Original Broadway Cast - Passing Strange
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Free Music Notes for Passing Strange
Free Music Review: Don't 'pass' this up...
Hit: 5 Stars
"Passing Strange" is yet another outstanding new cast recording, following closely after the irresistible Tony-winner "In the Heights" and the edgy, off-broadway stunner "Adding Machine." I'm a happy musical fan right now-- all three will be on my list of the decade's best.
More than just being exemplary recordings of essential new scores, all three also represent completely different musical types-- put them together and you have a great showcase for how fantastically varied musicals are. "In the Heights" features catchy Latin-pop and rap, "Adding Machine" is an eclectic, rhythmic original, and here's "Passing Strange," the most authentic rock score since "Hedwig and the Angry Inch."
"Authentic" is, in fact, probably the best word to describe "Passing Strange." With music by Stew (who also stars as the narrator of this autobiographical piece, and won a Tony for the show's book) and Heidi Rodewald, this is the story of a black "Youth" (Daniel Breaker) who leaves behind his middle class background to set out on a journey of self-discovery. Although the character is a musician at odds with black stereotypes, who goes as far away as Amsterdam and Berlin on his search for the "Real," the themes, of course, are universal-- growing up, finding your niche, accepting yourself. It's all relayed with great feeling and humor by Stew-- his connection to the music is palpable, and indeed it's hard to imagine anyone else performing "Passing Strange." This is his story, and a glimpse into his soul.
And what a great collection of songs. One of the pleasures of the recording is how varied the songs are-- there's a stylistic jolt from track to track, from the rock-gospel "Church Blues Revelation/ Freight Train," to the haunting "Arlington Hill," the affectingly poignant "Keys," and the tour-de-force breakdown-in-song "Identity." That last one is performed so electrically by Daniel Breaker that it's hard to believe he wasn't handed a Tony for his efforts (he's excellent throughout). The recording also more than deserves its "explicit content" advisory--profanities and drug references abound (with highlights like "Amsterdam" and "Stoned," it's not hard to see why). Fantastic listening.
Free Music Review: BRILLIANT
Hit: 5 Stars
:Passing Strange" is the most inventive, brave, and brilliant thing to hit theater (Broadway or otherwise) in a long time. This forum is in fact far too limited for a proper consideration of the overall work. Suffice to say, however, that the music alone is extraordinary. -- Though it is billed as a "rock musical," (and others with the same label don't even deserve to be called true "rock"!), the music of Stew and Heidi Rodewald is rich, melodic and complex (The show was ROBBED of the Tony for best original musical score (An outrage!). The lyrics, too, will give you a flavor of the irreverent wit of the play (genius!). I'm sure all fans of the show are, like me, grateful to finally have this album so that we can take a bit of the show home with us.Free Music Review: LOVE this
Hit: 5 Stars
This is by far one of the most creative plays to hit Broadway. Doesn't hurt that it was incubated at Berkeley Rep (UC Berkeley, Berkeley CA). The writing, music and energy of this creative endeavor are phenomenal. I could hard sit still while watching -- I wanted to dance (and sing) along. Funny, witty and just plain fun. Thank you Spike Lee for putting this on film. I'd never have experienced this if you hadn't thought it so wonderful you shot it 3 times through to get the footage you needed to show this play in its true light. Thanks to Stew and Co. for an amazing, high-energy performance. I watched in awe and wished I'd had your talents. This play (and Stew) SO deserved Best Book Tony award!Free Music Review: Not-so-passing strange
Hit: 5 Stars
Saw this on broadway in the Spring of 2008 and really didn't know what to make of it until about halfway through Act One. This poetic and beautiful, coming-of-age journey speaks to so many struggling artists and asks so many important questions.
Stew's music is ROCKIN and although, at times, can be a little repetitive is incredibly enjoyable.
Best tracks include: Stoned, Mom Song, and We Just Had Sex (hilarious)
A definate must for showtune collectors!
Free Music Review: FANTASTIC
Hit: 5 Stars
I was one of the lucky ones who got to see Passing Strange while on Broadway in New York. What struck me about the show was that this is unforgiving rock and roll. It never slips into "Broadway" like most other rock shows do. The story line is moving and the music is just amazing. I listen to it over and over and over. Even if you don't know the play, the music is just fantastic and you get a clear understanding of the story line just through the lyrics. MY FAVORITE CD OF 2008.