Maury Yeston - Nine London Concert Cast (20 tracks) +Album Reviews

Please actually listen to the CD before reviewing..

Jim Bredeson | 06/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Luisa was played by Ann Crumb. If she can't sing. I don't know who can. Saying that she can't sing is like saying Patti LuPone can't sing.I personally like this version a lot better than the broadway one. Jonathan Pryce did such a good job as Guido that I had to buy this version even though I own the Broadway version.Elaine Paige, albeit not in her top in this recording, did not play the role at the actual show (said so in the booklet) but stepped in to play the part for the original singer who couldn't make the recording of the CD.Give this record a chance. It's different than the way the Broadway casts interpret/present it, but doesn't mean it's bad."

One of my favorites!

Jim Bredeson | 12/06/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am a bit surprised at the negativity I see here, because this is one of my favorites! I will admit though that I have not heard any other cast recordings of Nine. I think Jonathan Pryce does a nice job, I get such an image in my head listening to him! I also love My Husband Makes Movies and Unusual Way! When I first got this CD, I wasn't crazy about it, but now I really love it! Maybe you just need to give it a chance!"

A Mooving Experience

J. M. Parr | Ottawa,Canada | 02/22/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nine is a haunting, surreal show with a gorgeous score. It really is a score to wallow in culminating in a truly amazing finale whereby the 40 year old leading man is given a gentle lecture on how to be an adult by his 9 year old self. There are at least 3 different recordings but this one on RCA is definitely my favorite which I always return to. Jonathan Pryce is a wonderfully likable Guido Contini. To be truth-full, the songs lie a wee bit high for his range but that seems to heighten the impression of a man who's life has gotten out of control. Elaine Paige is also listed as a star performer here, she too is very enjoyable. Really all three cast albums have good things going for them what sets this one apart for me is the deeply touching performance of the title song by Eileen Page & Fiona O'Neill. Their heartfelt singing as Guido's deceased mother (young & old) never fails to bring tears to my eyes every time I hear the song.Bravi! One thing to note; the packaging gives the impression that this is a live recording of a concert performance but it is a studio version of what must have been a very memorable evening at the Royal Albert hall in 1992."

Complete, full orchestra, Dolby sound AND an expert cast

J. Chacin | 05/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I came across this recording of the musical NINE first - before the original Broadway. I was able to catch the revival in previews, and still consider this to be the best example of the score out there. My reasons: The London concert (Studio) cast was recorded with a large orchestra (it's one of the famous ones, the name totally slips my mind right now)- the score sounds full and incredibly lush due to this. The unique opportunity of a concert/studio recording also allowed the creators to augment the cast with a larger ensemble, who sounds amazing as well. While the original Broadway recording was not originally digital, this recording touted Dolby technology (one of the first to endulge in that technology), needless to say the sound quality is superior to the original Broadway. The cast is up to your own taste - In my opinion Jonathan Price is wonderful here, really engaging emotionally with the material (not the sexy man one might expect or appreciate from Guido, here Price is more mousy and sentimental, but still affective), Elaine Page is in GREAT voice, and Ann Crumb is lovely (I was a fan from Aspects of Love, so I'm a bit biased). The Biggest plus here though (and this is the biggy for me): the full score (including incidental music) was recorded. This is the tricky part - RCA Victor released the 'highlights' version in the US (the one available here), while JAY Records released the full, 2 disk, recording in limited markets. It includes a great deal of material that for someone like me, who finds it essential for as much of the score to be recorded for posterity and study, it's fascinating and a wonderful experience to be able to delve into the material that much deeper. This additional material is as much a part of the score as the big, popular songs, and some as incredibly affecting. For a long time it was incredibly hard to get your hands on it (once you knew it existed), but if you are interested you can go to Jay.com - or itunes and emusic both have it for digital download.

On a side note - about that revival. Was very unimpressed. I found the production cold, and static (poor Chita hardly got a chance to move!), and I was getting a headache form everyone's different versions of an Italian accent. The Scott Pask set was lovely, and the costumes and Jane Krakowski were wonderful (they twirled her in a bed sheet from above - BRILLIANT)."

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