excellent.
5
By egullickson
This album has been a mainstay of my collection since its original release in '95, and has remained in steady rotation ever since. GREAT arrangements, with Liz Callaway's signature interpretations, The Story Goes On is loaded with definitive recordings of classics in the non-standard theatre rep. As a matter of fact, the only track I skip over is the one of just three standards, "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair" from South Pacific, which is offered in a Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy era Bette Midler style arrangement, and ultimately - for me - doesn't ever really take off. The others, however, "Sun in the Morning," "Where is Love" (a duet with Kinky Boots' Billy Porter, some eighteen years ago), Our Time (here in a duet with sister Ann Hampton Callaway), and "One Boy" are exciting new approaches to well-known tunes. Of the less well-known selections, "You There In the Back Row" (possibly the best placed set opener to date), "Since You Stayed Here," and "Stop Time" are tops. Her takes on Meadowlark, Marry Me a Little (in the days before it was re-integrated into the Company running order), and The Story Goes On (from her star turn in Baby) are THRILLING. Even the Bacharach medley of Knowing When to Leave and Promises Promises, once it gets going, SOARS. And now, added to the mix are NINE bonus tracks drawn from various one-off recording projects over the years. Liz Callaway has a purity of tone and consistency of production that is rare in today's overly riff-tastic music scene. Her intonation is impeccable and she will break your heart with soaring melody. This is an EXCELLENT recording, and yeah, I'll say it, required listening for anyone with a desire to sing with commitment, accuracy, and full throttle. BUY THIS.
