VARIOUS ARTISTS - CHESS IN CONCERT
I've been awaiting this release ever since I attended the performance(s) in Royal Albert Hall in May last year (as described in another blog post). Since expectations have been built up for over a year I was afraid of being disappointed, but in terms of musical quality this recording has fulfilled all of my expectations, high as they may be. My only negative remarks have to be made about the confusion around the release itself, which has been put off several times; the full CD/DVD edition is not released yet (my copy is a digital download included in the CD/DVD price because I pre-ordered through Josh Groban's fan club)
The other thing that annoyed me slightly, but probably only because I attended the performance on both nights, is that the recording is from the second night. I felt the atmosphere and also the vocal performance of some cast members were even better the first night. But all in all it's a breathtaking double CD. Now I'm impatient for the CD/DVD pack to arrive so I can watch and relive the performance in all its glory.
LIND/NILSEN/FUENTES/HOLM - HALLELUJAH LIVE VOL 2
It sounds like a worship album, but it's not. The quartet including one World Idol (Kurt Nilsen), one of Norway's most respected pop artists (Espen Lind), one Norwegian Idol second runner up (Alejandro Fuentes) and one newcomer singer-songwriter (Askil Holm) teamed up in 2006 and enjoyed great success with their concerts of cover songs mixed with songs from each artist's own career. They then released the CD and DVD "Hallelujah live" which became just as popular. The following year they decided to call it a day and went back to their solo careers, but they just couldn't keep apart - and this is the result. A lot of reviewers have given them a hard time and suggested they should have spared themselves the comeback, but judging by the atmosphere at the concert I attended (from which the album was recorded), people in general are more than happy to have them back. It was a magical night and this album too fulfills all of my expectations. One reviewer stated it was a nice souvenir to people who were at the concert (suggesting there was nothing more to it), but I think people who weren't there will also be able to enjoy the cd.
MICHAEL BUBLE MEETS MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
This CD (that also comes with a documentary DVD) has been criticized by Michael's own fans for the lack of tracks (10) and while I understand their frustration, the quality makes up for any lack of quantity. The little collection of songs includes tracks from his 3 previous studio albums, rearranged and with that great energy only Michael can give them. He really seems to let loose and it sounds closer to the Webster Hall concert (which was streamed on MSN) than to the previous live release Caught in the Act. For a second I was worried that the energy and jokes would take the focus away from the vocals entirely (while his stage presence and energy is great to witness, his voice should not get 2nd place); like on This Thing Called Love and I've Got The World On A String, but he really lets his voice shine, as it should, on Home and Lost, so all in all it makes a great balance.
