Search - :: Front Row Center II, more songs from stage and screen

A great show tunes album disguised as a "Christian Music" CD

Steven I. Ramm | Phila, PA USA | 04/02/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is probably cataloged in the "Inspirational" or "Christian Music" category but it also belongs in the "Broadway and Show Music" category. Otherwise most secular music lovers would miss out on hearing a beautiful voice sing some wonderful arrangements of both well-know and often overlooked music of the New York and London stage.



While tenor Amerson runs a Ministry, and quotes bible verses in the liner notes for each song, the name of God rarely appears in any of the 18 songs (including eight that are cleverly grouped as medleys.). You know many of these. Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story provide the standards. But there are lesser-known songs from Titanic - The Musical and The Secret Garden as well. And any singer who puts a song by David Friedman ("We Can Be Kind" from the concert performance Listen To My Heart is here) gets bonus points from me.



The orchestral arrangements are properly balanced with Amerson's voice and his vocal range is wide and the high notes smooth.



I admit I can do without more versions of the "hits" from Phantom and Les Mis, but they are popular. If those are the musical styles you enjoy, then you won't be disappointed with this CD - and you'll be exposed to some news songs as well. Sonically it's a pleasure to hear. And you can also pass on reading the liner notes.



Steve Ramm "Anything Phonographic"



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