Customer Reviews

Simple Song

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
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While neither "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" nor "Ruby Baby" are enhancements to this CD, the balance of the program is pure pleasure. The title selection, from Bernstein's "Mass" is worth the price of the album. I had the recent pleasure of seeing Mr. Bogart appear in the role of Lancelot in Molly Smith's wonderful production of "Camelot" at Arena Stage in Washington. This exposure lead me to find this CD, and I am very glad I did. He tackles some standards as well as some lesser known Broadway tunes and makes each one of them his own. If you are a fan of theatrical singing, you will find Matt Bogart keeping up with Brent Barrett and others of today's stars. Buy this CD. Encourage record companies to continue making such releases available. And by the way, Matt, skip the faux rock and roll next time out.

With smoldering good looks and a deep beautiful baritone Matt Bogart is taking the theatre world by storm. This middle-America boy should soon be the toast of broadway. His debut CD, Simple Song, an eclectic compilation of songs from the Great White Way is a strong addition to any music collection - you don't even have to like show-tunes. If you like solid singing without over-embellishment you wont be disappointed.

I've had the opportunity to watch Mr. Bogart live on stage; both as a leading man and a supporting player. The Washington D.C. area still remembers his triumphant turn in "Side Show" at Signature Theatre (why no songs from "Side Show" Matt?). In this album, Mr. Bogart brings the intensity he takes to the stage directly into your living room, car, or wherever you have a portable CD player.

Notable tracks include "I Could Write a Book" from "Pal Joey," "Rain Song" from "110 in the Shade," and "Tell My Father" from "The Civil War." If you think you've heard "I Could Write a Book" before, you must listen to Bogart's track. He takes the song at a slightly-faster tempo than normal bringing life into the old jewel while at the same time delivering a flawless Chicago accent. In short, the number swings.

Bogart also delivers in "Tell My Father," from the short-lived musical "The Civil War." In this track, Bogart will bring you to tears as he embodies the soul of a Civil War soldier voicing a dying wish. Bogart sings the song simply, with great tenderness. If you're having problems with your own father the song may even inspire you to pick up the phone and give him a call.

The album does have a weak spot in that the two duets from "AIDA" are not up to the level of Bogart's other recordings. Bogart and LaChanze seem unable to find their stride together and sometimes the recording feels like they are each singing two different songs at the same time. LaChanze's delivery on both numbers is at best mechanical - at worse, she embellishes songs that should remain simply delivered. LaChanze's embellishments do not mesh with Bogart's simple, elegant style. Skip these tracks. The other 15 tracks more than make up for these two.

This CD is a must buy. Keep it in your car and listen to it again and again. Each time you listen to it, you'll discover another treasurer. You wont be disappointed.

I have been a fan of Matt's ever since I saw him in Aida. My disappointment of not seeing principle, Adam Pascal was short lived. This Ohio native truly knocked my socks off that night. I immediately ordered Simple Song. I would love to hear more of JFK after hearing Matt's A New America. I'm so glad he has chosen the songs he is known for, Why, God Why?, Soliquoy, the Aida duets, Tell My Father, and Ruby Baby!! They conjure so many pictures. But songs that blew me away was Proud Lady and If You Still Love Me?(a duet with brother, Dan). Since then I have seen him in Camelot...he can sing If Ever I Would Leave You. Robert Goulet move over here's the new Lancelot. And his Curly is to die for. I never knew Oklahoma! was a fan participation musical. But a few of the audience were whispering responses back to questions like "Handsome ain't I?" This CD is all I thought it would be and much more. If you are a fan of Matt's and/or Simple Song. Run and buy More Simple Songs. Here you will hear If Ever I would Leave You and Oh What Beautiful Morning, Much more.

With smoldering good looks and a deep beautiful baritone Matt Bogart is taking the theatre world by storm. His debut CD, Simple Song, an eclectic compilation of songs from the Great White Way is a strong addition to any music collection - you don't even have to like show-tunes. If you like solid singing without over-embellishment you wont be disappointed.

I've had the opportunity to watch Mr. Bogart live on stage; both as a leading man and a supporting player. The Washington D.C. area still remembers his triumphant turn in "Side Show" at Signature Theatre (why no songs from "Side Show" Matt?). In this album, Mr. Bogart brings the intensity he takes to the stage directly into your living room, car, or wherever you have a portable CD player.

Notable tracks include "I Could Write a Book" from "Pal Joey," "Rain Song" from "110 in the Shade," and "Tell My Father" from "The Civil War." If you think you've heard "I Could Write a Book" before, you must listen to Bogart's track. He takes the song at a slightly-faster tempo than normal bringing life into the old jewel while at the same time delivering a flawless Chicago accent. In short, the number swings.

Bogart also delivers in "Tell My Father," from the short-lived musical "The Civil War." In this track, Bogart will bring you to tears as he embodies the soul of a Civil War soldier recounting his dying wish. Bogart sings the song simply, with great tenderness. If you're having problems with your own father the song may even inspire you to pick up the phone and give him a call.

The album does have a weak spot in that the two duets from "AIDA" are not up to the level of Bogart's other recordings. Bogart and LaChanze seem unable to find their stride together and sometimes the recording feels like they are each singing two different songs at the same time. LaChanze's delivery on both numbers is at best mechanical - at worse, she embellishes songs that should remain simply delivered. LaChanze's embellishments do not mesh with Bogart's simple, elegant style.

This CD is a must buy. Keep it in your car and listen to it again and again. Each time you listen to it, you'll discover another treasurer. You wont be disappointed.

SIMPLE SONG really shows off this good looking guy's beautiful voice and way with a song.

While I have heard stronger versions of the famous "Soliloquy" from CAROUSEL (John Raitt's is tough to beat)and "Simple Song" from Bernstein's MASS, Matt Bogart's versions of "Her Face" from the musical CARNIVAL! and "The Rain Song" from 110 in the SHADE are outstanding. His final note on the wonderfully sung "Proud Lady" from THE BAKER'S WIFE left me in awe.

With his gorgeous baritone voice and pop idol looks, it amazes me that it's taken this long for Matt Bogart to make an album. Still, the wait has been worth it--he doesn't disappoint.

This collection of lesser-known Broadway showtunes showcases Bogart's voice splendidly, and he captures the essence of each song in his performances. From the wide-eyed optimism of "New America" from "JFK" to the arrogant swagger of "Proud Lady" from "The Baker's Wife," Bogart seems to be able to do it all when it comes to musical theatre.

The highlights are undoutedly the songs from musicals Bogart has appeared in, such as "Why God Why?" from "Miss Saigon"--and Bogart's breakthrough role as Chris--as well as "Tell My Father" from "The Civil War" and of course, "Written in the Stars" and "Elaborate Lives" from his gig as Radames in "Aida." While Bogart shines on these last two duets, his classically beautiful voice seems mismatched with LaChanze's brassy belt. But the other two duets on the album are a delight--for completely different reasons. Bogart sings "If You Still Love Me" from "Martin Guerre" with his brother Daniel, showing that there's even more talent in the family than you thought. The brothers bring a heartwrenching pathos to the song with their spectacular voices. And Bogart's other duet--"I Could Write a Book" from "Pal Joey"--with girlfriend Jessica Boevers is completely charming and shows that Miss Boevers is another talent to watch.

Other favorites include "Her Face" from "Carnival", "Being Alive" from "Company," and "Soliloquy" from "Carousel," to which Bogart brings such depth and range of emotion, I'm hard-pressed to think of a better version. And his simple and beautiful take on "I Don't Hear the Ocean" from "Marie Christine" will leave you wishing the song was longer than two minutes.

The only misstep is "Crazy Little Thing Called Love." This song has been done so many times that it's hard to improve upon it, and while Bogart adds his own touch to the others, this song is just more of the same old thing.

But on whole, this is a stellar collection of songs from someone who is sure to be a Broadway fixture for years to come.

Matt Bogart has recorded the best theatrical CD of the year. It is awesome. I was not familiar with Matt Bogart's voice, having only seen him in Smokey Joe's Cafe and it was the song from that show which is included on the CD, that made me buy it. Boy, am I glad that I did. This is the best CD of any Broadway performer that I have bought. The singing, the voice, the choice of songs, the production and the fantastic symphonic sound make this a 5 star awesome CD.

This is the most amazing broadway colletion. I can't stop listening to it. He is my all time favorit solo artist. He picks some of the best songs to sing. The sequal to this album more simple song I think it's called is just equally fabulous, although not enough songs (I want more Matt!) :O) You have to get this album.

A great collection of songs performed by an amazing singer and actor.

Simple Song is simply the best! I have a copy in my office and in my car! Can't wait to see more from Matt!