Reflections From Broadway

John Barrowman | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 15, 2000)
• Original Release Date: February 15, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Jay Records
• ASIN: B00003TFLM
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,167 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful variety, April 15, 2000

By 

Marieta (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reflections From Broadway (Audio CD)

I saw "Sunset Boulevard" in London 7 years ago, and John Barrowman was playing Joe Gillis (So incredible that his name stuck in my mind since). I've long awaited for a solo recording...and I am so glad I stumbled upon this on Amazon. Strengths: This CD has a wonderful variety of showtunes, and each is performed with **genuine** feeling. It's been awhile since a song has tugged at me quite like "Tell My Father." "Red Red Rose" and "Dreamers" are some of my favorites with touching lyrics. Note to "Miss Saigon" fans: His "Why God Why?" is the best version in comparison to both original and studio cast recordings. His voice flows through each song effortlessly with *amazing* control. The sound quality of the CD is as if he were right there. Weaknesses: The accompaniment for some of the Sondheim tracks is leaning on the "cheesy" side. I've also heard better versions of "Whistle Down the Wind" (e.g. Tina Arena). These weaknesses are *very* minor though (I'm nitpicky..check my other reviews). Don't let this stop you from considering buying this CD. It's truly wonderful and sentimental! Can I say "wonderful" enough? For this CD? No.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charismatic, August 12, 2006

By 

Terran "Terran" (Sunny CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Reflections From Broadway (Audio CD)

This has become one of my all-time favorite CDs. Whether the simplicity of a selection like DREAMERS (piano and voice) or the full ferocity of showstoppers like the songs from MISS SAIGON or SUNSET BOULEVARD, Barrowman excels. It is also wonderful to have someone who has played the parts in various London and Broadway productions have his signature tunes from those shows replicated here: and unlike someone not tooled in the productions there are no distracting (clever! bah) new arrangements, this is more a snapshot of how the song would have been played/portrayed for the production itself, so the lyrics that need to be stressed to convey the emotion, and how they are stressed, are per the instructions of the composer and director of the productions who hired Barrowman in the first place.

TRY TO REMEMBER, a signature tune for another artist, is presented here, and the only questionmark I have re this CD: It's like anyone but Garland doing OVER THE RAINBOW, it can't but suffer by comparison. However, for all that, Barrowman has a beautiful voice and the arrangement is true; he provides a real lilting quality I never heard in it before.

For anyone seeking new arrangements for Broadway standards - this isn't the place to get it. This is about re-creating arrangements from shows so they live again on a recording placed next to other songs, with only one vocal interpreter (the only thing missing is the audience applause).

Another reviewer declares Barrowman to be requiring voice lessons, as he is "untechnical," personally I detected no flaws here, as Barrowman's voice is vigorous, able to lull or pontificate as per the arrangements, so either sweet or bombastic, the full range is offered here.

It is true Barrowman is more pop/showtune vocalist (though not weak-voiced at all) than sublime operatic tenor in the way of Patrick Wilson (who can also sing rock; a great versatile and strong lyric tenor - where is his solo CD? I keep asking myself). But other "untrained" excellent singers of the past have been Sinatra and Garland, and they managed to convey great emotion, and that shines over technical brilliance in what stands the test of time. In re "technique" Barrowman is obviously superior to Sinatra, with much greater range, which is showcased here, which is not a putdown of Sinatra, who was never a Broadway-based performer, or required that power or range.

On this CD, it would be surprising if someone couldn't find a favorite selection amongst this collection of gems; as Barrowman chose wisely, so little known songs are in competition with show signature tunes, yet they all have equal pride of place.

One puzzlement: The surprise closing number, supposed to be a duet between Barrowman and his mother, is missing on my CD, so perhaps it was deleted on later issuings.

If I had to steer someone to Barrowman's voice and music I would steer them in this direction, rather than the Swings Cole Porter, as here his vocal talents are more showcased.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Done, September 29, 2004

By 

terroh "terroh" (OH) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Reflections From Broadway (Audio CD)

After seeing him in De-Lovely, I decided to pick this up and am so glad I did. Count me a fan now. Gorgeous voice (and matinee idol looks too). A nice selection of Broadway and West End show tunes (some of which he starred in). If you stick around long enough, there's a surprise duet at the end, that will pull at the heart strings. Any theater lover (and music lover) would love this. I sure did.