By Jupiter - Jumbo: Nobody's Heart - Little Girl Blue
A Connecticut Yankee: Thou Swell
Too Many Girls: I Didn't Know What Time It Was
I Married An Angel: A Twinkle In Your Eye
Pal Joey: I Could Write A Book
Spring Is Here: Why Can't I?
Higher And Higher: Ev'ry Sunday Afternoon
The Garrick Gaieties: Mountain Greenery
Heads Up!: A Ship Without A Sail
Ever Green: Dancing On The Ceiling
Higher And Higher: It Never Entered My Mind
Most famous for her operatic roles and classical recital performances, soprano Dawn Upshaw will surprise her fans and impress popular song aficionados with these superlative renditions of classic songs by Rodgers and Hart.... more » Unlike many of her operatic peers who have no clue how to pull off a true pop style, Upshaw does it expertly, elegantly, and naturally, with class to spare. --David Vernier« less
Most famous for her operatic roles and classical recital performances, soprano Dawn Upshaw will surprise her fans and impress popular song aficionados with these superlative renditions of classic songs by Rodgers and Hart. Unlike many of her operatic peers who have no clue how to pull off a true pop style, Upshaw does it expertly, elegantly, and naturally, with class to spare. --David Vernier
"Like many, i had my doubts about a classical singer singing popular songs.Well, everyone makes mistakes and my doubts completely vanished when i heard this wonderful tribute to the songs of DICK AND LARRY.In fact at my humble opinion,this is the best tribute to the team since 1956 and ELLA FITZGERALD;that's a long time ago.DAWN succeeds in bringing new dimensions to these songs.I also enjoy the song selection:no LADY IS A TRAMP, no FUNNY VALENTINE but lesser known songs like HE WAS TO GOOD TO ME and EV'RY SUNDAY AFTERNOON just as good.This cd makes you realize how good LARRY HART was as lyric writer and how effortlessly RICHARD RODGERS seems to create melodies.It's a pleasure to write a critic and try to convince people to buy this.I think DAWN UPSHAW has found another admirer in her club.Go for it and judge by yourself."
A must album for all lovers of classic Broadway
Coco Pazzo | Long Beach, CA | 08/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dawn Upshaw is absolutely marvelous in these renditions of classic Rodgers & Hart songs. Not since Rise Stevens has an opera singer shown such talent for singing showtunes. Unlike Renee Fleming, Ms. Upshaw sings these songs clearly and with perfect diction, without embellishments or unnecessary vocal pyrotechnics. These songs should be sung "straight" as if it were and Dawn sings each one beautifully. Her phrasing is impeccable, her voice is clear like a bell. This album should serve as a case study of how opera singers can tackle showtunes."
Dick and Larry Would Be Pleased
Coco Pazzo | 02/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As I love both Rodgers and Hart's songs and the voice of Dawn Upshaw, this CD was an obvious choice. Upshaw is one of the very few opera singers today who are equally at home in popular song. Her crystal-pure voice and diction sound completely natural in these sixteen song classics. "He Was Too Good to Me," "Manhattan," "Sing for Your Supper," "Thou Swell," "I Didn't Know What Time It Was," "A Ship Without a Sail," "He Dances on My Ceiling," and the superbly arranged medley of "Nobody's Heart" and "Little Girl Blue" are among my favorite tracks. This is an essential disc if you love Rodgers and Hart."
Lovely, clear and refreshing!
Coco Pazzo | 10/27/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I sampled this first at the local library and then picked up my own copy. The songs reflect a depth and joy that Dawn transmits so beautifully in her vocal mastery. Sharing her alma mater and remembering seeing her in the commons at the endof the day, there's some school unity, nostalgia and bias in this review, I will admit. Regardless, I'm loving this recording! "How Swell" is just plain fun; "Nearer", "I Could Write A Book" and "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" put words to thoughts and feeling that make me melt when I hear them. As well trained and professional as she is in her presentation, if you want to hear joy, loud and clear, take a listen. (I haven't usually found this to be true with many classical performers, frankly.) These "old" songs (as my kids call them) are indeed rich and Dawn's voice multiplies the value immensely."