The Wind Beneath My Wings - Betty Buckley, Henly, Larry
Doo-Bop
Over You [*] - Betty Buckley, Hart, Bobby
Eternal Fix [*]
Tender Mercy
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow/For the Beauty of the Earth - Betty Buckley, Public Domain [1]
After Betty Buckley had made her biggest Broadway splash with Cats, she recorded her first solo concerts in 1984 at Saint Bartholomew's Church in New York City backed by a small ensemble. This recording, simply titled Bett... more »y Buckley and long out of print, has been rereleased in remastered (though still rough) sound on Buckley's own KO label. The majority of songs are by Buckley herself, collaborating with a number of partners on the music and writing her own lyrics. Relying more on rhythmic snap than catchy melodic hooks, songs such as "Dark Blue-Eyed Blues," the Latin-accented "So La," and "Doo Bop" especially shine in these jazzy settings by music director Keith Hermann. There's even a rap number, "Gaviola," and a closing hymn. More familiar fare includes "The Wind Beneath My Wings" and Stephen Schwartz's soaring "Meadowlark." Filling out the 59-minute album are three previously unreleased tracks, including "Over You," which she performed in the 1983 film Tender Mercies, and two more Buckley originals. As to be expected, Buckley pours it all out in front of her audience (which is very discreet throughout), making this a heartfelt album from the reigning queen of Broadway divas. --David Horiuchi« less
After Betty Buckley had made her biggest Broadway splash with Cats, she recorded her first solo concerts in 1984 at Saint Bartholomew's Church in New York City backed by a small ensemble. This recording, simply titled Betty Buckley and long out of print, has been rereleased in remastered (though still rough) sound on Buckley's own KO label. The majority of songs are by Buckley herself, collaborating with a number of partners on the music and writing her own lyrics. Relying more on rhythmic snap than catchy melodic hooks, songs such as "Dark Blue-Eyed Blues," the Latin-accented "So La," and "Doo Bop" especially shine in these jazzy settings by music director Keith Hermann. There's even a rap number, "Gaviola," and a closing hymn. More familiar fare includes "The Wind Beneath My Wings" and Stephen Schwartz's soaring "Meadowlark." Filling out the 59-minute album are three previously unreleased tracks, including "Over You," which she performed in the 1983 film Tender Mercies, and two more Buckley originals. As to be expected, Buckley pours it all out in front of her audience (which is very discreet throughout), making this a heartfelt album from the reigning queen of Broadway divas. --David Horiuchi
CD Reviews
BLAST FROM THE PAST
J. S. WILLARD | CHARLESTON, SC USA | 08/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I remember buying this on cassette at the tender age of 17 (sigh). It is as great as I remember. Filled mainly with compositions by Buckley, this album really broadened my mid 80's, late teens, musical horizons. Back then my idea of divas were Olivia, Sheena, Cher (still are by the way) then I discovered a class of singers who maybe didn't have top 10 singles, but could sing in a way that made a heart drop. I'm so glad I can finally complete my catalog of Betty's cd's with this re=release."
Brava, Betty!
Tobi Taub | Austin, TX USA | 08/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is Ms. Buckley's most spectacular work. Her voice is a national treasure. She has penned most of the songs, so it not only shows her talent as one of Broadway's most cherished singers, but also displays her fabulous song writing abilities. Her rendition of "Over You" is simply her best ever and the spunky "Gaviola" --it's worth purchasing the CD just to hear it.
This CD is and always will be my favorite. I have the original recording in both album and CD format, and I have two copies of this 15 Year Anniversary remaster. This CD is on my holiday shopping list to present as gifts to my clients and family members. I have followed Ms. Buckley's career for 19 years and have copies of all the CD's in her discography. I highly recommend starting your collection today by purchasing this CD."
Stereotypes Be Damned, and To Heck With 'Memory'...
jeffrey christian | brooklyn ny | 02/06/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Still listening to my near-worn out cassette version of "Betty Buckley" [which I picked up for a criminal 99 cents in 1988 at a Sam Goody clearance sale, along with Patti Smith's "Dream of Life", and Fleetwood Mac's "Tango in the Night"], I've long pined for a CD version. So what a revelation when I discovered that this was being re-issued on CD after all these years - with bonus trax to boot! Not usually a fan of Broadway vocal styling as a whole [I've suffered my share of execrable pop-wannabe's like Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford], I am a sucker for any oddly beautiful voice that evokes emotion. And, as cliché as it is to say, there has never been a voice quite like Buckley's. Exquisite and astonishing and ethereal all at the same time, she can juxtapose irony and emotion. Recorded quite quaintly in a church with a medium sized audience, she sails through classics [think you're sick of "Wind Beneath My Wings"? Think again...], self-penned tales of innocent longing ["So La"] and sweet naiveté about peace and love ["Travelers On A Star"]. Plus, there are three bonus cuts not available on the original album, including the gorgeous "Over You", which was unjustifiably left off the "Tender Mercies" s/t. The monumental standout, though, is the ultimate version of "Meadowlark." For years, I've been disappointed with Buckley's alternate versions on various other collections [e.g. "London Concert"], and disgusted with other artists' massacre of the song [e.g. Sarah Brightman, again]. This version solidified, for me way back in 1987, why this is Betty's song. Backed by only a sole piano, Buckley jettisons her towering instrument through the intricate melody, understanding both it, and the lyric, displaying perfect phrasing and nuance. She brings it through the stratosphere only when called for, never over-singing. Her voice simply goes where it is supposed to go. Fan of this style of music or not, and even if you're a rock and roller at heart, like me, any song/voice enthusiast won't want to miss out on this extraordinary event. Forget later live recordings by Buckley - well, don't "forget," they're still worth the time - but, this is the must-own. My grade: A"
Epiphany at St. Bart's
Paul Miller | Memphis | 10/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Betty Buckley performed this concert in 1984 at Saint Bartholomew's Church in New York City to benefit the homeless. This is a jazzy breezy collection of songs, many of them written by Buckley herself. She describes the ones she wrote as "philosophical jump-rope songs that kids might like that would also address some of the questions about things that are tough in life". The songs "Co-Wrangle-Do-Right" and "Over You" are the standout pieces on this CD. A wonderful CD to put on after a tough day and let the music massage your nerves until you feel human again."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1