Classic Julie, Classic Broadway

 (16 customer reviews)

Classic Julie/Classic Broadway is not a new album by the great Julie Andrews, but rather some of the best tracks that she recorded for the Phillips label. They are "Broadway: The Music of Richard Rodgers"; "Broadway: Here I'll Stay: The Words of Alan Jay Lerner", "The King and I" & "Victor/Victoria (Broadway Cast)" John Mauceri and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra are featured on the "King and I" tracks and Ian Fraiser, Andrew's longtime musical director & the London Musicians Orchestra are on the other tracks.Although Andrews was not at the height of her vocal powers when she recorded these quartet of albums these are (except nothing short of a miracle)most likely her last vocal albums. Although nothing will match her peerless recordings from the fifties and the sixties these are still wonderful reminder of what a wonderful and extraordinary and gifted performer Julie Andrews is and was.

If life ever strikes you a terrible blow, and you need to remember the goodness and the reasons to go on, this is THE album. It is so beautiful. In boxing, it is said of a devastating puncher, that he "hits with serious intent". Julie Andrews hits every note that way, with 100% concentration and that glorious voice. And now to have all of her joyful songs together on one album-- I have heard it about fifty times, and there are places which still move me to tears. I worried she would no longer able to hit the high notes-- but she does.From the opening "On a clear day" "Hello, Young Lovers", "I could have danced all night"-- on and on, all the way to "the Sound of Music. This is the best. I may buy another, in case the first CD is ever stolen by a connoisseur of great music.

If you are a fan of Dame Julie's and musicals, this is the cd for you. It is a compilation of songs from prevously released albums; The King and I, The Music of Richard Rodgers, Here I'll Stay, and Victor/Victoria, Original Broadway Cast Recording.
I found the material to be very well put together giving the listener selections from My Fair Lady, Camelot, The Sound of Music, Victor/Victoria and others. What more could you want?
As for Ms. Andrews, she is superb. There is simply no one like her. I have heard comments that prior to the infamous throat surgery she was unable to handle the difficult material and hit those high notes. This is just not true. All you have to do is listen to these songs recorded in the early 90's to know that she still had a marvelous voice. Lets hope that one day she will be able to sing and record again. If not, these may be her last recordings so treasure them.The My Fair Lady suite is wonderful and Ms. Andrews definitely hit the high note at...Read more