Wide Awake and Dreaming reviews
John Hoglund Back Stage
CD Picks of 2003 January 2, 2004
The melodic vocals of soprano Rebecca Spencer fuse with superb musical director Philip Fortenberry on this stunner of an album, revealing an artist on the verge of a serious breakthrough. Her love of the art song and interpretations of same set her apart from most female vocalists on today’s scene. The album is pure ear candy. For instance, the combination of her coloratura pianissimo descant forays on Saint-Saens’ “Le Cygne” from “Le Carnival des Animaux” in counterpoint over Fortenberry’s bucolic piano on “An Affair to Remember” (Adamson-McCarey-Warren) is riveting More conventional and equally superb cuts include “I’ll Be Seeing You” (Kahal-Fain), “On My Way to You” (Alan and Marilyn Bergman-Legrand) and “Where I want to Be” from “Chess” (Andersson-Ulvaeus-Rice). From Spencer’s starting point to the end of her musical journey, this bodacious disc revels in opulent images from an artist who, at times, recalls the likes of Maureen McGovern and Barbara Cook in their prime .
Jeff Rossen, Cabaret Scenes Magazine
“I have always been attracted to the art song for its dramatic character and rich melodic accompaniment,” Rebecca Spencer says in the liner notes for WIDE AWAKE AND DREAMING, and she uses that connection to create a dreamy collection of songs that pick up the listener and carry you away . Combining her alluring voice with Philip Fortenberry’s sublime stylings on the piano, Spencer journeys into the lands of dreams to imagine other worlds, remember lost loves and past pleasures, and reflect on what might have been or could be. Alternating between her sultry alto and soothing soprano voices, Spencer uses this mix to create a gallery of images and feelings, beckoning us to join her in her reveries that touch the heart and intoxicate the mind. Peter Eldridge’s romantic and wistful title song gives Spencer the perfect setting to begin her journey of mind and heart, and the musical voice that re-imagines a collection of pop and show music in the art song setting she extols in her notes. Working with Fortenberry on the arrangements, Spencer quite obviously not only knows just how these songs sound in her head but also transfers those musical images to this recording through Fortenberry’s glorious keyboard interpretations.
David Hurst, Show Business
Rebecca Spencer’s been one of Broadway’s best kept secrets, but with the release of her debut CD, those days are over. The CD is both a deeply personal statement about the importance of dreams as forces in our lives and an interesting mixture of show tunes, pop songs and contemporary compositions - all arranged as art songs. Spencer’s voice is a lustrous legit soprano with power to burn and high notes that are jaw dropping. Philip Fortenberry’s work is ravishing. Spencer’s on to something and her talent can’t be denied.
Roy Sander
Rebecca Spencer has mined sources as diverse as art songs, Cole Porter, Judy Collins, and classic American opera to create her striking CD, WIDE AWAKE AND DREAMING. Her resourcefulness and taste are matched by the beauty of her singing. The result is stylish, classy, and altogether lovely.
The Monthly Herald (London/Paris)
Her recent CD redefines romanticism, vocal virtuosity and human warmth for the world of comteporary cabaret.
Rupert Holmes, Composer of MoonFall
I love Rebecca’s rendition of MoonFall. I love the whole CD! Its a beautiful arc.
Stephen Flaherty, Composer of Solla Sollew
Congratulations on a beautiful CD! ......great selection of songs and you and Philip are a beautiful team together. Loved your take on Solla Sollew- very ethereal.
Laura Deni, Broadway to Vegas
WIDE AWAKE AND DREAMING is a marvelous showcase for her vocal ability. It’s a platter filled with interesting song selections. From the dramatic Where I Want to Be, her powerful delivery of Against the Tide, the upbeat and hopeful Anything Can Happen, the beguiling I’ve Got You Under My Skin, or - tap dance around the kitchen floor to Home Sweet Heaven. Her lilting tones on An Affair to Remember could please the angels.
Stu Hamstra, Cabaret Hotline Online
Her vocals are glorious and entrancing, and combined with the incredible Philip Fortenberry on piano, this performance is indeed exciting and a delight. This very beautiful performer's chemistry with Mr. Fortenberry is astounding.
Laurie Lawson, Electronic Link Journey
The beautiful soprano voice of Rebecca Spencer reaches out from her new CD, WIDE AWAKE AND DREAMING, and touches your heartstrings. Her execution is so precise and accomplished that she sings and you listen. It's that simple. Standards like I'll Be Seeing You and On My Way To You/I've Got You Under My Skin are full of passion and intensity that command your attention. The operatic scaling in An Affair To Remember is absolutely haunting, and her rendition of A Taste Of Honey may be the most sensuous ever. Backed by the impressive talents of pianist Philip Fortenberry, each offering is a song to be savored. Spencer can turn a ballad on its ear. You're bound to become an instant fan! If you don't mind chills up your spine and tears in your eyes, WIDE AWAKE AND DREAMING is the CD for you. Treat yourself to an aural delight.
