CD Reviews: August
Laura Osnes and Judy Kuhn soar but Matt Morrison can’t get off the ground.
August 15, 2013
Matthew Morrison’s Where It All Began, Judy Kuhn’s All This Happiness and Laura Osnes’ If I Tell You
If I Tell You – The Songs of Maury Yeston
Laura Osnes
With her shimmering soprano and Fred Lassen’s gorgeous arrangements, Laura Osnes’ If I Tell You is a sumptuous treat! Yeston, the Tony-winning composer of shows like Nine, Grand Hotel and Titanic, writes difficult material but Osnes is up to the challenge. Choosing lesser-known songs, the standout of which is Yeston’s gorgeous “December Songs,” Osnes infuses Yeston’s music with heart and soul. (PS Classics)
Where It All Began
Matthew Morrison
Following his disappointing debut album, Broadway and television star Matthew Morrison has released a disappointing second effort, Where It All Began. Morrison’s new disc suffers from overproduction (by Phil Ramone), questionable arrangements and a sheer lack of taste. Just because you want to record “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Ease on Down the Road” and “The Lady Is a Tramp” doesn’t mean you should. (222 Records)
All This Happiness
Judy Kuhn
Judy Kuhn’s new disc, All This Happiness, finds her in ravishing voice on a wide-ranging, eclectic program that includes gems by Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits, Billy Barnes, Randy Newman, Laura Nyro and Stephen Sondheim. Kuhn’s exquisite interpretations and Dan Lipton’s arrangements are as compelling as they are beautiful. A three-time Tony nominee, Kuhn appears to be at her best here. (PS Classics)
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