THIS NEARLY WAS MINE

aandersen@landmarkcollege.org from Putney, Vermont , July 7, 1998: "Magnificent recording of the classic R&H score. Although there was much controversy over the film itself, the best-selling album was the first soundtrack to sell a million copies. Here are superlative dramatic and vocal interpretations and the lushest, most dramatic use of orchestrations, both in the numbers and in the background scoring, ever to grace a musical film. The six-track TODD-AO stereo sound deservedly won an Oscar. Alfred Newman/Ken Darby are responsible for the dramatic and vocal readings and as with THE KING AND I, outdid themselves. Brilliant all round. Note: only Mitzi Gaynor did her own singing - all others were dubbed, but "grandly."

"This misleadingly-titled 1963 collaboration with Nelson Riddle is not a live album, but rather a collection of eight numbers (half of them Rodgers and Hammerstein compositions) from popular stage musicals. It's not exactly the swinging Sinatra of myth and legend, but it does make for a stunning musical experience; the Chairman is in great voice, and he scales the explosive orchestral peaks of Riddle's arrangements with the confidence of a mountain climber on methedrine. His versions of "Ol' Man River" and "Solilo" are big improvements over his Columbia-era attempts, and "You'll Never Walk Alone", "My Heart Stood Still" and "Lost In the Stars" are positively breathtaking." Dan Epstein

Pete Bilderback (wpb9826@is2.nyu.edu) from Queens, New York , September 9, 1998: "An awesome acheivement This album is a real underrated gem in the Sinatra cannon. The "concert" of the title refers to "concert hall" as in the kind of serious performance of art songs Sinatra might bring to a large venue like Carnegie Hall, not an actual live performance. For this recording Sinatra and Riddle utilized over 73 musicians on 4 sound stages at the Goldwyn Studios--the sound is bigger and lusher than anything else Sinatra ever recorded. Riddle's arangement of "Lost in the Stars" is particularly impressive, and Sinatra gives the definitive performance of "Soliloquy"--this is musical acting at its finest. My only complaint is that this CD should be a part of Reprise's 20 bit remaster reissue program. The sound of the CD, while adequite, falls far short of the spectacular sound (big and spacious, yet warm and intimate) acheived on the analogue original. Given the terrific job that Reprise has done with other Sinatra 20 bit masters, I'm sure that they could release a considerably better-sounding CD."

Music fan from US , July 27, 1998: "Premier Concerto Recording Of Sinatra Career Arranged by Nelson Riddle, recorded on a movie soundstage, "The Concert Sinatra" comprises outstanding performances of American standards. Riddle commented "I've never seen Sinatra be as prepared as he had been for this session", and it shows. At the height of popularity Sinatra exemplifies modern popular singing in this landmark performance. "

Todd Hamilton--toad@bggator.com from Bowling Green, Kentucky , June 5, 1998: "In my opinion, Sinatra's best!!! The Concert Sinatra is Ol' Blue Eyes at his best... Thanks to brilliant arrangements by Nelson Riddle, Sinatra really belts these tunes... My personal favorites from this album are "I Have Dreamed", "You'll Never Walk Alone", and "This Nearly Was Mine"....A must add to anyone's Sinatra Collection... "

Entertainment Weekly (7/8/94) : "...a rare showcase of his solo skills. As jazz interpreters go, Corea draws more on flamenco than on the blues and favors gymnastic flourishes over raw, exploratory gray zones... "

What the Critics Say: "A name virtually synonymous with fusion, Chick Corea caught the attention of the public when playing keyboards for Miles Davis in the late '60s, and went on to dominate jazz/rock through the '70s and '80s with his Return To Forever groups and high-tech, virtuoso Elektric Band. Although not his first solo piano record, Expressions is his first album of (mostly) standards. On the acoustic instrument, Chick Corea is an elegant, subtle and unerringly accurate player, capable of producing sounds of great beauty and clarity, and he deals with these tunes superbly, hinting at what can only be called stride on Lush Life and I Didn't Know What Time It Was, and treating Monk's Mood with the wit and panache with which it was written. Not quite vintage Chick Corea, but a solid introduction to a solid talent. --Linton Chiswick -- © Emap Consumer Magazines Limited. For personal use only."

Reviews:: "BFawlty212@aol.com from New York City , August 20, 1998: She has found a voice for her heart in this collection Marieann Meringolo's stylings are fresh, unique and emotional. Her standards are reinterpreted by her velvety voice to bring a subtle, calm elegance to their meanings. She will be known as one whose quiet strength inspires and delights."

HELLSTARR@AOL.COM from NEW YORK, NY , August 20, 1998: SUPERB!!!!!!!!!! EVERYTIME I LISTEN TO THIS CD I GET CHILLS UP AND DOWN MINE SPINE. THE VOCALIZATION AND MUSICALITY OF THIS SINGER'S FIRST CD EQUALS IF NOT SUPERSEDES THAT OF OTHER ARTISTS."

Davijen@aol.com from New York , May 24, 1998: Love It! Marieann Meringolo has such a wonderful warmth and feeling to her voice, it is filled with passion and sincerity so rarely found in vocalists today. I love every song on this disc, I look forward to her future recordings."

"Out of the Cradle is the kind of adult rock record that gets lost in a marketplace that caters only to a younger audience. Buckingham developed his songwriting and production skills as the most-valuable-player in Fleetwood Mac, but as a solo artist he's proven to be a bit too arty for the mass audience he'd won as a member of Mac. Out of the Cradle is a sumptuously recorded labor of love that's as thick with guitars as it is with intricate vocal harmonies. "Surrender the Rain," billowing with voices, suggests an arty take on the Beach Boys, while "Soul Drifter" rocks to a seductive beat that's swaddled with guitars. The entire album is a treat for guitar freaks, as Buckingham includes instrumental interludes and lavishes as much attention on the sound of his guitars as most producers spend on the entire band. Buckingham interrupted work on his followup to this album for the recent Fleetwood Mac reunion. After all, a man's got to eat. --John Milward

Rolling Stone (7/9/92) "..The album's real achievement lies in presenting the full range of Buckingham's talents...it's a path to exquisite listening pleasure.. "

Entertainment Weekly (7/17/92) : "..CRADLE glows with the passion of a lonely guy sitting in his room creating art he fervently hopes will connect with real people...This may be the loveliest--and most haunting--pop album of the year..

Musician (7/92) : "...smart, crisp, wonderfully catchy...OUT OF THE CRADLE rocks... "

A music fan from Los Angeles , October 16, 1998: " 6 years later, still can't get enough. It's sad that a musician as creative as Lindsey Buckingham, hasn't produced more music. With the wonderful melodies and creative aspects of Lindsey's music, it's hard not to want to share with other people. A hint: Perfect for the car's CD/cassette player on long drives. "

A music fan from Florida , September 27, 1998: "Why didn't I get this sooner? I have all 3 of Lindsey's CDs and this is his best by far! I should've gotten it first!

bmlabelle@vax1.tristate.edu from Coldwater, Michigan , July 30, 1998: "Mind Blowing. An album like this doesn't come around everyday. Lindsey is intense and emotional, scary and soothing, all in one song. His abilities are unparalleled in today's rock community. The instrumental introductions flow with the songs that they introduce. The songs have beautiful plans and are lyrically smart and cutting edge. And of course there are the mind blowing guitar solos, a Lindsey specialty. This is definitely not a Fleetwood Mac album, although here and there you could see where it might have fit into the mix. But independant of the Mac, Lindsey always has, and continued to do so here, experimented with new ideas and sounds. Every single one on this album is a success and a winner. An amazing album from, in my own opinion, the best musician in the business today."

A music fan from CALIFORNIA , July 8, 1998: "Enriching Quality Musicianship... Just listen with an open mind and it will satisfy."

A music fan from Virginia Beach, Virginia , June 15, 1998: "A beautiful, emotional work of art -- NOT Fleetwood Mac. If you've heard Lindsey's other 2 albums, realize that this one is a GIANT leap ahead -- it's a masterpiece. And it does NOT sound like Fleetwood Mac. There is complex and varied guitar work plus beautiful lyrics and flowing, soothing melodies. I love every track. Maybe you saw Lindsey's acoustic solo performance on "The Dance" -- this album displays that spirit. It's just beautiful -- I can't wait for his next release."

BocaKA@aol.com from NJ , October 25, 1998: "The finest singer of stage music I have ever heard. Every song on this CD is a "10"! You won't find a more diverse singer than Colm Wilkinson when it comes to being able to sing such songs as Empty Chairs & Empty Tables to Summertime. I can't pick a favorite-they are all sung by one of the greatest interpreters of stage music, and every song is a hit. One of my absolute favorite CD's. My only gripe-I wish he recorded more CD's; his discography is very limited. "

A music fan from Toronto, Canada , September 23, 1998: "Great but not the best Wilkinson surely has a great voice. However, at the time of this recording, he had not reach his height yet (in terms of vocal ability). Don't get me wrong, I still think this is a superb recording, judging from his expressive interpretation of each song. I find some of the "original recordings" boring after hearing this recording. Great recording to hear, but if you heard the current Wilkinson, you won't love it. By the way, don't get upset with all the other cast albums, this IS Wilkinson. Can't leave the orchestra out. London Philharmonic makes the recording so much a difference."

Music fan from Kansas City, Kansas , August 23, 1998: ""Stage Heroes" is Pure Excellence Colm Wilkinson has, without a doubt, one of the finest voices today. "Stage Heroes" is an excellent example of his incredible talent. From the harrowing, emotional "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" to the hauntingly beautiful "Music of the Night" to the dynamic "Man from La Mancha," Wilkinson proves without a doubt his exceptional strength and versatility as an artist. Ordinarily, I listen to country music, but have found myself continually listening to "Stage Heroes" at home or the office. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who is even remotely curious about it. Once you listen, you'll be hooked."

hiduluth@geocities.com from Duluth, MN , August 22, 1998: "Fantastic! The songs on this CD are perfect at showing off Colm Wilkinson's beautiful, pure, calm yet powerful voice. The songs on this CD are fantastic, and there is really only one flaw on this CD and that is at the very beginning, but it is hardly noticeable and is before the first song even begins. I love "Man of La Mancha" and "The Impossible Dream"; adore "Anthem" and "Pity the Child"; and the songs from SOUTH PACIFIC and WEST SIDE STORY are great. I also like the other songs. (I must say nobody does the beautiful "God on High" like Colm Wilkinson, and my two favorite musicals are LES MISÉRABLES and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA). "

chip@lr.net , December 19, 1997: "I have never heard such a magnificent voice in my entire life. Colm Wilkinson can pierce your heart with the power and passion of that voice. "Stage Heroes" is his one solo CD still in pressing and showcases his talents in musical theatre. The original and definitive Jean Valjean in Les Miserables and lead in The Phantom of the Opera for over 4 years has a chance to showcase his talents on this CD. The CD features two songs each from 8 different musicals: Man of La Mancha, Chess, West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, South Pacific, Camelot and Porgy and Bess. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite. Man of La Mancha is thundering, Pity the Child conveys the anguish and pain of that song better than any other recording I've heard, Maria soars, Anthem pierces the heart. And then there are the two songs he is most associated with on this CD as well: Bring Him Home and Music of the Night. A treasure trove for the ear! I cannot recommend this CD more highly. It is the finest solo effort I've ever heard."