Relucant Pilgrim

Stephen Schwartz | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 10, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Independent Nat'l Di
• ASIN: B000005AB3
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #225,934 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Dreamscape

2. Crowded Island

3. So Far

4. More Than This

5. Life Goes On

6. The Hardest Part of Love [From Children of Eden]

7. Prestidigitation

8. Ten-Day Heartbreak

9. Code of Silence

10. Snapshots

11. Cactus Flowers

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In 1999, The Stephen Schwartz Album collected hit songs from shows and films such as Godspell, Pippin, and The Prince of Egypt, interpreted by a variety of Broadway stars. Yet many listeners were surprised to find that the most moving track was Schwartz himself performing "Fathers and Sons" from Working. Reluctant Pilgrim captures Schwartz performing vocals and keyboards on a set of highly personal songs, a result of a challenge from fellow songwriter John Bucchino to write songs based on his own experiences rather than those of his shows' characters. The result is 11 excellent pop songs punctuated by rollicking Bruce Hornsby-esque piano riffs, beautiful melodic lines, and a dash of old-time rock & roll, highlighted by the opening "Dreamscape" (discussing the perils of unknown roads) and the ballads "Life Goes On" (saying goodbye to a deceased friend) and "Code of Silence" (chronicling an empty relationship). Schwartz has an immediately appealing voice, and the band and soulful backup vocals are solid. This is a somewhat surprising but highly enjoyable find for Stephen Schwartz fans. --David Horiuchi --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Product Description

Oscar and Grammy-winning songwriter Stephen Schwartz, composer and lyricist f Godspell and Pippin, Lyricist of Disney's Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame and composer and lyricist of DreamWork's Prince of Egypt, has recently released his first solo CD, Reluctant Pilgrim. Stephen, who is providing the music and lyrics for Disney's up-coming Geppetto, wrote and sung all 11 songs on Reluctant Pilgrim. In addition, he plays keyboards on the CD as well and is joined by a small group of New York's finest pop musicians and back-up vocalists.

For the many fans familiar with Stephen's Broadway and film work, this CD shows a new side of the songwriter and may surprise some. But if the tunes are more pop-oriented than expected, the lyrics still contain Stephen Schwartz's accustomed honesty, wit, and sharpness of observation. The songs rage from funny (as in "Crowded Island" a mordant reflection on looking for love in New York City) to hopeful (as in "So Far", the tale of a relationship which has survived bumps and bruises) to poignant (as in "Life Goes On", a memory of a friend who died of AIDS) to downright weird (as in "Prestidigitation", the strange tale of a down-and-out magician with one last great trick up his sleeve.) Other highlights are the parent's lament "The Hardest Part of Love", the ode to second chances, "Cactus Flowers", and the evocative "Dreamscape", which provides the CD with it's title line: "Time to sail, reluctant pilgrim/My fear is all I've got to lose/Life is nothing/Nothing but a dreamscape, and the dream is mine to choose." The songs are all passionate, thought-provoking, memorable and above all, entertaining. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as other Stephen Shwartz music!, July 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Relucant Pilgrim (Audio CD)

I had expected music like the fantastic musicals Godspell or Pippen that Schwartz wrote. This album is a much more contemporary and boring Schwartz. I must admit I was VERY dissapointed. However, if you like soft rock, you may enjoy it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reluctant Pilgrim, Contemporary Adult Music Fans Rejoice!, December 14, 2000

By 

Michael G. Smith (Hollister, California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reluctant Pilgrim (Audio CD)

Over the din of hip-hop, pop and top 40 tunes comes the deeply moving and intellectual musical genius of Stephen Schwartz. After 30 years of writing Broadway musical and motion picture soundtrack music, Schwartz reveals to his audience bitter-sweet reflections within the celebration of life. I strongly recommend this album for listeners that wish to escape predictable pop and will appreciate an ecclectic blend of introspective tunes. "Fathers and Sons" can truly bring tears to your eyes. I can't wait for Schwartz' forthcoming album "Uncharted Territory" due out early 2001. For more information on Schwartz, check out www.stephenschwartz.com or www.musicalschwarz.com

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars AS DREAMY AS HIS 'DREAMSCAPE', April 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Reluctant Pilgrim (Audio CD)

Stephen Schwartz is a wizard of words and music, and I've long admired his superb songs for Broadway, from ''Corner of the Sky'' to ''Day to Day.'' So it's a real treat and a treasure to listen to this collection of his pop songs. My favorites here include ''More Than This,'' ''Life Goes On'' and ''Crowded Island.'' Besides penning these gems, Schwartz sings them, and there's always something so special about hearing a songwriter do his own material. I first saw him in concert a few years ago, joined by two spectacular soloists, Tom Andersen and Lisa Vroman (and I heartily recommend their CDs, too), and I hope Schwartz finds time to perform live again!