CD REVIEW: Rebecca Luker/Greenwich Time

Perhaps I’m too old-school, for I have once again run into the issue of reviewing more contemporary theatre songs and having to explain my issue with many of them. Although this time around I have a firmer grasp on the distinction and as it happens the closing track here illustrates my stance to perfection! Although I, of course, applaud the writing of new musical theatre material, I find that much of it in the last ten to fifteen years tends to be (often) unrhyming recicative set to rolling chords (as opposed to any discernable melody). Several of the selections here are actually poems that have been treated to music with much the same effect.

The final song, “Summer With You,” which happens to be written (music and lyrics) by multi-Tony winner John Kander, manages to bridge the gap between the old and the new, written in a decidedly modern vein, yet grounded by a haunting, lovely melody and bittersweet, clever lyrics. It can be done! Several of the other newer tracks in this collection succeed nearly as well, particuarly “Billions of Beautiful Boys” (by Joseph Thalken and Marshall Barer) and the downright hilarious “He Never Did That Before” (by Debra Barsha and Mark Campbell from the 2005 song cycle Songs from an Unmade Bed). Another newer gem is the simply heartbreaking “Out of Love” (by Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler). The other (contemporary) choices sadly come off as either clunky, unmemorable or (in a few cases) eye-roll worthy missteps.

Also included here are two more familiar songs, “On My Way To You” (Michel Legrand, Alan and Marilyn Bergman) and the gorgeous “Unusual Way,” (Maury Yeston) from the musical Nine, both of which Ms. Luker does a typically admirable job with, which is not unexpected from this thrice Tony-nominated actress/singer. I dofind, as time goes on that I prefer her richer, warmer chest tones as opposed to the sometimes overly noticeable transition (and uncontrolled vibrato) to the head (soprano) voice for which she is so well known.

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One other track of note is the truly exquisite “Killing Time” by the wonderful Jule Styne with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, that I cannot recall having heard before. Try as I might ,I was not able to ascertain if this song was written for a show or was one of the duos "popular" selections. Regardless, it is quite beautiful and quite beautifully sung by the talented Ms. Luker

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