Customer Reviews

Steven Brinberg Is Simply Barbra (1999 Studio Cast)

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I must confess to one enormous advantage - I have seen the show. That said, I had listened to the disc beforehand and was amazed at the tonal likeness to the other (much more expensive in person) Barbra. At times, it's hard to disbelieve - such songs as "Evergreen" and "People" are delivered with all the clarity and feeling that makes you fell you really are listening to Barbra singing. At other times, especially during monologues, you realise that this is not quite the real Mrs James Brolin. These are word's we've longed to hear from Barbra - funny, even bitchy but always affectionate. "The Pioneer Album" is an eight minute "preview" of an album that has been 17 years in the making and isn't "perfect yet". Here's a medley of songs Barbra always sings, and some she never would... honestly, you just have to hear it. Likewise, the amazing rendition of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers". Brinberg doesn't attempt to impersonate Barbra Streisand - he "channels" her. If that sounds "Nuts", you better get ready to change the way you listen! Complaints? Well, there are some visuals that the audience loved and you'll have to guess. It would have been better as a DVD, but then so would a lot of live albums. If you love Barbra Streisand, take away the orchestra (just a piano will do), take away the schmaltzy monos and use chutzpah, and enjoy Simply Barbra.

Even Marvin Hamlisch (with whom Steven will soon have performed twice!) raves about Steven's uncanny ability to accurately impersonate Barbra Streisand! I have the privilege of being Steven's friend and soon to be brother-in-law, and so I get an inside view of the man and his show. He is truly an amazing talent! Many people may not realize that Steven does not lip-sync his performances, but actually accurately performs an amazing impression of Barbra in his own voice! The album is terrific, and captures much of the nuance of the live performance, but believe me, check Steven's web site for his tour schedule and catch him live! It's a performance you'll both enjoy and talk about for some time to come!

I am very impressed. I only wish this were a video so I could see what caused all the audience laughter. He is an excellent impressionist and I simply loved it! A great sense of humor mixed with a real love for the one & only Barbra. A USA tour would be nice. AAA+++

Funny, sassy, and fine.

Simply Barbra is a hoot no matter whether or not you like the 'real' Barbra.

Brinberg is flawless in his musical and 'straight' delivery of patter from the world of Barbra Joan Streisand.

The enthusiasm of the studio audience is infectious especially during "Sing", "The Pioneer Album", and Barbra's outside projects.

All I have to say is that when I first got this CD, my mother came into the room and thought I was listening to the REAL BARBRA!!! Take that for what you will, and order this CD without delay! It's worth every penny!!!

I've seen Steven Brinberg perform his "Simply Barbra" act in person. This CD nicely captures the intimacy of his cabaret act. More than just an impersonator, Brinberg virtually channels Streisand from her mannerisms to the way she slips into Brooklynese to her ability to hold an audience spellbound. What's more, he has a great sense of humor, which makes his performances so much fun. And his impressions of other divas, such as Carol Channing, are dead-on accurate. His performance never falls into outright camp. He has too much class to let this happen. There are colors to Brinberg's show that mark him as a true showman. And Streisand fans need not worry. This is a reverential show. Brinberg doesn't take cheap shots at Streisand's expense. Great CD!