Brian Stokes Mitchell - Brian Stokes Mitchell
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Free Music Notes for Brian Stokes Mitchell
Free Music Review: delight in discovery
Hit: 5 Stars
Ashamed I am to admit that I knew nothing of Brian Stokes
Mitchell until I happened to catch South Pacific on PBS in August.
After seeing South Pacific, I wanted to hear more of his work and
started with this new CD. All I can say is that John Williams is
absolutely correct, the world is blessed to have him among us. His acting
abilities infuse the music with emotions that make this listener feel
alive again.
The rich variety of interpretations -characters, tempos, moods,
vocalization techniques, and arrangements - cannot all be
caught in one listen, so please listen multiple times. My initial
reaction was WOW! I have lost count of the number of times I've
listened to it, and I continue to hear something new, clever,
and, even "mind-blowing" each time. His ability to sustain
notes is nothing short of amazing.
The mood set in Lazy Afternoon is perfect - especially with the
introduction by the shakuhachi. You can close your eyes and see
the scene he paints with his voice. I'd never heard "How Glory Goes"
before. His interpretation matches the lyrics brilliantly. You can
hear the child and feel the breeze in the breathiness he adds to the
beginning of the song. "Being Alive" and "Pretty Women" on this album
are so different from other recordings - it was as if I'd heard them for the first time.
I am truly delighted - and grateful - for discovering Stokes
through this new album. To have an artist who stretches and
uses all his talent, share his different interests with us is a
wonderful gift.
Free Music Review: Stop the Brian-bashing!! His work is brilliant!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
What an absolutely wonderful debut!!! Having seen Brian Stokes Mitchell come into his own on stage in "Kiss Of The Spider Woman" and "Ragtime", I was anxiously awaiting the results of his eagerly-anticipated first CD. Of course, I was not surprised by the innovation of arrangements, the powerful baritone, seamless phrasing and, in keeping with his promise from his website, his interesting and strong song choices of his own and his fans (I was one of many fans who suggested "Just In Time"--yipee!!) While some of the quirky arrangements are unusual, and at times you may find yourself saying, "Just sing the song, Brian.", it is clear that Mr. Mitchell has done his homework as a musician and is an accomplished arranger. He has set the bar high for himself as an accomplished jazz and standard songman. The highlights are there, from his passionate "Something's Coming", to "Just In Time" and , of course, the true gem "How Glory Goes". With this debut, Mitchell has put himself in the brilliant echelon of singers determined to keep the forgotten music of Broadway alive, as well as invigorate new composers work with distinction. Those expecting to hear a simple straight forward musical album, should stick to the Abba and Billy Joel musicals, as anyone who does not appreciate the artistry of this cd probably wishes for more of the same a la "jukebox musicals" where everything stays its stagnant, predictable waste of time. Go see "Hairspray" instead of buying this brilliant piece. As for the ugly Jeffrey Osbourne comment made previously, I love Osbourne, but he could not even try for an hour to be close to the originality and brilliance of Brian Stokes Mitchell.Free Music Review: Just gets better and better!
Hit: 5 Stars
I have been fortunate enough to have seen and heard the magnificent voice of this versatile artist on Broadway and in his solo concerts and so was eagerly awaiting his solo cd. As always, he delivers very personal and unique interpretations that just get better each time I listen. I was immediately drawn in by the anticipation of "Something's Coming", his optimistic version of "Being Alive" and the almost childlike wonder of Adam Guettel's "How Glory Goes". He caresses each note in "How Long Has Been Going On" and "Pretty Women" which is very different than what you may have heard in "Sweeney Todd". Close your eyes and listen to the imagery in "Lazy Afternoon" and you will discover instruments that bring to mind an American Indian sound. If you have had a bad day, the spirituality of "Grateful" and the joy in "Life is Sweet" is guaranteed to make you smile.
This CD contains the essence of what makes Stokes one of todays premiere singer/actors. First, he infuses each performance with heartfelt emotion. Second, you can listen to him again and again and always find something unique and complex to enjoy.
For those unfamiliar with Stokes recordings, I would recommend that you also listen to his thrilling baritone in South Pacific and Man of la Mancha and consider how few artists, past or present, share his range. Imagine Ezio Pinza or Placido Domingo attempting "The Best is Yet to Come" for example.
For those who are unable to experience Stokes in person, this is the next best thing. For those who have, you know what I am talking about
Free Music Review: Brian Stokes Mitchell's First Solo Album
Hit: 5 Stars
If you are expecting the new Brian Stokes Mitchell album to be the ordinary renditions of standard show tunes this may not be the album for you. This album has original and innovative jazz renditions of some show tunes. Some are playful and fun with nuanced humor as in `The Best Is Yet to Come' and `Just in Time'. He uses the power and versatility of his deep baritone in the excellent rendition of `How Long Has This Been Going On'. The least interesting track is `Something's Coming' as it is the closest to the original version.
His voice is a fine-honed instrument with amazing versatility, control, power and range, and he knows how to use it for maximum influence on these tracks. The songs are sung with the feeling and emotion for which Stokes is known.
The arrangements, most of which are done by himself, are brilliant. He is an innovative jazz interpreter and we are fortunate to have him turn his many talents in this direction. Let's hope there are many more albums to follow.
Free Music Review: Terrific CD, terrific show!
Hit: 5 Stars
I agree completely with Music Lover's review. I saw Brian Stokes Mitchell perform the songs in this CD in his show at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington DC, where he performed with a 3 piece jazz ensemble. He was sensational, as was the ensemble, and my husband, who is *not* a Broadway musical fan, thought the show was a wow. I am so happy that BSM recorded these songs for his first CD.
People who are expecting a "Broadway's greatest hits" album will be disappointed. I for one am really glad that BSM wanted to do something more distinctive in his first solo album. He has a great love of jazz and is a wonderful jazz singer, a part of his talent that he cannot show on Broadway. There is something really supple and sexy when he does jazzy numbers, and he can really ACT--BSM is a terrific interpreter of lyrics.
I love this CD, and it showcases some facets of BSM's range and abilities that might be new to many of his fans. Highly recommended.