Live & More Review

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(More customer reviews)This was the first Donna Summer album I acquired back in '78; The music, while a faint-bit dated, has aged quite well. For anyone who purchases the c.d. release will be greatly disappointed by the deletion of MacArthur Park Suite. It is ironic since MacArthur Park was Summer's FIRST #1 single to hit the U.S. pop chart and fans would buy the double album for that 18 minute track/suite(the "More" part of the album)! True, the lyrics which were once performed previously by Actor Richard Harris back in the 60's, are either cryptic or corny (or both)to some. Yet, Summer's cover version was tastefully done with colorful orchestra/symphonic intstruments and electric guitars; This sounded pretty good without having a tacky symphonic,synthesized disco-feel of the era. Also, her vocals were astounding. Donna can sing any corny lyrics and yet put a lot of passion and depth behind them (sing-the-phone-book theory). The only way to complete the Live and More c.d. is to purchase another Summer compilation entitled The Dance Collection which will contain the original full length MacArthur Park Suite as originally released on the double record album. Otherwise, the c.d release has a track from a 1977 movie-thriller called The Deep (Deep, Deep, Down Inside). I think Ms. Summer probably cringes as well when remembering doing this campy disco-tune for the soundtrack. The vocals sound as though they were coming out of a megaphone or old victrola.
The second deletion is the original photo cover as released on the album of Donna's famous headshot as she is holding the microphone with her head tilted back and eyes closed. Now, I realize why some music collectors miss the original album releases from back in the days of vinyl; The c.d. s are convenient, but the l.p.s had great artwork, photos and other cover details not re-issued on c.d.s !
As for the Live side, side one borrows heavily from her Once Upon A Time album tracks; The live tracks and vocals are actually better sounding and more dramatic since she drops her studio falsetto and has an actual live crowd applauding and cheering as each new track begins. The only slight drawback, as one previous reviewer stated, is that the speed or tempo is a little rushed for the first 6 tracks. I remember thinking that maybe the pitch on the turntable was incorrect.
Aside from the technical negatives, this is the definitive beginner's Donna Summer album for even young or new listener's. Remember, she was here before Maria or Whitney !

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No Description AvailableNo Track Information AvailableMedia Type: CDArtist: SUMMER,DONNATitle: LIVE & MOREStreet Release Date: 02/06/1990

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Streisand: Live In Concert (2 CD's) Review

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(More customer reviews)Barbra Streisand has now released six lives albums / CDs during her prodigeous career, each one unique in representing her at specific times in her legendary journey as an entertainer and artist. This new recording is a more casual and nostalgic affair than anything she's done live, and is much the better for it. While "Live in Concert 2006" shows a bit of "wear and tear" in her vocal ability, that's like saying Maria Callas hit a wrong note. Streisand is now 65 and still doing it her way. What she may have lost in range and suppleness as the result of age, she more than makes up for with her interpretive skills and her pitch-perfect phrasing. This lady knows how to deliver a song like no one alive.
What's most exciting about this CD is that the song selection almost completey ignores more obvious choices (we've gotten them on other dics...now was the time to stretch and, boy, did she) for songs she has rarely performed or has never recorded before. The opening overture, which is the complete overture from her classic Broadway show "Funny Girl", let's you know you are in for some time capsule offerings that no one else could surpass. In fact, many songs from "Funny Girl" permeate the disc, as do several esoteric songs Streisand recorded earlier in her career that were exquisite non-hits. Brilliant.
Yes, there's the obligatory duets with Il Divo, but Streisand has always managed to channel her old-time glamour into one or another of the current pop crop, almost always with sterling results (Neil Diamond, Donna Summer, Johnny Mathis, Barry Gibbs...and the list goes on). Streisand's show business savvy has continued to make her relevant to generation after generation.
Finally, Streisand's in-between-song patter is a real treat here. Less formal and polemic than on other recordings, she is humorous, warm, folksy and quite self-deprecating. A delightful performance.
Streisand will hopefully continue to record for years to come because this CD proves that her talent is not only still intact, but relevant and delightfully dextrous. Lucky for the record buying public.

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Hit Man Returns: David Foster & Friends (CD/DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a 2-disc collection of some of today's and yesterday's best artists. The DVD gives you the whole concert which was held at Mandalay Bay Resort Casino in 2010, including a 12-minute behind the scenes video, while the CD is a shortened 11 song selection from the video.
David Foster was introduced to the crowd by 2 Olympian skaters, Kristi Yamaguchi and Brian Boitano, both of whom have skated and performed to David Foster's music back when they were actively competing.
Kenny Loggins started the program with a couple of songs, he sang "Heart to Heart" and "Forever". He was followed by Gary Wright, one of those artists that I have never seen before, but certainly heard before. "Dreamweaver" was beautiful.
Chaka Khan's first appearance was her signature "Through the Fire". It was nostalgic.
When "All-4-One" took the stage, I said wow! How they changed. Still, they sang 2 of their chart toppers "I Can Love You Like That" and "I Swear", which were very nicely done.
Natalie Cole hasn't changed at all. She moves and talks so elegant, except that her dress gave me a bit of vertigo. I don't know how she feels being compared to her father, but I can't help but notice the similarities. Her voice is calming and mellow, it gives you chills. A duet with American Idol champion Ruben Studdard.
Jackie Evancho - I love Charlotte Church, until she wrecked her life and eventually her voice too. I think Jackie is the new voice of an angel. Her cherubic innocence is disarming. She was followed by the "Canadian Tenors", who sang only one song.
Michael Bolton and Seal. Why I can't disassociate Bolton with the movie "Office Space", I can't really tell. It just stuck there in my head. Both have very soulful voices, they did an interesting medley of "When a Man Love's a Woman" and "It's a Man's Man's Man's World", segwayed to Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman".
David Foster described "Earth Wind & Fire" as his most favorite band ever. They started the second part of the show with a bang.
Lara Fabian did a very entrancing version of "Caruso". Enchanting.
One of the highlights of the night must be Charice's voice climbing the stratosphere. I was so nervous when she was about to get to the part of the song "All By Myself" that David described as insane. She nailed it, and the last note which ended with one of the longest standing ovations.
It was an eclectic combination of talents, from young R&B artists like Charice & Neyo, operatic performances by Evancho, Lara and the Canadian Tenors, disco and country singer Martina McBride, all shared the same stage in one stellar night.
The last number was performed by disco queen Donna Summer with the a song appropriately titled "Last Dance".
Great pure entertainment.

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Hitman Returns was filmed before a sold out crowd last year at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The lineup of talent, lead by Foster as maestro of ceremonies, includes performances by Seal, Donna Summer, Martina McBride, Earth, Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole, Ruben Studdard, All-4-One,'Glee' star Charice, Chaka Khan, Jackie Evancho, Lara Fabian and other artists whose careers have been touched by Foster, a 15-time Grammy winning producer and songwriter. The first David Foster & Friends Hitman Show on PBS was one of the highest rated pledge shows of the last decade and was viewed by millions of fans.'This turned out to be one incredible show. I was thrilled to be able to get some of my very favorites on this go round who weren't free last time out, including Earth, Wind & Fire and Chaka Khan. There were so many magic moments that night. I'm especially proud of the terrific combinations of talent including a medley with Chaka, Seal and Michael Bolton, a breathtaking duet with Natalie Cole and Ruben Studdard and a standout performance by Charice, Ne-Yo and Robert Randolph. And of course, accompanying the great Donna Summer on keyboards for 'Last Dance' brought me right back into the studio when we first recorded the song,' commented Foster about the show. David Foster's four decade career includes writing and producing with a who's-who in music including Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Michael Buble', Josh Groban, Jennifer Holiday, Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins, Madonna, Michael Jackson, George Harrison, Diana Ross, Sonny & Cher, Rod Stewart and scores of others. The Hitman also discovered, signed and produced Michael Buble' and Josh Groban, whose CDs have sold well over 20 million copies apiece. He is currently producing 'America's Got Talent' runner up - 10 year old Jackie Evancho, as well as writing a Broadway musical about Betty Boop. The success of the Foster & Friends franchise also includes sold out tours around the world.

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