Customer Reviews

Now and Then

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

 

 

I don't understand the negative review here. I can't stop playing this CD. Every song is nuanced and beautifully performed. I had only heard of Maria Friedman as being in Andrew Lloyd Weber musicals, but now I know she is so much more. Anyone who enjoys cabaret and musical theatre has to get this CD. You won't regret it.

Up to now, I'm afraid I only knew of Maria Friedman because of her health scare during the run of Woman In White. After listening to this CD, I find I like her very much as a singer too. The CD starts out with a bang with I Happen to Like New York, sung with gusto and there are few misses on here. I thought I could never listen to another version of If You Go Away, but her version is very good. As is The Man Who Got Away. She also does some very fine interpretations of Sondheim songs (Children and Art and Finishing the Hat). I dont care for Broadway Baby though (sung as a slow ballad), but its different. The only criticism I may have is that too many of the songs are sung in the same way (a slow quiet start building to a crescendo finish) Well produced and arranged, this is worth your time and money.

If you like Broadway at a higher level, you'll enjoy this. Even if not distinctive, Ms. Friedman's voice is exquisite, her take on lyrics wonderful. Furthermore, the arrangements are tasteful, intelligent, sophisticated and varied.
These songs tell you something, and Ms Friedman's makes you feel she is revealing them to you (whoever said this was boring!?) A production of love, taste and intelligence. And Mr I-wished-I-had-his-brain-Sondheim's piano accompaniment in the last track, the cherry of this sundae.
A jewel.

I have listened to this cd a couple of times since I got it yesterday, and I have to say, it is excellent. Maria's voice is really lovely, and she puts so much expression into each song. From soft and tender to powerful and rich, she can sing it all. Her deep love of broadway music really comes across in her music; she sounds like she is enjoying every note. If you like Laurie Beechman, Linda Eder, and Kim Criswell, I believe you will enjoy this cd.

Maria Friedman is an exceptional interpreter of songs. My only reservation is in the engineering of the record. I had to keep either turning the music up louder or down lower in order to enjoy the music.

I loved Maria in The Woman in White. I enjoy the Original London Cast CD of this show, but Maria as a solo artist is simply boring, I wish I've never gotten this CD and had saved my money, I forced myself to listen to this CD about 10 times, and it is just plain and boring. Love the girl, hate the CD. Maria is a beauty and a great talented lady of the theatre and film, and can't wait to see her in a show again, personally, I enjoy her when she works with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber a lot more.