Customer Reviews

The Story Hour

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had the chance to see and hear Sally Mayes in Dallas when she toured with "Closer Than Ever," and I had heard she'd "retired" to raise a family. When I found this recording, I snatched it up immediately, and was pleased to hear that her return to music was well worth the wait. Each song is beautifully performed in front of a deservedly appreciative live audience, yet the album merits re-listening more than most live albums. Mayes' voice is a lush, soulful instrument which is equally at home with jazz, pop, ballads, or Broadway. She puts a delightful new spin on Christine Lavin's hilarious "Shopping Cart of Love: The Play," and I can't get enough of "My Babysitter." Fans of great singing won't be disappointed with this eclectic, tuneful recording. With bedtime stories like these, her son is a lucky boy indeed.

I was only familiar with Sally Mayes from her wonderful turn in the revival of "She Loves Me", and then discovered this gorgeous cabaret album... featuring story-songs with a perfect balance of funny (Christine Lavin's "Shopping Cart of Love" is an old favorite of mine, and I still can't believe that somebody besides Christine could pull it off), and heartwrenching ("The Babysitter's Here" is shooting up my personal charts)

All the songs are superbly sung with a wide variety of expression (Mayes can pull off the country stylings of "He Ain't Mr. Right", the hyped-up jazz of Frank Loesser's "Hamlet" [or a reasonable facsimile thereof... I'm not sure Frank *quite* meant the song to sound that way], and the pop plaints of Bachrach's "Anyone Who Had A Heart" without batting one of her huge hazel eyes). Rather than limit herself to a single piano accompaniast, Mayes gets backed by a superb ensemble of violin, bass (her husband), and drums, as well as a couple of backing vocals, giving this album an extremely rich feel while still maintaining the intimate feel of a cabaret evening. Cabaret performers, take note: THIS is how you do it... don't recycle a bunch of songs we've all heard, find your own voice and make it work!

Sally Mayes is truly an exceptional cabaret artist, as her newest CD, THE STORY HOUR, reveals. Sally has soul, and she knows how to communicate that in each and every selection. Approaching every song as if it is a miniature three-act play, Sally mines a wealth of emotion on THE STORY HOUR. From the giddy excitement of a young girl in awe of her favorite babysitter, to the emotional rollercoaster (and verbal dexterity!) of a woman reviewing her therapist's tactics, to the heartbreaking yearning of a rock star groupie, Sally creates an array of characters that are unforgetably human. Buy this CD and discover the versatility of one of the best cabaret and musical theatre performers around.

The Story Hour is, by far, the best example of what good cabaret is. The song choices are wonderful, and they are arranged and executed to perfection. If you are a fan of cabaret, or a performer you need to have this album in your collection. Sally - you're the best!

I've had the amazing experience of knowing Sally Mayes since about 1977-- sang next to her in college and then onstage for awhile. This album represents, to me, far and away her best work yet. It is personal and touching, no frills or silly stuff, just fabulous song choices and arrangements (thank you Patrick) and a voice like an angel. Make time to sit and really listen to each tune; they deserve your complete attention. You'll be so delighted with every aspect of this work. I've already called everybody I know to tell them about this marvelous CD; I bought a lot, too, and that's saying something! Great work, Sal. I don't see how you could top this one, but you never cease to amaze. Go on, girl!

Sally Mayes doing what she does best LIVE. She's mischevous and entertaining; she's funny and vivacious and pulls out all the stops. Most of the songs are not well known, but she puts them over in her own style and makes the whole thing work. I really love "He ain't Mr Right, but he's Mr Right now". This cabaret recording is an assortment of witty, ridiculous and touching story songs - and not background music.

Singing Weasel

I first became familiar with Sally Mayes when I stage managed a production of "Closer Than Ever" and bought the recording to listen to the songs before rehearsals began. When I saw "The Story Hour" on Amazon, I rushed to get it shipped to me immediately. Not only is this CD a feast for the ears, but Sally Mayes performance on every track is simply a delight. She is one of the best story tellers I have ever heard--and as a professional stage manager, I get to see quite a range of them. Each time I listen to the CD, I notice another nuance which uncovers itself freshly, as if the story is being told in the moment. Her choice of material is superbly suited to her voice, which in itself is amazing. The vocal range she exhibits in her performance on this recording is utterly charming and bewitching. I've made all of my friends listen to "Hamlet" and "Southbound Train" which are two of the best recordings I think I have in my collection. I have a personal connection with a couple of the other tracks, but we don't talk about that in public. I've had the CD for almost a year now, and if I keep playing it as much as I do, I'll need to get a replacement soon. Sally, if you read these reviews, thank you for this performance.

I am a 16 year old girl and I am a HUGE Broadway fan. This is the first cababret album I've heard (I dont even know what cabaret is exactly) but I heard it not knowing what to expect and I was cracking up at every song! Especially "The Babysitters Here" It was so true! I'm running right out to get it! Its one of those albums that just put you in a good mood and put a smile on your face.

From the moment I heard the first song "Once Upon a Time," written for her by the talented John Bucchino, she had me. Not only that, I knew it would be one of those rare occurrences when I would be wooed and wowed into sitting down and enjoying a musical experience extraordinaire. I did and I was, for a whole hour! And since I hadn't had enough, I listened to it all over again! Sally is not only a singer with a perfectly tuned, versitile and warm voice but an entertainer who conveys emotion and relates a feeling through her spoken words and songs like few artists can. I felt like I had a front row seat at her performance. And though I know I was sharing her performance with the audience members who were lucky enough to see and enjoy her live, I felt like I was the little Prince for who's benefit she was recounting all the stories on the album. Thank you Sally for giving us adults a much needed "Story Hour!"

An amazing CD from an amazingly talented and versatile performer! The song selections cover a wide variety of styles, each of which are deftly handled. familiar songs are given new and surprising arrangements, At the same time, she presents us with new songs that are destined to become classics. Ms Mayes displays an amazing depth of emotion, and each song comes from a deeply felt place in her soul. If you are a cabaret or musical theatre lover this CD will quickly become one of your all time favorites, a wonderful album from someone whose voice feels like an old and familiar friend. If you are new to the Cabaret/musical theatre genre this is THE Album to start your collection with. It's everything contemporary cabaret performance should be passionate, witty and entertaining.