Customer Reviews

Relucant Pilgrim

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

 

 

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

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!

Every song is a gem -- from the lighthearted "Crowded Island" to the heartbreaking "Life Goes On" to the heartstopping crime drama of "Prestigitation," these songs are from the songwriter's heart and experience. The songs I didn't initially like the first time get better and better with each playing. One of his best collections.

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.

I got to know three of these tracks in the early 90's when Jane Olivor made a comeback and performed "Dreamscape", "Crowded Island" and "Harderst Part Of Love" (latter to appear in his show "Children of Eden") and only "Dreamscape" has yet to be recorded by Ms. Olivor I wondered how Mr Schwartz would perfrom this tunes. While, not quite the Style of Jane Olivor, like other excellent Singer/songwriters his personal touch of his songs make them totally enjoyable.

This is just a delightful album. Mr Schwartz has a wonderful sense of style. The title song is most inspiring. I absolutely adore "Crowded Island". Plus, "Ten Day Heartache" is so much fun. Thankfully, Mr Schwartz continues to write music for theatre and movies, but this album does show he can write pop music with the best of them. But then, his music always has been pleasing. I was quite pleased with this purchase and find myself going back it again and again despite all my newer purchases.

I have been an ardent fan of Mr. Schwartz's body of work ever since I performed in Pippin. From his haunting lyrics(Life Goes On)to his true to form-"So Far" to the saddening "Code of Silence", Stephen captures the essence of human spirit. Great accomplishment! I only wish he would publish it in music form as I would love to sing some of these pieces.

I've enjoyed Mr. Schwartz's music for many years now but I wasn't sure what to expect from an album of essentially "non theatre" music (the only exception being "The Hardest Part of Love). I was pleasantly surprised to find I loved what I heard! I rank Schwartz up there with one of the best, Stephen Sondheim, when it comes to composing music and writing lyrics that work seamlessly to create a character or a story.

The music ranges from a lighthearted look at the perils of being single ("Crowded Island") to the haunting vision of loss presented in "Part of My Live" to the heartfelt look at parenthood in "The Hardest Part of Love."

If you're looking for more Godspell and Pippin, you won't find it. But you will find a prime example of Mr. Schwartz's incomparable talent to use song in a way few people do anymore--personifying the human condition.

It is quite an accomplishment for a songwriter who writes grand and glorious shows to create an intimately emotional CD such as this one. It is a gem. Schwartz proves that his ability to empathize with the characters for whom he writes is equaled by his ability to share his own interior feeling life with his audience. I know I will enjoy this CD for many years to come.