FAIR WARNING
Rebecca’s second album was inspired by a chance encounter with a group of ladies of the Red Hat Society, who appeared in Weston, Vermont one matinee performance of Hello Dolly, in which she was starring as Dolly Levi. It is dedicated to the human spirit and the love of life.
Reviews
Cabaret Scenes Magazine Jeff Rossen
“Rebecca Spencer follows up her absolutely gorgeous 2003 album, WIDE AWAKE AND DREAMING, with a new dozen-song offering that is even better. There is something unavoidably entrancing about her voice, whether she’s lowering the register and enticing us with a sexy allure or lightening the sound and captivating the ear with the elegant beauty of her tones. And when you add in Philip Fortenberry’s exceptional piano arrangements and accompaniment, the effects are dazzling.
With the melody of the traditional Shaker song 'Simple Gifts' setting the mood, Spencer launches into a richly powerful performance of 'The Girl Who Used to Be Me' that’s the most effective and affecting version these ears have heard. From there, Spencer, Fortenberry and Keith Thompson’s luxuriant cello orchestrations craft a musical voyage of surprising stops as they mix an artful take on 'Stardust/Deep Purple' and spine-tingling interpretation of 'Summertime' with a reflective 'You Must Love Me' and less country-flavored version of Lorrie Morgan’s 'Something In Red'. But as fine as these selections are, it’s in the unknown territory that Spencer takes us where we experience the most amazement. A quartet of songs by Thompson allow Spencer to truly wow us -- the housewife’s lament found in the artful 'Instead' (wonderfully supported by Chopin Nocturne in E flat, Op.9 No. 2), the lovely theatre homage 'The Memory,' a woman’s observations on life around her expressed in 'Virginia’s Response' and the rousing 'Eat, Drink and Be Mary'.
Las Vegas Review-Journal Anthony Del Valle,
“…a sensuous and passionate vocal performance – a quietly classy album.”
Talkin’ Broadway Rob Lester
"The tapestry she has created works like a strongly reflective story, with a beginning, a middle and an end. The first vocal is "The Girl Who Used to Be Me," the powerful song by Marvin Hamlisch with Marilyn & Alan Bergman written for the film version of Shirley Valentine. Despite being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song, I don't know anyone who's recorded this excellent lament besides its originator, Patti Austin. Speaking of Oscar's favorite tunes, a Best Song winner, "You Must Love Me" (added to the score of Evita for film) is here, too, benefitting from the velvety Spencer treatment. The cello playing throughout the album holds everything together and is a beautiful asset and anchor. The ethereal beauty plus power will come as no surprise if you're familiar with Rebecca from her work on cast albums or her first solo CD, the delightful Wide Awake and Dreaming. You'll know she's a soprano with range and power. She takes chances and has a taste for the unusual and the traditional. Working again with versatile pianist/ musical director Philip Fortenberry, the elegant pair mix the very well-known (here, "Summertime" and "Stardust") with the unexpected. There are four premieres, all with music by Keith Thompson who also did the cello orchestrations.
In celebration of this release, Rebecca Spencer will be at Tower Records on Broadway at 66th Street on Wednesday, April 5 at 6 p.m. On April 6 and 7, she's at Don't Tell Mama to celebrate and sing. Then, she's off to Las Vegas to play Madame Giry in Phantom of the Opera.”