Storybook

Linda Eder

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 2, 2003)
• Original Release Date: September 2, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Angel Records
• ASIN: B0000AM6LZ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #37,353 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Linda Eder's second 2003 album (after Broadway My Way) is a bit of a hodge-podge. It includes 1992 demo sessions as well as several tracks that had appeared on 1994's And So Much More and excerpts from the Scarlet Pimpernel concept album, with "some new arrangements, new vocals and new mixes," according to executive producer Ian Ralfini. The album starts off with the swinging "One Bad Habit," recorded during the 1993 sessions but not included in And So Much More. Those who know Eder as a Broadway belter will be happily surprised to hear these older tunes, which display a light-footed mix of a cabaret sensibility with jazzy chops (fans of Ann Hampton Callaway, take note). A sultry rendition of "The Man That Got Away" won't make you forget Judy Garland, but it's pretty honorable. It's unclear what purpose this album fulfills in Eder's career, but it holds together surprisingly well, considering its origins. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best voice around, November 16, 2003

By	Paul - See all my reviews

I have read some of the other reviews of this album- granted, not everyone likes that these aren't all new tracks. In this world of other stars who pump out 15 or so new songs where many of them sound redundant or tiring, hey, I'm happy to have some new gems and some re-done tracks by this woman with the voice of an angel. Linda Eder has so many different sounds depending on the song she sings. They can be anything from lush and soulful to resounding and downright Herculean. And then, opening up a new door, she sings a beautiful opera aria. I'm thinking, "This is a woman who never had vocal training- unbelievable!"

The Streisand comparisons keep coming up, which in most ways is a compliment to both artists. But the criticisms of some reviewers in this album don't fairly apply to Linda. Barbra never tackled Linda's level of demanding material. We overlooked the overriding nasal, wavering strength and tremoring vibrato on those long notes, etc., because we saw all the other strengths in Babs. Similarly, Linda is not perfect, but it's her sheer potential from this late bloomer- a shy farm girl from a non-musical family; it's the realization that this woman can sing anything and give audience members absolute cold chills. No comparisons!!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Linda Grabs the Brass Ring!, October 10, 2003

By	Stephanie Patterson "Mezzolady" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

"Storybook" is a marvelous Wildhorn song. Up till now, the only recording of which I was aware was exquisitely done by Patti LuPone (who could, by the way, sing the telephone book and make it sound good). Hearing Linda sing this song, though, is an experience worth cherishing.

Now, to comment on the operatic endeavor at the end. As a professional singer myself, I've always known that Linda is not just a "belter," but is an exquisite soprano. She proved herself here royally - not an easy aria. Her diction was superb, and her vocal quality was captivating.

There are people who want more "new" stuff. This album is largely previously recorded, but unreleased music. Thank God her record label had the good sense to share this with Linda's fans! This compilation merely shows the many facets to Linda's great talent - from the pop sound of "Gold" to the torchy sound on "The Man that Got Away" and the loving rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Thank you, Linda and Frank!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you're looking for classic Eder..., September 19, 2003

By	Paul M "aka sillysib7" (Detroit, MI USA) - See all my reviews

...then look no further. If you're looking for something new, you'll find some of that, too, at least in the way of never-before-released recordings. This Angel records retrospective includes 8 tracks from Linda Eder's 1994 CD "And So Much More." Several of them have new instrumentation, including Bridge Over Troubled Water, which I absolutely love (both versions). The addition of the sax and some synth tracks on the reworked version makes it somehow deeper and fuller sounding. Some people won't like this because #1 they don't want to hear previously released material and #2 if they're stuck on the 'old' versions, they probably won't be open to the new ones.

Here are some of my favorite tracks. Track 6 (If He Never Said Hello), from Svengali. Anyone who has ever loved and lost can relate to this one. Track 10, Storybook, is reminiscent of carousels and childhood. It's the kind of song that you catch yourself humming after you hear it and laugh to yourself about it. Track 13, Bridge Over Troubled Water, has always been one of my favorite songs since Simon & Garfunkel. Linda makes it her own in this recording.

But the track that completely blew me away was #15, Vole Mon Ange. I have never heard Linda sing opera before, and didn't even know she could (although to be told so wouldn't have surprised me). Not only is this piece melodically beautiful, when you find out the interpretation (it's in French) is about angels flying, it certainly brings new meaning to the piece. The feeling when Linda hits that high C two octaves above middle C is indescribable. It's like goosebumps on your heart...truly and inspired work.

If you're not into previously released material, this may not be the CD for you. But you'll miss out on some wonderful never-before-released songs should you decide to pass it up for that reason. I'm glad I didn't!