Treasure CHESS

Try saying that 3 times really fast.... "Treasure Chess, Treasure Chess, Treasure Chess!!!"

SUPER NEW RELEASE TUESDAY part 2...

Also released yesterday was a dvd and a cd of CHESS in concert featuring Josh Groban, Adam Pascal, and a pair of Elphaba's Idina Menzel and Kerry Ellis.

AND.... it airs tonight on PBS!!!!!!!!!!

Here's a promo.

The concert was filmed last year at Royal Albert Hall. From what I heard yesterday and have seen on youtube, standouts are Mr. Groban and Kerry Ellis!

Here's an interview with Josh Groban about the show.

Here are links to purchase the dvd and 2 editions of the cd... double disc and highlights.

"Totally FOLK-ed!"

This morning as I was eating my bowl of Berry Berry Kix, I came across an article online about a new broadway cover album by RACHEL BAY JONES called SHOWFOLK (folk covers of showtunes!) It looked interesting so I went to itunes and heard some samples... and really really liked what I heard.

I impulse-downloaded the album, listened to it all day, and LOVE IT.  I really dig the variety of her selections.  She opens with a great version of BREEZE OFF THE RIVER from THE FULL MONTY (great tune.)  There are covers from newer shows WICKED, SPRING AWAKENING, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, RENT... and also classics from ON THE TOWN and MAN OF LA MANCHA.  

Favorites besides BREEZE OFF THE RIVER are ANOTHER DAY (Rent), LUCKY TO BE ME (On The Town), and a wonderful version of GONNA BUILD A MOUNTAIN (Stop The World - I Want To Get Off).  I feel these tunes in particular get a very fresh interpretation on the album.

Check it out.  You won't be sorry!  This is really stunning music.

KRISTIN the night away!

I know it's a little early to be talking about Christmas music... most of the new releases for Christmas 2008 DO come out today or next week.... but I will wait a little longer to talk about all the releases (at least till after Halloween.)  There ARE some REALLY good ones this year.   However, there is one I cannot wait to tell you about.

I had no idea this album was coming out... so I jumped up and down a little (ok maybe a lot) when I learned yesterday that Broadway/tv/movie darling Kristin Chenoweth is releasing a Christmas album.

It's called "A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas"...  and it is absolutely BREATHTAKING!!!!  

I face a huge dilemma each year about how early I can pull out the holiday cd's.  One does not want to overdose on holiday cheer too early...  I've decided to "adapt" the fashion rule...  "You shouldn't listen to 'White CHRISTMAS' until AFTER Labor Day."   Since it's October I'm safe... which is good, because I couldn't wait to hear this.  I downloaded it at midnight from i-tunes (a MUST because there are 2 exclusive tracks on i-tunes.)  I sat by the computer and listened all the way through.  This is rare for me.  Usually when I'm really excited about a new release I have to sample through the album first so I don't burst with anticipation (I have issues... I know!)  With this cd I was under Kristin's spell.

Her renditions are fresh (not overproduced) and yet feel classic at the same time.  She has moments where she does her cute Glinda/Sally Brown schtick that she is loved for, but most of the album is pure beautiful singing.

She does wonderful versions of classics.  I love her take on "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Do You Hear What I Hear."  She duets with contemporary jazz great John Pizzarelli on a cute medley of "Sleigh Ride"/"Marshmallow World."  She also includes "Sing" (originally made by famous by Big Bird and then the Carpenters.)  It fits wonderfully with the other songs.  Her rendition is very true to the Carpenters but has some special Christmas lyrics.

I was especially moved by the pairing of "Sleep Little Children" and "What A Wonderful World."

Get the i-tunes version which includes the title song (don't know why it didn't make on the official release!?!)  "A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas."  This is a  reworking of the standard "A Lovely Way To Spend an Evening."  The other track is a beautiful version of "The Lord's Prayer."

This is sure to be a season favorite.

IN OTHER KRISTIN NEWS....

-She is ADORABLE this season on PUSHING DAISIES... if you're missing the show... you are missing out.  Season 1 is out on dvd.  The show really is a perfect fit for all of her talents.  She is also in the upcoming movie "Four Christmases."

-The WICKED cast recording is being re-released as a Fifth Anniversary Edition on Oct 28th with songs cut from the original production and covers of some of the songs.

-Kristin has a memoir coming out next year!!!!  It's called "A Little Bit Wicked: Life Love and Faith In Stages."  Cannot wait!  It comes out Spring 2009!

-Also in the works is a Disney version of "Rapunzel" voiced by Kristin.

Here is a fun video I found of a staged reading of  "EARTH GIRLS ARE EASY - The Musical."  The musical never quite made it to Broadway.  It looked fun.  Here is Kristin singing Blondie's "Heart of Glass."  Super cute.

FINALLY....  (sorry long post again!)  Here is a public service announcement from Kristin.  (This ditty is NOT on the Christmas album! )

See more Kristin Chenoweth videos at Funny or Die