I must confess, Oklahoma isn't my favourite musical - that honour goes to Kiss me Kate. Nevertheless, despite my reservations about the source material this album helps to redress the balance.
Silver's voice is much jazzier than Shirley Jones' or Gloria Graham's in the film and Barth's arrangements, along with his piano solos that occasionally bring Erroll Garner to mind, and Bernstein's impeccable guitar playing take it, musically, as far from Rodgers and Hammerstein's portrait of the 'Sooner State' as is imaginable. Maybe even to Kansas City where, as the song goes, everything is up to date.
Silver plays an introduction to the opening track on a Native American Flute - more about the instrument can be found HERE. The sound is quite plaintive and vaguely like that of a treble or tenor recorder. The reason for her choice of instrument is particularly interesting.
Oklahoma was based on a 1931 play Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs. Although the two productions had similarities, Hammerstein opted not to acknowledge the Native American content in the earlier production so Silver decided to make amends.
I think she succeeded. Lance
Oklahoma; Many's a New Day; Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'; I Cain't Say no; The Surrey With the Fringe on Top; Out of my Dreams; People Will Say We're in Love; Kansas City; Boys and Girls Like You and me*; Oklahoma (reprise)
*Cut from actual show.
Release date is October 6 on Messy House Records.
1 comment :
Anyone who plays a wind instrument should click on the HERE as the link gives a fascinating insight into this instrument which does indeed sound like a breathy recorder. As a tin whistle player I'd love to have a try at this instrument which has a lovely haunting sound.
Post a Comment