounts for the success of the cast recording even though the show's narrative is not fully captured. Well, this in addition to the great music and delightful performances. Huey, Felicia, and Delray perform their roles brilliantly. Yet as tremendous as the three principals are, they are threatened to be outdone by supporting cast mates Gator and Bobby. The cast is wonderfully talented.... Read more ›
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Ej
Format:Audio CD
I recently saw this show in NYC and ADORED IT! The music is fabulous. The leads are ungodly talented. This is such a great soundtrack and an absolute must have!! Especially the songs Stronger, Memphis Lives in Me and Steal Your Rock and Roll. I highly, highly recommend this soundtrack for anyone!
13 of 18 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars
Original cast album of MEMPHIS is less successful than the show it documents
April 6, 2010
Format:Audio CD
I saw the show on Broadway just after it opened. It has a dazzling star performance from Chad Kimball as the DJ Huey. The story, though based (loosely) on a biography, comes off as curious amalgam of characters and situations we have seen in others hows - from HAIRSPRAY to RAGTIME. It does hold together and the show is lively and reasonably entertaining.
Unfortunately, what works on stage just doesn't come through on this original cast album. It takes a record producer with special skill to be able to translate a hit stage show to records. David Bryan may be skilled at producing pop albums, but he needed to work with another producer more experienced with show albums for this particular disc. What we have here is a collections of songs from the show, sung more or less they way they are done on the stage of the Shubert Theatre, but without any sense of the show that contains them. The booklet, thankfully, includes a synopsis, several pictures and all the lyrics. This last is of particular importance because the sound mix seems to often favour the band over the singers and many lyrics are buried. You'll need the booklet if you want to understand what is being sung.
At 53 minutes the disc does include virtually the entire score but some of the extra space could have been used to include dialogue to help place the songs in context.
Unfortunately, what works on stage just doesn't come through on this original cast album. It takes a record producer with special skill to be able to translate a hit stage show to records. David Bryan may be skilled at producing pop albums, but he needed to work with another producer more experienced with show albums for this particular disc. What we have here is a collections of songs from the show, sung more or less they way they are done on the stage of the Shubert Theatre, but without any sense of the show that contains them. The booklet, thankfully, includes a synopsis, several pictures and all the lyrics. This last is of particular importance because the sound mix seems to often favour the band over the singers and many lyrics are buried. You'll need the booklet if you want to understand what is being sung.
At 53 minutes the disc does include virtually the entire score but some of the extra space could have been used to include dialogue to help place the songs in context.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
It was a gift
The person I gave it to finds it to be most enjoyable to listen to. She ranges from having it in in the car while driving to playing it on quiet evenings at home.
Published 12 days ago by mr design
5.0 out of 5 stars
Original and Sultry
This new original musical deals with some of the issues of Hairspray with the jazzy music of Lippa's Wild Party. The music really is powerful, meaningful, and fun. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Travis L Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
I am a big fan of Memphis, the musical production, so naturally I adore this album. Great lyrics, great message, great story. Read more
Published 3 months ago by D. M. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Deja Vue
It's like a trip back in time to my youth in the 50's.
Love the music and performers. In my mind, I can watch the great choreography.
Love the music and performers. In my mind, I can watch the great choreography.
Published 3 months ago by drepp
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this musical!
Such a great musical thanks to the AMAZING music... Every number goes straight to your heart! Even if you didn't see the musical it's still great :)
Published 3 months ago by Liora
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Show.... Great CD.
Put on the CD, Get a comfortable seat, turn off the lights, relax and enjoy the Show again.....Wowww - excellent.
Published 4 months ago by rod and lyn lindroth
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic musical
This is one of those rare musicals they actually filmed on stage. The DVD is available so if you couldn't make it to Bway or one of their tour stops, you can still see it. Read more
Published 5 months ago by K. Collett
5.0 out of 5 stars
Memphis the musical
I bought this product for my partner for Xmas. She is a huge Bon Jovi and David Bryan fan. She loves it.
Published 5 months ago by Chris Tubby
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun Music
Very enjoyable and entertaining
Enjoyed by all who have listened with me
Listening brings up the memories when I attended the play
l go see it again
Enjoyed by all who have listened with me
Listening brings up the memories when I attended the play
l go see it again
Published 5 months ago by C2E
5.0 out of 5 stars
So good
Memphis is in my top 5 favorite musicals ever, and the soundtrack allows me to return back to that magical show time and time again in my head!
Published 5 months ago by Adam
