Back to Broadway - Streisand, Barbra (CD 1993)

Broadway and show tunes are a staple in Streisands diet and it is never more clear than this selection of 12 songs from various Broadway shows. Several of them are favorites of mine and the ones from Sunset Boulevard prompted me to finally watch that wonderful film.

Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific
At one stage in every persons life, even if they don't admit it, they have wondered ... 'will I ever meet someone?' This classic song gives you that hope. A wonderful selection and great start. Fantastic vocal range and full orchestra compliment this recording.
..."Some enchanted evening
You may meet a stranger
Across a crowded room".......

Everybody Says Don t from Anyone Can Whistle
Can't say I'm familiar with the stage production but I sure know this song. Kinda rocky and very positive vibes. Even when people tell you - DON'T - you forge ahead.
..."Everybody says don't
But I say DO"......


Music Of The Night w/Michael Crawford from Phantom Of The Opera
WOW - two things. I've never seen the movie and don't intend to sully a someday-hoped-for experience with a film. I am holding out for the day when I can finally see the stage production of this classic. Secondly, the combination of Streisand and Crawford left me speechless.

After seeing him in Hello Dolly it is hard to imagine this is the same man. His vocal range and physical attributes have changed greatly. This is just a beautiful piece. I especially liked the whispered parts, wonderful.
...."In the dark it is easy to pretend
That the truth is what you want it to be".....
...."You alone can make my soul take flight
Help me make the music of the night".....

Speak Low from One Touch Of Venus
Nice cadence to this song, almost like waves breaking on a beach. It makes you want to sway your body, undulating to the music. Nice earthy sax adds flavor. Although I prefer drums there is just something sensual about a sax. Great fade out.

As If We Never Said Goodbye from Sunset Boulevard
Streisand performed this song during The Concert and it was a wonderful selection for that particular time.

Because of this piece, and 'With One Look', I finally watched this movie. I will admit I waited for the songs but realized that the same words where being spoken. Great piece. You can really hear the power with these words:
....."I don't want to be alone
That's all in the past
This world's waited long enough
I've come home at last

And this time will be bigger
And brighter than we knew it
So watch me fly
We all know
I can do it
Can I stop my hand from shaking
Has there ever been a moment
With so much to live for".....

Children Will Listen from Into The Woods
Another production I'm not familiar with except by the music. This is a nice piece, a telling piece, if we would just follow the simple instructions. Children DO listen if we give them a chance.

I Have One Hand, One Heart w/Johnny Mathis from West Side Story
I was disappointed in this piece. I didn't care for Mathis on this one bit. Generally I like his singing but he sort of warbled on this song. The vocalization between he and Streisand just didn't mesh. I didn't feel that either one did this wonderful song justice.

I ve Never Been In Love Before from Guys And Dolls
Just an outstanding ballad and Streisand puts her full range into it: wistful, loving, tentative. We all recognize these beginning feelings of love, wondering, wishing. I can't think of a better love song for a new relationship. Some great horns in this piece, don't know what kind but I know they are horns.
...."So please forgive
This helpless haze I'm in
I've never really been
In love before"......

Luck Be A Lady from Guys And Dolls
I can still see Frank Sinatra rolling those dice in this scene from Guys and Dolls. Solid intro buildup, kinda bluesy and kinda fun. The song rocks and Streisand does pretty good keeping the beat going.

With One Look from Sunset Boulevard
Although I love this song I sometimes felt Streisand was forcing herself to sing the words. I think if she had gone with her normal presentation it would have been more powerful. It was more like she was going for Swanson/Desmond and it wasn't working. Great song though.
"With one look
I can break your heart
With one look
I play every part......

When I speak it's with my soul
I can play any role" .....

Man I Love from Lady Be Good
Talk about blues, man this is a true blues song, almost torchy. Streisand sings it a little breathy and I liked her rendition although I also liked Diana Ross singing it in Lady Sings The Blues. She just seemed a little needy in that movie.
....."Someday he'll come along
The man I love
And he'll be big and strong
The man I love
And when he comes my way
I'll do my best
To make him stay"......

Move On from Sunday In The Park With George
I don't know George, at least not THIS George, although I know plenty of George's but I understand this song. The end of a relationship? Man, those hurt. But I like the way this has a positive ring to it as well - even though things seem there lowest, just move on.

So that is my little trip to Broadway along with Ms. Streisand. Hope you enjoyed it. This is a nice collection of hits and for the most part done quite well vocally and exceptionally well musically. Loved Michael Crawford, cared less for Johnny Mathis.

Thanks
Susi