Broadway Passion, Ron Raines
"I realised a long time ago, that`s where my commitment was, and that`s where I could really serve, in the classic American musical theatre." Ron Raines

Ron Raines has a rich, beautiful baritone voice that has a strong resonance with the operatic traditions, while being thoroughly based in the musical genre. One of Broadway’s leading music theatre performers, Texas born Raines first gained prominence on Broadway where he starred as Gaylord Ravenal in the 1983 revival of ‘Show Boat’.

This new recording, his first solo album, is a wonderful tribute to his own passion for the Broadway musical and indeed the genre itself. His choice of songs are traditional fare, with Rodgers and Hammerstein and Lerner and Loewe dominating the CD, but he does throw in some Bernstein and a delightful rendition of Weil’s ‘September Song’ from ‘Knickerbocker Holiday’.

Other notable recordings among the 16 wonderful tracks are a haunting ‘If Ever I would Leave You’ from Camelot, two passionate songs from ‘Man of La Mancha’ and a rousing, if unusual choice, of ‘State Fair’s’ ‘It’s A Grand Night For Singing’.

Broadway Passion, Ron Raines
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In The Still Of The Night, George Dvorsky
“For years I belted out show tunes in concert halls and theatres from Hong Kong to Broadway, making sure that that the last row of the balcony could hear me… I give you something a little different. So light some candles, pour some wine, set a romantic table for two, or take a long hot bath and let Cole, Jerome, and me help you find the magic ‘In The Still Of The Night”. George
Dvorsky.

George is that rare leading man, blessed with a strong baritone as well as a high tenor voice. Supremely versatile, he croons as well as he belts. As the title of the album suggests, this is the crooning side on display.

Collected on this ‘late night’ album are 16 of the most popular and sophisticated songs composed by Cole Porter and Jerome Kern. It’s a fabulous album and instantly catches the mood and atmosphere of a sexy nightclub. Dvorsky’s voice is to die for and his expert choice of material shows off his smooth voice to perfection.

The whole album is a seductive gem and full of firm favourites. But there are also a great many lesser known numbers that jump out and send goose bumps all over the body.

In The Still Of The Night, George Dvorsky
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Reflections From Broadway, John Barrowman
Of the three recordings this is perhaps the most contemporary with songs taken from the current crop of modern theatre writers dominating the scene: William Finn, David Shire, Frank Wildhorn and, of course, Sondheim.

The album looks over Barrowman’s career to date with all the main moments of his singing life recreated in full orchestral glory and then looks to the future. All the usual suspects are there: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ with a passionate rendition of the song written specifically for the stage show, ‘If I Can’t Love Her’; ‘Sunset Boulevard’, ‘Miss Saigon’, ‘Matador’ and ‘Anything Goes’.

Where this album really takes off is in the more intimate songs where Barrowman loses the big, belting voice and becomes more intimate and dramatic. ‘Dreamers’ from ‘Jean Seberg’ is wonderful, and so simple it almost breaks your heart. Other notable songs are ‘Red Red Rose’ and Sondheim’s ‘Good Thing Going’ from ‘Merrily We Roll Along’.

This is a big, brash and beautiful collection of the best of the West End. Barrowman has a charm and show business style that brings you out in smiles. He’s also a bit of a hunk!

Reflections From Broadway, John Barrowman
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