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Ben & Brad - CDs
(please click on covers to hear sound clips)
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Come On and Hear!
Irving Berlin Songs from 1909-1915
OR 0001
". . .a delightful collection" (Show Music)
"This CD covers the early career of Berlin and captures his exuberant, spirited style with aplomb. All [the songs] are given a scholarly approach by the team in a style reminiscent of Joan Morris and William Bolcom's celebrated Berlin album. Sears sings in a pleasing, light baritone throughout, while Conner provides expert piano accompaniment. Here's a set that grows on you with repeated listenings."
(Bay Windows, Boston)
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Keep on Smiling
Irving Berlin Songs from 1915-1918
OR 0003
"Talking of rediscoveries, the Boston-based duo of Benjamin Sears and Bradford Conner continue their early work with Keep On Smiling . . . this album from the cabaret archivists gives us twenty almost forgotten First World War marching songs. Who'd have thought that there were that many by Berlin that we always ignored?"
(Sheridan Morley, BBC Music Magazine)
"Benjamin Sears and Bradford Conner's enjoyable Keep On Smiling collects 23 songs by Irving Berlin, 1915-1918. Berlin's earliest hit was his 1911 Alexander's Ragtime Band, so the album allows us to hear some of his follow-ups."
(Max Preeo, Show Music)
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Delishious
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
OR 0002
Boston Globe "Best CDs of 1995"
"This is a, well, delicious program conceived and amicably served by vocalist Benjamin Sears and pianist Bradford Conner. What is outstanding - besides the knowing performances - is the comprehensiveness of the program. It makes one wish for a Volume Two; meanwhile, treasure this intelligent and beautifully presented tribute to Ira."
(Gershwin [1998 edition], Edward Jablonski)
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Sweet and Low-Down
Songs by George Gershwin
OR 0004
"Sears and Conner perform with the zeal of true Gershwin aficionados" (Show Music)
"This is not only a delightful recording in its own right, but because of the inclusion of many little-known songs, will make it onto our playlist."
(Stephen Peithman, Musical Stages,
KXPR-FM)
"Having the time of their lives." (InTheater Magazine)
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Beyond the Rainbow
Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg
OR 0005
"The Boston duo has turned its spirited skills to the work of lyricist E.Y. Harburg" (Billboard)
"Do get this one when you can - it is quite excellent and one of the best recital discs of show music I have heard in quite a long while. I have played it about 6 times - all the way through, too - and that is really something in a busy life! It contains eleven premiere recordings of Harburg songs: a must, therefore, for any collection."
(David Lewis, BBC Radio Lancashire)
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Noël & Cole
Together With Music
OR 1001
With Valerie Anastasio & Tim Harbold
Now in the
Amazon.com cabaret top 100!
"What a swell party indeed!"
(Beverly Creasy, Theater Mirror) (review of Scullers Jazz Club performance)
"A charming, enthusiastic pairing of two songwriters whose like, unfortunately, the musical theatre will never produce again."
(Irv Lichtman, Billboard)
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Rest You Merry
Songs for the Holiday Season
OR 0006
"This homespun enterprise offers pleasures. Conner's arrangements are sophisticated and Sears puts over every word, making it clear and meaningful, and his sense of rhythm is unfailing. Sears can deliver a Christmas song with unaffected intelligence and feeling."
(Richard Dyer, Boston Globe)
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She's So Beautiful
Irving Berlin Songs for Florenz Ziegfeld 1910-1927
And other songs from 1919-1921
OR 0007
"If you're interested in hearing some of the 1,200-plus Irving Berlin songs compiled in the recently published Complete Lyrics of Irving Berlin, She's So Beautiful is a good place to start."
(Jim Bessman, Billboard)
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Everybody Step
Irving Berlin's Music Box Revues and Other Songs from 1921-1925
OR 0008
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Upcoming CDs include:
Fred & Ethel
The Great Songs of Fred Astaire and Ethel Merman
OR1002
due TBA
Girl Gershwins
Songs by Dana Suesse, Kay Swift, and Ann Ronell
OR0010
due TBA
Ben & Brad's CDs are also available from:
ORIGINAL CAST RECORDS
(888) 627-3993
and
OAKTON RECORDINGS
70 Allston Street * Boston, MA 02134
617-254-1125
songduo@benandbrad.com
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