Yarmolinsky: April 15th Blues (1999 Studio Cast) [Import, Cast Recording]

Ben Yarmolinsky (Artist, Composer), Valby (Artist, Performer), Scarlata (Artist, Performer), Elaine Valby (Artist), Randall Scarlata (Artist), Eva Gruesser (Artist), Michael Finckel (Artist), Ken Merrill (Artist), Steve Machamer (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Valby, Scarlata
• Composer: Ben Yarmolinsky
• Audio CD (March 23, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Cast Recording
• Label: Composers Recordings
• ASIN: B00000I99Z
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #594,642 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

As musicals go, few are as seasonal as April 15th Blues, a light one-act devoted to (what else?) the turmoil of tax time. It was written and composed by Ben Yarmolinsky, the mastermind behind The Bill of Rights: A Secular Oratorio, Amendments, A Constitutional Cantata, and Anita (based on the Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas hearings). Though the first numbers are predictable enough, the music picks up with "Under the Table Tango," in which Elaine Valby (as Jane Q. Public) sings an aria of itemization. Later, on "A Tax Accountant Isn't So Romantic," Jane reflects on what she'll do without her accountant ex-boyfriend (it is tax time, after all). Randall Scarlata plays Jeremy--the ex--as well as the robotic voice of the 1040 Tax Form. The perfect gift for that special CPA in your life, April 15th Blues is light, yet delightful, comedy fare. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Never heard of this? Yea, don't bother., November 25, 2007

By 

~Amante "James" (Frederick, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Yarmolinsky: April 15th Blues (1999 Studio Cast) (Audio CD)

Obscure musical I've never heard of? I have plenty, I collect and don't discriminate in my collection. I think its fun to have musicals no one has ever heard of, but I don't always enjoy listening to them. This is one of those. The music is boring. The lyrics are rather clever at times, but not engaging for a widespread audience. Maybe if your in the tax business you will get a kick out of this, but I doubt you'll listen to it more than once. The singers are classical, or at least trying to sound classical. Maybe over the top on purpose? I don't know, it doesn't work. As for a favorite song... its hard. I didn't really like any, but I think I will choose, "Under the Table Tango," its got its moments.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightfully clever and amusing, music equivalent., April 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Yarmolinsky: April 15th Blues (1999 Studio Cast) (Audio CD)

Apart from the appropriateness of the music and the choice of instruments the words are clever, the rhymes ingenious, the performers well chosen, overall entertaining and delightful.

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this cd--it's tax deductible!, April 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Yarmolinsky: April 15th Blues (1999 Studio Cast) (Audio CD)

The music is catchy and the story is touching, and the emotional ups and downs of filling out a tax return are naturally operatic. A very successful piece of music theater. How come this is Ben Yarmolinsky's first CD? The performance is great too. Elaine Valby and Randall Scarlatta are very convincing in their roles, and the duet "At the post office" is simply delightful. The concluding trio--featuring Jane, Jeremy, and form 1040--is also very original (and nicely recorded).