Customer Reviews

Reflections From Broadway

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

His voice is gorgeous. Clear and bright, he can sail through a number as well as an A above middle C. It just floats! John Barrowman likes to show what he's got, and on this album (a collection of songs with personal meaning to John), he's got what it takes. He introduces us to his voice first with a nice ballad from Beauty and the Beast: If I Can't Love Her. It is a nice ballad, not a great one. There are far better songs in Beauty and the Beast, but Menken wrote those for Belle! That said, by the end of the song, it is clear that John has taken center stage and turned a nice song into an exciting opening number. It's powerful and says, "Hey! You there! I'm a 'belter'." We move forward to the first of a few Sondheim standards, "Anyone Can Whistle." This tender song may have been written with a woman's voice in mind (Lee Remick sings it on the original cast album), but John takes it and makes it his own, showing us here that he can float up to high notes with ease and comfort. Beautiful! (although, I'm wishing for Jonathan Tunick's orchestrations!) Soon we arrive at one of the most exciting treasures on this album. It may be about halfway in, but "Red, Red Rose" is stunning! Possibly one of the most beautifully orchestrated numbers on here, the lyrics intertwine so effortlessly with the music, that a tear is easily lost for that lost love we all have. This song is not to be missed. Soon after, we finally reach some Cole Porter! (and it's about time, considering he had just starred in "Anything Goes".) "Easy to Love" has long been one of my favorite standards, and there is nothing more that I could want than John singing this so effortlessly. The orchestrations are beautiful, his voice delicate, and the mood just right for that night out on the terrace with a bottle of Chandon and an extra pair of hands. There are some other great numbers on here, such as William Finns "I'd Rather Be Sailing", two Sondheim Standards ("Good Thing Going" is fantastic; "Being Alive" will make you wish you weren't however. Who suggested such orchestrations? Terrible!), "I Chose Right" is fun, and "Why God Why?" enthralls as more exciting than any Cast Album. As much as I love these songs, there are some major issues I have with this CD. One of these issues lies in "Proud of Your Boy." I love this song. It is possibly the best song Menken ever wrote, and when done right will reduce an audience to tears. His interpretation is rushed and the bridge feels like he paid no attention to what he was singing. The emotional journey is completely lost here to the point at which each additional listen makes me cringe, because it could have been so much better. "Tell My Father" is just boring; we knew Frank Wildhorne started losing it during "Scarlett Pimpernell," but why do people continue to sing his music Post-Pimpernell? Additionally, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" is a bad Elton John ballad, and I won't go into "Whistle Down The Wind" but if you press the skip button on it, you'll be much happier to have those few minutes of your life without that song.
Having flushed that out, I have to point out that this album is definitely a must-have for any fan of musical theatre. The treasures on here (and again, I mention "Red, Red Rose" and "Easy to Love") are worth every penny. Buy this album now!

I had never heard of John Barrowman until I saw him perform last year on "An Evening at Pops" on PBS. He had a very sharp,powerful,clean and passionate voice during this performance. I decided I would like to have his music on CD so I ordered this CD from Amazon. It arrived yesterday and I have listened to it 3 times already!.
He sings a great collection of Broadway songs that showcase his voice and talent. He includes some songs that are less known. I am glad that he introduced me to these songs. His version of "Tell My Father" from "THe Civil War" is sung with passion and love. Being a big fan of Sondheim, I am pleased Barrowman included some of my favorite Sondheim songs. I liked this CD so much that I just ordered his Cole Porter CD. Bravo John!

Having heard a lot about John Barrowman I was eager to hear exactly what all of the fuss was about. What a great relief to hear that all the fuss was deserved and not bloated hype. Mr. Barrowman gives us a wonderful display of the range of his voice. Choice cuts range from the well known Anyone Can Whistle, Try to Remember, Sunset Boulevard to the lesser known Dreamers, I'd Rather Be Sailing. Especially poignant is the hidden track of No Ones Gonna Harm you with he sings lovingly with his mother. A great introduction to a wonderful performer.

After watching John Barrowman live on stage during the Kennedy Center's wonderful production of "Company" I became an instant fan. Barrowman, not just another pretty face, delivers 18 (see spoiler below) Grade-A performances in this, his debut solo-cd.

Unlike some performers that are currently gracing the West End and Broadway, Barrowman does not attempt to over-embellish his solo-tracks. Each song is delivered as if in the show it came from and remains true to the original production's message -- something unfortunately lost in what now passes for theatrical recordings.

Among some interesting song choices, he's included a tender pop ballad, often forgotten, from "Baby" entitled "I Chose Right." Barroman's warmth and enthusiasm shing through this piece. Also notable is his elegant rendition of "Anyone Can Whistle." This particular piece is interesting in that contemporary recordings (listen to the most recent concert version with Scott Bacula) have placed this beautiful song in the vocal chords of good actors, but bad singers. It is refreshing and rewarding to hear the song sincerely delivered by a wonderful voice.

SPOILER: When you listen to the CD, do NOT turn the player off after you've listened to track #17. If you do, you'll miss a very interesting suprise duet! It takes a while to come on, be patient.

i was given this cd whilst recovering after ''911''- a perfect voice -perfect delivery -wonderful orchestrations- a marvelous selection of little known and famous songs -most worth while ,mr barrowman is the male counterpart to barbara cook in his crystal clear delivery and command of his beautiful voice

I tried once before to post a review..but for some reason it never went thru...so I'll try again :)

I first saw JB in SUNSET BLVD in London, and then on CENTRAL PARK WEST and again in SUNSET BLVD here in NYC..the man has one of the most captivating voices I've heard to date. I was thrilled to finally get ahold of this cd..after waiting (per the Sunset bio) that a solo cd was in the works..

His voice is pure gold..it soars..its whispers..it totally wraps you up. He is a master of his craft and I am a fan for life...do not hestitate in purchasing this cd and if you're ever lucky enough to go and see him perform DO IT!! You will not be let down.

I purchased this cd solely by accident and found it fun and enjoyable. It a treat to listen to some wonderful standards, and some songs I haven't heard. John Barrowman has a pure and clear voice, with a range few can achieve. It's clear he sings these songs for his family, his friends and also himself. I find no greater enjoyment then listening to an artist who enjoys what he does. Either with full orchestration or just piano accompanist John makes these selections easy to love. I would recommend this cd to anyone who just wants to sit back, relax, and be entertained. In fact most of my friends now own it also. Don't cheat yourself, listen to it today.