Cabaret Scenes CD Review

Like a butterfly that has burst from her chrysalis and taken flight, the beauty of Linda Eder’s compelling voice soars on this new Sony Masterworks release, Now, which is, arguably, her best recording to date. Crooning the manically lush songs of her musical mentor/sometime partner and ex-husband Frank Wildhorn, with whom she reunites on this album, along with his collaborators, Eder’s expressive mezzo sounds better than ever. Even her occasional coloratura forays, as on the album’s haunting title tune, are pristine in a way that shows what all the fuss was about that gave Eder a fanatically loyal cult following that has filled concert halls and cabarets for years. Always in fine fettle on previous pop/standard and tribute albums to Broadway and Judy Garland, among others, few have run the emotional gamut that this musical collection does. In the past, some of her disks were uneven, with explosions of grandiose singing that often led critics to compare her to Streisand (who influenced her). And, yes, there is a similarity, especially on sustained breathy phrases.

Here, she brings a distinct emotional balance, a subtle, good-humored sexiness and an originality to everything she sings. Consequently, it all makes one realize the crucial role good instincts play in putting it together. This recording was produced by Wildhorn, Jeremy Roberts (pianist on some tracks, arranger for seven) and Eder.

Wildhorn collaborated with Leslie Bricusse, Robin Lerner, Brenda Russell, Maury Yeston and Jack Murphy. And while the thrilling “What’s Never Been Done Before,“ with lyrics by Nan Knighton (from Camille Claudel), has veiled traces of “Storybook” from their The Scarlet Pimpernel, it is also a memorable showstopper (à la “Storybook”) that is sure to have a healthy life. Wildhorn’s collaboration with Yeston on “Ordinary People” provides a poignant highlight.

As is often the case with Wildhorn, the uptempos often have a sameness. However, the wrenching romantic ballads make up for it. Exceptional cuts are “More Than Heaven” and “Living in the Shadows,” which are trenchant exercises in melancholia that are brilliantly sung by Eder, who outdoes herself. For pure whimsy, “The Mad Hatter” (Wildhorn/ Murphy), from Broadway’s incoming Wonderland, is a fun turn. Ultimately, those aforementioned (and unnecessary) comparisons to Streisand have not really helped her. This album proves Linda Eder stands alone—with few peers.

John Hoglund
Cabaret Scenes
April 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org



	Linda Eder Home Sony Masterworks
Like a butterfly that has burst from her chrysalis and taken flight, the beauty of Linda Eder’s compelling voice soars on this new Sony Masterworks release, Now, which is, arguably, her best recording to date. Crooning the manically lush songs of her musical mentor/sometime partner and ex-husband Frank Wildhorn, with whom she reunites on this album, along with his collaborators, Eder’s expressive mezzo sounds better than ever. Even her occasional coloratura forays, as on the album’s haunting title tune, are pristine in a way that shows what all the fuss was about that gave Eder a fanatically loyal cult following that has filled concert halls and cabarets for years. Always in fine fettle on previous pop/standard and tribute albums to Broadway and Judy Garland, among others, few have run the emotional gamut that this musical collection does. In the past, some of her disks were uneven, with explosions of grandiose singing that often led critics to compare her to Streisand (who influenced her). And, yes, there is a similarity, especially on sustained breathy phrases. Here, she brings a distinct emotional balance, a subtle, good-humored sexiness and an originality to everything she sings. Consequently, it all makes one realize the crucial role good instincts play in putting it together. This recording was produced by Wildhorn, Jeremy Roberts (pianist on some tracks, arranger for seven) and Eder. Wildhorn collaborated with Leslie Bricusse, Robin Lerner, Brenda Russell, Maury Yeston and Jack Murphy. And while the thrilling “What’s Never Been Done Before,“ with lyrics by Nan Knighton (from Camille Claudel), has veiled traces of “Storybook” from their The Scarlet Pimpernel, it is also a memorable showstopper (à la “Storybook”) that is sure to have a healthy life. Wildhorn’s collaboration with Yeston on “Ordinary People” provides a poignant highlight. As is often the case with Wildhorn, the uptempos often have a sameness. However, the wrenching romantic ballads make up for it. Exceptional cuts are “More Than Heaven” and “Living in the Shadows,” which are trenchant exercises in melancholia that are brilliantly sung by Eder, who outdoes herself. For pure whimsy, “The Mad Hatter” (Wildhorn/ Murphy), from Broadway’s incoming Wonderland, is a fun turn. Ultimately, those aforementioned (and unnecessary) comparisons to Streisand have not really helped her. This album proves Linda Eder stands alone—with few peers. John Hoglund Cabaret Scenes April 2011 www.cabaretscenes.org

Linda Eder

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