Customer Reviews

Riverdance On Broadway

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Riverdance is wonderful. But I was hoping for less of the CD I already have, and more from the new version of the show. Sure, they included all of the new stuff, but what about the rest of it? I bought the CD to hear the ENTIRE Broadway cast... including the dancers.

Some of the tracks sound like they've never been touched... the first choir track sounds exactly as it does in the first video with Flatley (out of tune).

The two tap tracks are credited to Flatley and Butler! I wanted to hear Roddy and Martin, not the old people. Shouldn't they get some credit?

This is not a CD that I thoroughly enjoyed listening to, as with the first CD. It is not complete, and is only a supplement to the previous CD (if not redundant).

The music is great, indeed, but the CD is just plain and simple... a waste of money. The only new thing worth hearing is the last track, "Endless Journey."

Other big disappointments include no versions (even instrumental) of Heartland, the 2nd coolest piece in the show, or even any of the new stuff from the NY show (Heal Their Hearts, Trading Taps).

Sorry, but this was just one big rip off. I will most likely return the CD, though, since I already have half of it at home.

Oh, well. Hopefully the Broadway Riverdance video will be a bit more authentic.

The glory of the Riverdance shows is the dancing. Therefore, any consideration of a recording of the sound portion must both bear that in mind and forget it at the same time. Since many of you might already have the original CD based on the telecast production, you might wonder if it is worth purchasing the new Decca release <Riverdance on Broadway> (012 157 824 2, also available on cassette). The press release assures us that "The CD features selections from the original smash production alongside six new original tracks."

We have in the vocal department Brian Kennedy and Tsidii Le Loka (of "The Lion King"), the choral group Anuna, the Amanzi Singers, and the Riverdance Choir. All in all, there is a great deal of excitement and moments of hauntingly beautiful music, as well as a passage or two of musical triviality. The program notes thoughtfully include all the lyrics but nothing about the production itself.

So despite the overlapping of material found in the first CD, many of you will appreciate the new songs and "go for" this new offering.

I bought into the Riverdance craze when it first came out, and I am the proud owner of the video, a T-shirt, a coffee table book, and the original soundtrack. When I'd heard that Bill Whelan had composed several new songs for the Riverdance on Broadway spectacle, I rushed out to buy it even though I already owned the Riverdance:Music from the Show soundtrack.

One of the most pleasing aspects for me was the addition of vocals by Brian Kennedy, a singer from Belfast with a voice of spun gold whose voice adds a remarkable dose of Irish pathos. I was familiar with some of Brian's other works: he was a backup singer with Van Morrison for several years, has appeared as a guest artist on at least a dozen albums, and recently recorded a beautiful track on the new Secret Garden release "Once In A Red Moon" titled "You Lift Me Up." His smooth, soulful voice is a much-needed lift to Riverdance favourites such as "Lift the Wings" and "Reel Around the Sun," and a driving force for the new songs (including "At the Edge of the World" and "Endless Journey"). Unfortunately, Brian is relatively unknown in North America and the majority of his albums are only available in the UK.

Also, Tsidii Le Loka (Rafiki in the Lion King on Broadway) is a spectacular regal presence that truly imparts a new African feel (most evident on the new song "Amanzi") to a tried-and-true show.

Other than the six new songs and the additions of two new singers, the album closely follows the Riverdance: Music from the Show formula. It is a foot-tapping blend of Celtic, flamenco, Eastern, and African, blending low whistles, accordion, Uillean pipes, fiddle and percussion, with performances by such notable musicians as Davy Spillane, Eileen Ivers, Tommy Hayes and Maire Breatnach. Riverdance on Broadway is perfect for Riverdance fans, stepdancers, and fans of Irish/ world music.

The GOOD: If you've never heard 1 of the 3 original Riverdance CD's (info about the 3 originals available on my website listed at the end) you will love this one. Every song from the broadway show is on this CD, including the most anticipated song Endless Journey. This CD also includes 6 never before heard tracks.

The BAD: If you own a previous Riverdance CD then don't buy this if you don't care to hear the 6 new songs. Most of the songs were taken straight from the previous cd's. The only difference, no taps on any song, Brian Kennedy sings lift the wings, and he sings a solo opening to Reel around the sun.

I rate this CD 5 stars based on the CD content not on the fact that I own previous Riverdance CDs and was dissapointed that songs weren't updated for the newer singers in the current show.

I went to see "Riverdance on Broadway" July 2000 for my graduation. I purchased the CD, very excited to hear the show over and over again. When I played it, I found that it was nothing like the show I saw. Besides this, the CD is excellent with WONDERFUL songs! I loved it. If you really want the full effect of the show, you have to see it in person!

Riverdance on Broadway shouldn't be considered a standalone album. It has wonderful music, and I liked all of the tracks, even those that had more of an African flavor. If you're a Riverdance fan, you need to pick this up- though don't forgo Music from the Show, as some tracks from MftS just wouldn't fit on RoB. Taken together, they are a wonderful aural experience.

Alternately driving and lilting, energizing and haunting, this is music from the Broadway version of "Riverdance", which incorporates highlights of both the "Riverdance" touring show and its sequel, "American Wake". The taps and other percussive foot-pounding of the step dancers and flamenco dancers, an integral part of the livelier tunes, can be clearly heard along with the fiery instrumentals. Bill Whelan's Celtic-, African- and Spanish-inspired compositions are performed here by a variety of artists, including the choral group Anuna, the Riverdance Singers, the Amanzi Singers, fiddlers Maire Breatnach and Eileen Ivers, piper Davy Spillane, vocalists Brian Kennedy and Tsidii Le Loka, Bill Whelan on piano, percussionists Tommy Hayes, Desi Reynolds and Noel Eccles, and the Riverdance Orchestra, conducted by Proinnsias O'Duinn. Though the title "Riverdance" is conveniently memorable, I've never been particularly convinced by the attempt to connect these world-inspired performances to "rivers". However, the integration of music and "dance" in this theatrical masterpiece is obvious, exhiliarating and ingenious. Bravo!

I saw the show on Broadway and bought the album from Amazon. They sell the same album at the theater, but at a higher price. Hearing the album brings many of the scenes from the show back to memory. It was a great show for the family, and the recording reflects that. I suppose you would put it in the category of acoustic folk music, or some such.

The show I saw featured Athena Tergis on fiddle, although I don't believe she performed on this album. If you like this genre, you might consider her excellent album, Journey Begun, as well.

I purchased this CD because another reviewer on this website stated that there are NO taps recorded on the Broadway version. Just FYI for others interested in this, the first piece, Reel Around the Sun, does have taps, just as Riverdance the Show CD does!

What made me listen to riverdance in one word is, Thrilling.
And the rest of the good stuff attributed to something as famous as this one.
This CD lacks the thrill and excitment which Riverdance: Music From The Show [SOUNDTRACK] ASIN: B000005B2O this CD has, however this is a excellent CD for those audiance who love riverdance and usually go very easy on their ears, and not looking for riverdance to increase their heart rate 1 and a half the normal. I am very passionate about music, I said precisely "passionate". so this is not a good buy for me.