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Free Music Notes for Broadway, My WayFree Music Review: A Broadway Primer Hit: 5 Stars
When reviewing an album, does one preach to the choir (if you're a Linda Eder fan, you already have this album), try to convince a novice to come aboard (If you like Eminem, you've overdosed and are really on the wrong page), or try to see if there are any curious listeners out there who are unfamiliar with Ms. Eder's work, yet who appreciate songwriting and performing done the old-fashioned way? I'd like to try the third option. LInda Eder possesses a voice that, outside of Barbra Streisand (to whom she is the only logical successor), is not currently heard in music today. It is rich, full-bodied, and tonally pure; as fans can attest, it is truly a rare gift from above. In concert and interviews, she also displays a personality to match. Accompanied by her composer/husband, Frank Wildhorn, she has crafted 9 albums of finely-honed songs, and with each album, her fan base has grown. Thanks to the talents of Mr. Wildhorn, who crafts tunes to emphasize her remarkable vocal gifts, her albums encompass show tunes, ballads, and re-interpretations of standards, always with her own personal twist. Ms. Eder provides commentary in her liner notes detailing her thoughts regarding the process of song writing, selection, and recording -always a welcome look into the crafting of her memorable albums. On this newest collection, she makes a long-awaited visit to the stage, where she first came to fame in "Jekyll & Hyde" - one if it's hits, "A New Life", which may be considered her finest work, is included here. She also includes her own interpretations of both comfortable favorites ("On the Street Where You Live") and lesser-known gems ("I Am What I Am"). I first discovered Ms. Eder after reading a People magazine review of "And So Much More" which contained the magic words, "Barbra Streisand". Comparisons between the two are inescapable, and Eder has commented about this trend in her concert performances. She includes her Streisand homage, "Don't Rain on My Parade", which is both a tribute and a statement that Eder is not merely a protege', but a true equal. Ms. Eder has said that she has achieved a level of fame that is comfortable for her; she can enjoy the trappings of celebrity, yet return to her comfortable family life at her leisure; here's hoping that this album enhances that recognition. If you're the type of person in whom the words "Barbra Streisand" inspires album purchases, then by all means, get this album. But, if you're also the type of person who is intrigued by the phrases "rich interpretations", "lush orchestration", "Broadway classics", or "an artist at the peak of her often breath-taking vocal powers", then I hope you, too, will give this album a chance, so that you might become the newest member of the growing legions of Linda Eder fans. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Free Music Review: Excellent Follow up to the wonderful cd Gold Hit: 5 Stars
I don't know who Elizabeth Vincentilli is, but she is obviously not a Linda Eder fan. Linda and Jeremy Robert's arrangement soar on "I am what Iam" Athemn from Chess is perfect for Linda to show her soaring range and sure to become an new favorite among her fan base. Some People may be a little low key for some people, but this cd is called "Broadway , my Way." The musicans are right there with Linda. Don't Rain on my Parade is a classic song first done by Striesand and now by Linda Eder it takes on new meaning with a different arrangement. No wonder it have become a staple in all her concerts. I'll be seeing you brings tears to your eyes. I first heard Linda sing this song at Westbury last year and with this she gives a new spin on a old classic. On the street where you live has also become another staple in Linda's concert. This is one the fans have been lobbying for to put down on cd. Her sweet voice on this track will only set you in a romantic mood.What kind of fool am I? Nothing short of absolutely awesome. When she hits that high note, you feel like she will take you through the roof with her. Edelweiss has a sweet violin and Linda even sings with herself on a multi track recording. She shows here she can hit the high notes and the low ones too, be powerful and sweet sounding at the same time. Gold. THere are people who ask why she repeated this song? Having seen her sing this song live, the performance only gets better with more feeling as Camille Caudell nears opening day. Jeremy Roberts lush arrangements enable LInda's voice to soar in all the right spots and be tender in the other sections of this classic song. No wonder it was used for the Olympics at Salt Lake City Unusual way from nine is another repeat from the "It's Time" cd, but still worth a listen. Linda does this perfectly and should include it in her concerts. A new life is from Jekyll and Hyde. Yes, maybe she should have done "This is the moment" instead, but, Linda's voice is so powerful and emotional on this track, that I am glad it was included on this cd. It is a true Broadway song as only Linda Eder can pull off. The impossible dream is due to become yet another Eder classic. one that the fans will be screaming for at her concerts. Man of LaMancha is another repeat. But. what a repeat it is. After you see Linda in concert , you will understand why it is one her most requested songs. Power to the end. For the true Eder fan this is a must have. And knowing that she will be going on tour to promote this cd is also a pretty good reason to purchase this cd. To the people who complain they are tried of her only singing Frank Wildhorn's music, then this the cd you have been waiting from her. To first timers welcome to what is called heaven
Free Music Review: Spectacular, Original..even Groundbreaking Hit: 5 Stars
For years, Linda Eder has been compared to legendary singers like Judy Garland and Ella Fitgerald, but the one singer who many think Eder most closely resembles vocally is Barbra Streisand..(they both share a similar tone and range). With the release of "Broadway, My Way", Eder breaks away from all comparisons, firmly establishing a style all her own, and, incredibly enough, putting her own mark on these broadway classics. Already, this CD and its performer are receiving its share of accolades. The day after the CD went on sale, Eder performed for the third time to a sellout crowd at Carnegie Hall and received numerous standing ovations and critical acclaim, including a rave review in Variety. Her other two engagements there were greeted with similar raves and ovations. This isn't surprising given that Broadway, My Way represents something of a groundbreaking achievement. There are a lot of great broadway songs, but finding songs that haven't been recorded to death, or recorded with the same arrangements over and over has to be incredibly tough. Not only does Eder find several gems that have been passed over by others...the powerful and timely "Anthem" from Chess, the showstopping, spine-tingling "I Am What I Am" from La Cage Aux Folles, and an absolutely etheral "Edleweiss", but Eder also tackles a number of songs men made famous and makes them sound like they were written specifically for her. Theres "On the Street Where You Live" sung in an exquisite, feminine soprano, with crystalline notes held in a smooth as silk vibrato. Eder IMO is one of the best broadway belters EVER, and brings new meaning to "The Impossible Dream" and "What Kind of Fool Am I?" "Anthem" will send chills down your spine (as will many others on this CD). Arrangements are all fresh and original, with lush orchestrations that perfectly compliment Eder's voice. To be sure, this CD is not without its risks, but they all pay off 100% and more. Eder tackles "Don't Rain on My Parade", sending it to new heights with a powerful, controlled belt. She has received such acclaim for her rendition of this song in newspaper reviews and broadway forumns that it appears some of Babs fans are becoming overly defensive. They need not worry. Eder breaks the mold with this CD, showing the extent of her incredible range, adding a certain sexiness and warmth, and firmly establishing herself as one of the best (if not THE BEST) singer alive today.
Free Music Review: Simply Exquisite Hit: 5 Stars
I've heard so many reviewers and fans cat-fighting over whether or not it's appropriate to compare the incomparable Streisand to the lesser known but just as phenomenal Eder, and I say comparisons are a-okay. When Barbra first entered the scene she was often compared to Judy Garland and other "belters" of her early days, so it's only natural that Linda will be held up under the same scrutiny. To even be compared to Streisnd is an honor. Admittedly, when I heard Linda's first line of "Don't Rain On My Parade" it was so Streisand-ish, I got chills. After the first line, however, the song became Linda's and her rendition is as flawless as I've heard a song performed. With her multi-octave range and full-throaty vocals, she's very reminiscent of the Streisand vocals of the 70's and early 80's. Hearing the fullness of her voice, I would never have guessed she could have such a stunningly high range. And did somebody say she was over 40? Where the heck has she been all this time?? The only track I don't care much for on the CD is "The Impossible Dream", but it has nothing to do with Linda's flawless rendition...but has more to do with my loathing of those sappy-you-can-accomplish-anything-if-you-only-believe-hard-enough songs of that particular stripe. But, if I had to hear anyone sing it, it would be Linda. I only hope Linda can have the stay-ability that Barbra has had, and that at 60+ years, she can still belt it out like Barbra still can. Linda Eder is a phenomenal vocalist, one of the best of this century, in my estimation, and I'd recommend this CD to anyone who is either a fan of broadway, Barbra, Judy, or belters, in general. Linda Eder is a legend in the making. Linda Eder is Broadways answer to Celine Dion. Lastly, I only suggest to Barbra fans and Linda fans alike: Don't get so worked up over comparisons and to some who live to run-down new singers in the media. It has happened to all of them in the beginning and it merely serves to get people talking more about the artist. It's okay to compare the two phenomenal singers. Barbra has nothing to worry about, obviously, and Linda has MORE than enough talent and fans to allow her to carry herself.
Free Music Review: "Some think it's noise, I think it's pretty." Hit: 5 Stars
The downside of recording non-original songs is that everyone has heard them before, and everyone has their own idea on how the song should be performed. Negative opinions of a re-made song may not be based on the singer's talent, but simply the listener's personal preference. That said, I had to listen to some of the songs on Broadway My Way several times before I could get passed the "that's not how so-and-so originally performed it" phase and was able to judge them more objectively. Once past all the preconceived notions of how these songs should be performed, I was delighted with this album. Linda Eder has a talent very few singers, past or present, can compete with. She has an unbelievably wide range, huge lungs and perfect control of her pitch. She knows exactly how to use her voice to draw squeals of pleasure from her audience, and rightfully earning her Billboard magazine's recent declaration that she's "Broadway's most gifted belter."The album includes several fan favorites from her concerts: "On The Street Where You Live," "What Kind of Fool Am I?," "Don't Rain on My Parade," and "Man of La Mancha." All including spine tingling notes you have to hear to believe. "Parade" is a particular stand out song in Linda's concerts, which her fans have been begging her to record. What a treat that she finally gave in. Linda can outdo Babs any day of the week... "I'll Be Seeing You," "Unusual Way," and "Edelweiss" are three of the songs that offer a chance for Eder to show off her ability to sell a softer, more intimate lyric. It's an amazing transformation from torchy numbers such as "Fool." "Gold" was first recorded for last year's album, but this new recording shows how much she has grown into the character of Camille Claudel in the past year. There is a strong emotional connection, amazingly enough, to the bittersweet lyric. The amazing talent behind the melody, lyric and performance guarantee this song will be around for a long time.
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