Type of bind: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 782.812
EAN num: 9780394406855
ISBN number: 0394406850
Label: Random House Inc (T)
Manufacturer: Random House Inc (T)
Printing Date: 1969-03
Publishing house: Random House Inc (T)
Sale Popularity Level: 1710688
Studio: Random House Inc (T)
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
Christmas Day
* A Fact Can Be a Beautiful Thing
* Half As Big As Life
* I'll Never Fall in Love Again
* It's Our Little Secret
* Knowing When to Leave
* Promises
* Turkey Lurkey Time
* Upstairs plus many more.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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Televiewers who know Jerry Orbach only from "Law & Order" are not aware of his many contributions to the world of stage musicals. From "The Fantastiks," to "Carnival," to "Forty-Second Street," and on to "Chicago," he has shined (shone?)
Orbach does not have the most musical voice; but his clear enunciation and his true pitch make him a standout. And, in "Promises, Promises," add his ability to shift rhythms in the middle of a number.
This show, and this recording, are all about Jerry.
I agree with several other reviewers the almost uniqueness of the overture, with the use of a pit chorus as an instrument. I agree, also, with those who find Jill O'Hara's voice strident.
While I cannot go full steam ahead, as some have, about Bararach's score, it is certainly well above many others of his time. For those like me, who were introduced to musicals in the days of "Oklahoma," "Brigadoon, and "Call Me Madam," this is a noticeable change in style. But it signals a new era and a new taste in music.
"Promises, Promises" has earned its place in Broadway musical history.
Rated by buyers 
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Every song in the show still holds up as far as having that unique Bacharach/David style. Orchestrator Jonathan Tunick did his usual outstanding magic of creating the "Bacharach" sound in his orchestrations. The CD is ADD so the sound is quite clean and clear (much better than the original LP). It is too bad that this was Burt and Hal's only foray into the musical theater.
Rated by buyers -
This musical is unique in the Broadway literature, having been written by Burt Bachrach and Hal David. Bachrach was the king of pop composers in his time, and he assembled a score that still is infectious and listenable. Almost all of the songs in this score truly advance the plot and help to further define the characters.
I'm sorry that I can't be as generous in my assessment of the singing, particularly that of the late Jerry Orbach. Don't get me wrong...he sings with great energy and characterization, but his intonation is quite sketchy in several numbers. He does shine in "Half as Big as Life", but sort of goes downhill from there. Jill O'Hara has a voice that may be polarizing to several listeners. Her style and aesthetic fit very well with the aesthetic of the late 60's and early 70's. It's sort of a Joni Mitchell meets Minnie Mouse sound. She has her own intonation issues.
But, there are several great moments. The pit orchestra was just fabulous, as were the offstage female voices. The production was very well conducted. The ensemble plays in a very relaxed, jazzy style, but they are always on top of the beat. The solo trumpet was worth whatever they payed. The music in general is outstanding, particularly the overture.
Despite the intonation issues, the cast does bring great energy to the production numbers. Jill O'Hara's ballads ("Knowing When to Leave" and "Whoever You Are") are showstoppers. Orbach's "Half as Big as Life" and "She Likes Basketball" were energetic and fun. His duet with Marian Mercer ("A Fact Can Be a Beautiful Thing") will make you smile. Edward Winter's ballad ("Wanting Things") was poignant and well-sung. "Where Can You Take a Girl?", sung by the four Coastal Life execs, was snappy, brisk, and funny. I would have liked to have seen it done live.
In the end, music is not about perfect. It is about performances that touch you, and that are genuine. That's why this CD is a good addition to your collection.
Highly recommended.
Rated by buyers -
One of the better scores from a 60's musical.
Rated by buyers -
It's nice to have this lively Burt Bacharach score on a CD. I was the show back in 1969, and listening to the CD brought back memories of a good time in the theatre.
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