Search - Lee Lessack :: In Good Company

Beyond Beautiful

L. L. Holmes | Butte, MT United States | 08/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album has immediately gone into that stack of those I need with me when cast away on a desert island. I've been a fan of Lee's since I was fortunate to hear him in concert with Joanne O'Brien a number of years ago. These collaborations raise the concept of duet to a new level. Every one is a perfect blending, and a treat, from the almost prayerful "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" with Nita Whitaker, to Johnny Rogers' lovely tribute to Simon and Garfunkel, "Here's to You." There is not a single miss on this CD. Thank you, Lee--this may be my favorite album of the year."

In a Good Mood. . .

J. Nicoloro Jr. | WeHo, CA | 08/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

". . .that's what In Good Co. does for me.

Lee knows how to read a song and he knows how to pick singers that blend so well.

A great journey this album, so exciting to hear so many accomplished singers and songwriters. The duet with Paige is pure gold. A take on "open arms" that will open anyones heart. "sweet mystery" with Alman is a highlight- the two voices and the beautiful song, unmatched"

The title should be IN GREAT COMPANY!

Michael Nelsen | New York, NY, USA | 07/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's been long awhile since I've so immediately fallen in love with a new CD, as I have with Lee Lessack's IN GOOD COMPANY. It's been in my CD player since I bought it a few weeks ago. I've always loved Lee's voice. He's never sounded better as he pairs himself with some of the best singers and singer/songwriters from the worlds of theatre and cabaret. The songs, which vary from classic cabaret fair to totally unexpected pop songs, are each richly endowed with beautiful vocal harmonies of Lee and his guest artists.



Johnny Rodgers provides extraordinary arrangements for the CD and he and his band play them wonderfully. Musical theater icons or soon-to-be icons are on hand. Among the icons, are Maureen McGovern (Jacques Brel's If You Go Away), Stephen Schwartz (WICKED 's For Good), Susan Egan (The Look Of Love), Franc D'Ambrosio (Vincero Perdero) and Ken Page (Vincent) singing exquisite duets with Lee, each one a gem. As soon-to-be icons, LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA's David Burhman (Let It Be Me) and Brian Lane Green (Open Arms) help Lee turn unexpected pop songs into emotionally rewarding moments.



From the world of cabaret, come Joanne O'Brien, who has already done a duet CD with Lee (AN ENCHANTED EVENING). Here they revisit a Lee Hazelwood classic that he did with Nancy Sinatra. This song never sounded richer, or more delightful. Mary Jo Mundy (Never Saw Blue Like That), Nita Whitaker (The First Time Ever I saw Your Face) and Jon Philip Alman (Sweet Mystery) are other cabaret performers, each offering songs which please the ears. And in what has to be my favorite track on the CD, sending chill through my body, is the devastating beautiful duet with Stacy Sullivan, Stay the Night. The purity of Stacy's voice blending with Lee's strong tenor, is pure perfection.



There are a stellar array of singer-songwriters, too. Lee and Amanda McBroom breathe new freshness into a breathtaking version of her evergreen, The Rose. The husky voice of Ann Hampton Callaway blends perfectly with Lee's voice, filling Bring Back Romance with a hypnotic longing for that old fashion idea of romance. Susan Werner (Blue Guitar) also wrote the CD's closing duet, May I Suggest. Michael Feinstein joins Lee in this anthem of hope and optimism. The lyric says, "May I suggest to you, this is the best part of your life", and this may be the feeling you have while listening to this CD; it certainly was the feeling I had.



Michael Nelsen

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