There are exceptions, of course--Betty Buckley's "Be On Your Own" is almost unlistenably shrill, while Alice Ripley is completely lost in "A Call From the Vatican," neither up to the challenge vocally or emotionally. And some of the choices in numbers excluded are odd. (Why only one number each from two of Yeston's most significant successes, Grand Hotel and Titanic?) But nonetheless, just about everything else is extraordinary. Ripley's opening "Please Let's Not Even Say Hello" is baldly emotional and tremendously moving, Laura Benanti lends her golden-tinged voice to two great songs, and the talents of such superb vocalists as Eden Espinoza, Brent Barrett, Liz Callaway, Brian d'Arcy James, and Howard McGillin are put to excellent use.

There are also plenty of surprises here, such as "Danglin'," maybe the best song Yeston's ever written that doesn't sound like a song he could write. (The country twang Johnny Rodgers gives the song lends it an authenticity it was probably never intended to have.) And the disc's best number is the almost unknown "You're There Too," a highly unusual but unforgettable ballad sung by Christopher Fitzgerald with a heart and purity that demonstrates why he's such a vital (if sadly underutilized) commodity in the modern musical theatre.

Fans of Yeston's work will want to snap this up right away, but anyone interested in the development of musical theatre as a song-writing form should pick it up immediately as well. Perhaps no one has been more influential or more successful artistically in that area than Yeston. This disc preserves his fine musical past, and suggests a rich future we all would benefit from his embracing and fulfilling.


this is so amazing I could die!   April 17, 2003
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This is an incredibly moving piece of music. When I first went to buy it I was reluctant because I didn't know much of the music, which also actually a reason I wanted to buy it, I like new music that I've never heard before. Anyway the music is incredibly melodic and moving. I could listen to it endlessly without ever getting tired of it. I love all of the songs on it. But some of my favorite songs are " My Grandmother's Love letters" " By The River" " I Am Longing" and " Another Day In The Modern World." The whole cd is incredibly amazing. If you have never listened to Maury Yeston before you are seriously missing something. If you can't tell I highly, highly recommend this cd.


Musical Gold!   April 9, 2003
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

"The Maury Yeston Songbook" is a gem of an album. From the opening song "Please Let's not Even Say Hello" by the stunning Alice Ripley to the incomperable Betty Buckley as well as the beautiful vocal instruments of Liz Callaway, Laura Benanti, Christine Ebersole, Brian D'Arcy James and the beautiful rendition of "No Moon" from Titanic by the wonderful Howard McGillan. This is as pleasurable a listening experience as you will find. Compiled by the multitalented John McDaniel,it is a stunning tribute to a brilliant composer. Run, don't walk to add this to your CD collection.


I'm soooo glad I bought this CD!   April 10, 2003
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I am a singer myself, and this CD is now a new piece of inspiration for me. I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty that is showcased in so many of Maury Yeston's pieces. Listening to the CD several times today, I was especially taken by the song "Another Day in the Modern World," sung by Michael Holland, "My Grandmother's Love Letters," sung by Christine Ebersole and Philip Chaffin's version of "My True Love," from "Phantom." Yeston's use of such refreshingly lush melodies, moved me tears several times! It is rare that so many songs on one album have an impact on me, and this one definitely does. It is the rare, perfect blend of inventful lyrics and hauntingly beautiful chords that makes this CD a winner!!