Riverdance on Broadway [CAST RECORDING] [SOUNDTRACK]

Riverdance (Related Recordings), Bill Whelan

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 2, 2000)
• Original Release Date: May 2, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording, Soundtrack
• Label: Decca U.S.
• ASIN: B00004SZVU
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #176,393 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
There have been moments when it seemed every shopping mall in the Western world had succumbed to Riverdance, when every speaker and video monitor in every store and public square was pulsing with the rhythmic Celtic beat of a score of vibrant young hoofers tapping fervently to fiddle and tin-whistle. The phenomenon has now gone Broadway, and composer Bill Whelan--who's done for his native Irish folk music what Freddie Mercury and Queen did for Italian opera--has raised the musical stakes considerably. Whelan's familiar, amped-up take on the Chieftains is supplemented here by harmonically brave a cappella refrains and even the fusion-minded use of Spanish guitar and flamenco rhythms. Whelan has written six new songs for this production, which features vocals by Brian Kennedy and Tsidii Le Loka (who has appeared in Broadway's The Lion King as Rafiki). The album thus presents the most comprehensive and up-to-date version of the evolving Riverdance phenomenon. Whelan is what many critics hate most--a consistent crowd pleaser. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Some of the old, six of the new, May 5, 2000

By	F. Behrens "Frank Behrens" (Keene, NH USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

26 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, May 5, 2000

By	"garstini" - See all my reviews

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful facelift for an enduring Celtic classic...., July 1, 2002

By	Veggiechiliqueen - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

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.