SOLO ALBUMS
In the first solo disc devoted entirely to Broadway legend Sheldon Harnick’s lyrics and music, Kate Baldwin mines the master’s witty, moving and funny songs to astonishing effect in SHE LOVES HIM (Live at Feinstein’s). A 2010 Tony Award-nominee for her starring role in Finian’s Rainbow, Baldwin performs favorites from Harnick’s biggest hits, Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me andFiorello!, as well as rarely-heard selections from his early Off-Broadway career, film scores and unproduced musicals. Recorded live in March 2011 at New York’s Feinstein’s at Loews Regency and produced by Grammy Award-winner David Frost, the disc – with music director Scott Cady at the piano, Andrew Sterman on woodwinds and John Beale on bass – includes a special appearance by Harnick himself, who joins Baldwin on several selections. The New York Times has raved, “Magic occurs whenever Ms. Baldwin has a chance to sing,” and Harnick echoes, “I love Kate’s voice and the intelligence that shapes her performances, so you can imagine how delighted I was when she told me that she wanted to do a program of my songs.” Now, this delightful set of standards and stand-outs has been preserved for fans of Baldwin, Harnick and the Great American Songbook.
“Ms. Baldwin, whose portrayal of Sharon in the revival of Finian’s Rainbow, earned her a 2010 Tony nomination for best actress in a musical, is a flaring stage presence. Bright eyed, she romped through 17 songs with lyrics by Mr. Harnick, singing in a clear, shiny voice infused with playful attitude. All but four of the songs had music by Jerry Bock, Mr. Harnick’s longtime musical collaborator who died last November. Especially tasty was ‘Gorgeous,’ from the ‘Passionella’ section of The Apple Tree.”
“For her starring role in the 2009 Broadway revival of Finian’s Rainbow, actress-singer Kate Baldwin was hailed by The New York Times as ‘a discovery…her rich, pure soprano riding the crests of the melodies with ease.’ The New York Post proclaimed the newcomer ‘a real musical theater star,’ while Playbill christened her ‘our next, best, undiscovered musical comedy heroine.’ While critics were discovering Kate, the actress herself was rediscovering her love for the songs of Finian’s Rainbowcreators Burton Lane and E. Y. Harburg; when she embarked on her first solo disc, she decided to showcase the work of these legendary songwriters. The result, LET’S SEE WHAT HAPPENS, is an auspicious debut album from one of Broadway’s newest and brightest stars. Equally at home with the tender ease of ‘How Are Things in Glocca Morra?’ as she is with the swinging drive of ‘Come Back to Me,’ Kate mines the rich lyrics of the smoldering ‘Paris Is a Lonely Town,’ exudes romance and wit in the playful ‘How About You?’, and brings down the house with the raucous, robust ‘I Don’t Think I’ll End It All Today.’ The songs of Lane and Harburg seem custom-made for Kate’s glorious voice, and listeners are the lucky beneficiaries.”
“Want a one-word review of Broadway sensation Kate Baldwin’s debut CD? How about ‘Wow!’? ☆☆☆☆”
“Listeners are treated to the simple, clear, and gorgeous sound of Baldwin’s voice... a terrific debut.”
“Ms. Baldwin sparkles throughout.”